No Good Deed Goes Unpunished- 6 days w/o motorcycles...but at least there's a pool!

[rottiemom]

So in 24 hours I should be on a plane heading south and here I am at work . At least since I'm here I can keep an eye on the Dis & get some virtual handholding.

I am scribbling random things on post it's as I remember them & sticking them everywhere: "spare pair of glasses", "asprin", "SD cards". I still have to clean the car out as my brother will probably refuse to drive it in it's current, mobile refuse bin-like state. I did, however, get my son his Halloween costume. He's going to be a blue power ranger (he was emphatic about that) but he doesn't know about MNNSHP and I swear he's going to sweat to death in that blue polyester bodysuit so I'm thinking of making up a quick pirate costume to bring along.

Please, it's not that I'm crafty but honestly...a skull patterned bandana, a sash (mommy's scarf) some shredded leggings, blousy shirt & a sword & "ahoy, matey" we go.

Since I can't figure out how to multi quote I'm going to have to respond to everyone individually but thank you guys SO much for reading . It's really helping to keep me sane. Well as close to sane as I get.

Quick costume idea:

Adam Sandler's Crazy Protractor Beard Costume (all you need is a protractor!)

More costume ideas that don't require a shopping trip can be found here....

Oh I had forgotten about this!!! "Now gimme some candy". That, in turn, reminded me of Dan Akroyd/Jane Curtin & the unsafe children's costumes.

"now let's take a look at your 'Johnny space man' costume...it's nothing more than a plastic bag"

Actually I think that in spite of himself my husband is starting to get into the whole trip (pleeeease don't tell anyone!). As we were riding home last night with our son sitting in the back in his power ranger mask, gloves & boots my husband started idly speculating about costumes.

"If I had a kilt, I could paint half of my face blue & go as William Wallace"

"they won't let you bring a sword on the plane, it says so on the TSA list"

"actually, Wallace didn't have any facial hair so I'd have to be some other random, marauding Celt'

"Honey, you don't need a kilt in order to look like a random, marauding Celt."

Though I must say, he did hire the whole kilt -n- caboodle for our wedding & he does kilt up nicely .

 

[rottiemom]

Ooh! I just figured out how to multi quote...entirely by accident .

Well, I tinted my eyelashes on Thurdsay night - so no mascara for me - just as well since I spent practically all of Friday either crying or pulling my hair (had to cancel my hair appointment due to all of the palaver!).

Di, I still can't get over how awful that whole XL fiasco is!

It's good that your keeping your sense of humor (and the alternative is...what..exactly?) as well as your eyelash tinting appointment. At least you know for sure that the tint is truly tear and hair pulling proof.

Oh, just thought of another post it note - "shave legs"...I really hope that I don't forget this one or I really WILL be mistaken for Amber.

Not long to go now - have figured out how to get the single digit dancers for you as well now!

Thanks very much! It's down to hours now and last time I checked our plane was still on the schedule....oh boy "socks", did I remember to pack enough?

First - be sure to get everyone "first visit" buttons for the parks. I noticed so many people with those, and the b-day buttons with big smiles on their faces when castmembers (and non-castmembers too!) noticed them - especially the kids.

Krista, this is a GREAT idea and my son will LOVE it! I'll ask at check in.
Don't tell anyone but we'll actually be at WDW for my husband's b'day. Absolutely, under no circumstances does he want a fuss made or for anyone to even know about it. I think that trying to pin a birthday button on him might just be the last thing that I ever do. It would certainly make an impression, though, wouldn't it?

BBVD are playing the BB King Blues Club in NYC on January 12th (tickets are onsale already), and according to the BBVD website, they're playing at Mohegan Sun in CT on December 12th, 13th, and 14th.

You rock! I'll bet that we can manage to catch one of those. I didn't even bother to check their website because I was just too bummed about them performing at Epcot mere days after our trip. It would have been too perfect.

 

[rottiemom]

my least favorite part of the trip- packing for Amber.

Last night I bagged up 6 days worth of meals for her, each bag labelled with her name. 12 bags plus an extra for breakfast the day after we get back so she won't feel left out if the other dogs are all getting fed . Since our original flight home was cancelled we don't get in until late & therefore won't be able to pick her up until the following morning.

I swear, she knows that she's getting boarded as soon as she sees the labels going on the zip loc baggies of food.

I also washed one of her fleece blankets, the one that she prefers to suck on, and will be packing a tennis ball, molecule ball & a fleecy squeak toy. I wish that the vet's had kennel cams . Of course her photo has been set up as background on my cel phone.

The cat is indifferent, as usual. I think that she's counting the minutes until we're gone & she can get some peace & quiet. Gremlin is the most antisocial animal that I have ever lived with, even our Gecko is friendlier and he's cold blooded and reptilian. He'll at least poke his nose out of his inverted flowerpot when you walk into the room.

Gremmie will be staying at the house. I'll have a neighbor check on her but honestly, nobody ever sees her because she hides. It's like having an imaginary cat...maybe the neighbors just agree to check on the "cat" to humor us? The imaginary cat will get a big bowl of wet food tomorrow morning as a treat. She has a self feeder for dry and refuses to drink out of anything except the dog's giant, bathtub sized water bowl (or the toilet...time for another post it note - "close lids") so she really will be fine.

So much left to do but the worst part is going to be bringing Amber to the vet's tonight & dropping her off. I know that she's safe & cared for, they all know her there and a few of the girls are big rottie lovers so she's sure to get offered plenty of treats. I just worry...and I'm going to miss her.

And I can guarantee you that at some point during the night I'm going to find Gremlin in Amber's crate. Either missing her or trying to stink the place up...who can tell?

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Have a great time - I'm sure you will - it's Disney, how can you not?
If you're eating at a restaurant tell them it's your hubby's birthday - they always do something special! And not just WDW.
When it was the kids birthday and we were in a Friendlys all the staff came out and sang the Friendlys 'birthday' song.
I like to think of these things to embarrass them as much as I possibly can - it's pretty much the only entertainment I get.
It's our 11th wedding anniversary when we go, so I told the agent that when I booked - spread the love!

Though I must say, he did hire the whole kilt -n- caboodle for our wedding & he does kilt up nicely .

Nothing nicer than a man in a kilt, especially at weddings!

Amber will be fine - they sound as if they take good care of her. How can something that can't speak make you feel so guilty?

 

[Krista in MA]

Krista, this is a GREAT idea and my son will LOVE it! I'll ask at check in. Don't tell anyone but we'll actually be at WDW for my husband's b'day. Absolutely, under no circumstances does he want a fuss made or for anyone to even know about it. I think that trying to pin a birthday button on him might just be the last thing that I ever do. It would certainly make an impression, though, wouldn't it?


You rock! I'll bet that we can manage to catch one of those. I didn't even bother to check their website because I was just too bummed about them performing at Epcot mere days after our trip. It would have been too perfect.

Have fun have fun have fun! And don't forget to tell everyone that it's your husbands b-day I'm sure he'll be tickled pink

I just remembered one more thing that made me smile and and do a happy dance.... I don't know if your son has / is bringing any stuffed animals but if he does (or if you buy him any).... be sure to leave them laying out and about in the hotel room, as several times when my sister and I went back to our room - the maid(s) had set them up on the bed, watching the disney channel. It was so cute!

Have a great time!

 

[lurkyloo]

Oh boy oh boy! How many hours is it now?

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Ooh! I thought it was tomorrow you were leaving! I have been busy at work and missed wishing you good luck on the trip but that is ok now I am the first persone to say welcome back! Right about now you are probably having a fabulous first night at Disney! I can not wait to hear all about it.

 

[rottiemom]

Thanks for the good wishes, everyone. We had a good trip and a great time and the information that I got from these boards is PRICELESS! I did make a few inadvertant "mistakes", plans were changed on the fly at times and we didn't get to do nearly as much as I had thought but the trip would have been hellacious if it hadn't been for the total rock stars on the disboards that answer questions, share experiences and offer advice.

My husband pretty much stepped back & let me break everything down day by day. I kept taking notes so that I wouldn't forget anything in my trip report . Even my husband was asking if I was going to do one since we had gotten so much help from these boards he thought that it would be nice to give some back.

If we ever went back (and I know that most people reading this won't understand the "if") it would have to be during free dining & at a time when we could catch MNSSHP. Free dining saved us a huge pile of money, we used every last credit & had more than enough food for 6 days plus the flight home. Our dining out of pocket was solely tips & booze . As far as MNSSHP- the parade was delightful, crowds were nonexistant and the people that WERE there were all great. Plus, the trick or treating . My son loved being in costume, too.

When I get caught up with work I'll start my actual trip report. All told it was a GOOD experience and the weather cooperated beautifully. Nobody got sunburned & it only rained on our last day when we had gone to Epcot after checking out of the hotel. We ran through the rain laughing, soaked to the skin and loving every second of it.

BTW- The pets survived just fine. Amber wasn't happy but she didn't skip any meals, either. We had the tearful reunion as soon as the vet opened the day after we got in (plane landed at midnight so I guess technically it was the same day), Amber shed an entire dogsworth of fur in the waiting room & then ran right to the car. Gremlin was actually affectionate & came running up to us, purring, when we got home from the airport ! She then followed us upstairs & into bed where she continued to purr incessantly. I hope nobody replaced our cat with a real cat while we were away.

Anyway, more later. First I've got to find the recipe for the Salmon of Knowledge at Raglan Road! Heaven!

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Oh, welcome back and I am so glad you had a good time! I really want to go next year during MNSSHP. I have heard it is WAY better than MTOTP but I am still excited for that one this year. So here is the question of the day..... How did your makeup hold up? Did you find a great mascara, get raccoon eyes or go bare lashed?
I am eagerly awaiting your tr. Get caught up at home and when you're ready you will have one faithful reader ready to relive your time in Disney!

 

[LISAMWDW]

Just found your trip report! First and foremost, please post more pics of your Rottie! I used to have one and she died of old age awhile bad. I have a new dog, 10 months old now, a Siberian Husky who is precious but I loved loved my Rottie!

Welcome back!

 

[rottiemom]

So here is the question of the day..... How did your makeup hold up? Did you find a great mascara, get raccoon eyes or go bare lashed?

Michelle, I'm so glad that you reminded me! We flew via Jet Blue and at the end of the flight they handed all of the women ...tubes of Mabelline mascara! I was in hysterics.

Reagrdless of what I tried, it was all over my face by the middle of the day if not sweated off entirely. I would have rubbed my lashes off if I had been wearing waterproof so my raccoon eyes were for the best. And forget about the last day when we got caught in the deluge.

So, no, I did not find the perfect mascara but I still gave it a try every morning & looked good for my walk to the bus .

 

[rottiemom]

Just found your trip report! First and foremost, please post more pics of your Rottie! I used to have one and she died of old age awhile bad. I have a new dog, 10 months old now, a Siberian Husky who is precious but I loved loved my Rottie!

Welcome back!

Hi Lisa, thanks for stopping in! I'll be delighted to post more pictures of my Amber as soon as I get them uploaded. Rotties are such great dogs and how lucky you were to have one that made it to old age (sadly, it's never long enough). Huskies are gorgeous, though. Does yours have blue eyes?

I will be happy to help provide you with rottie pictures! Amber would be delighted to know that her photos are in demand .

 

[LISAMWDW]

Hi Lisa, thanks for stopping in! I'll be delighted to post more pictures of my Amber as soon as I get them uploaded. Rotties are such great dogs and how lucky you were to have one that made it to old age (sadly, it's never long enough). Huskies are gorgeous, though. Does yours have blue eyes?

I will be happy to help provide you with rottie pictures! Amber would be delighted to know that her photos are in demand .

Yes, he has blue eyes! He is so handsome!

[/IMG]

Yes, Rotties are great dogs! I hope to have another one some day. I'd love to see pics of Amber when you have a chance. I have a soft spot for Rotties!

I can't wait to hear all about your first trip!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Rottiemom,
Glad you had a great time, can't wait to hear all about it! I want lots pf photos! Especially of MNSSHP, I want to see what we missed!
Most crucual question - did you spend enough time in the pool to keep your son happy?
Typical about the mascara, you should have done what I did and tinted your lashes - the red tinged eyeball look is SO this season!
Di x

 

[rottiemom]

Lisa...WOW! That is one gorgeous dog! And he's still just a baby...oh he's a heartbreaker for sure.

Hi Rottiemom,
Glad you had a great time, can't wait to hear all about it! I want lots pf photos! Especially of MNSSHP, I want to see what we missed!

You know, this is the odd/fun/creepy thing about the Dis because I kept thinking about you & your family while at the party, wishing that you could be there experiencing the whole, giant, American Halloween thing. Total strangers and here I am thinking about you while I'm on holiday. Some pics are dark & some are blurry but pics I did get. We even caught up with Mickey & Goofy on our way out of the park...crowds were so low that even Mickey Mouse was walk right up

Most crucual question - did you spend enough time in the pool to keep your son happy?

No . He would have been happy if we spent all 6 days at the pool and skipped the parks entirely. He said that the pool & the gift shop are what he's going to miss the most.

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Michelle, I'm so glad that you reminded me! We flew via Jet Blue and at the end of the flight they handed all of the women ...tubes of Mabelline mascara! I was in hysterics.

Reagrdless of what I tried, it was all over my face by the middle of the day if not sweated off entirely. I would have rubbed my lashes off if I had been wearing waterproof so my raccoon eyes were for the best. And forget about the last day when we got caught in the deluge.

So, no, I did not find the perfect mascara but I still gave it a try every morning & looked good for my walk to the bus .

Lol! I can't believe they gave you mascara!
Too bad nothing worked out. Also any pics you have taken at the parks next time make sure to have taken first thing that way you look great for them then who cares is the makeup runs at least you have pics that proove you looked beautiful at wdw!

Hi Rottiemom,
Glad you had a great time, can't wait to hear all about it! I want lots pf photos! Especially of MNSSHP, I want to see what we missed!
Most crucual question - did you spend enough time in the pool to keep your son happy?
Typical about the mascara, you should have done what I did and tinted your lashes - the red tinged eyeball look is SO this season!
Di x

How exacty do you tint eyelashes? I have never seen this option at any of the places I have been. Is it painful and how long does it last?

Lisa...WOW! That is one gorgeous dog! And he's still just a baby...oh he's a heartbreaker for sure.



You know, this is the odd/fun/creepy thing about the Dis because I kept thinking about you & your family while at the party, wishing that you could be there experiencing the whole, giant, American Halloween thing. Total strangers and here I am thinking about you while I'm on holiday. Some pics are dark & some are blurry but pics I did get. We even caught up with Mickey & Goofy on our way out of the park...crowds were so low that even Mickey Mouse was walk right up


No . He would have been happy if we spent all 6 days at the pool and skipped the parks entirely. He said that the pool & the gift shop are what he's going to miss the most.

It is funny how much a part of our lives the people on here become.
Too cute about your son and the pools and gift shop being his fav. How did he like the character meet and greets? They are usuallt so cute at that age.

 

[LISAMWDW]

That is so funny about the mascara!

My DD now 12, just loves swimming too! She prolly would be happy just spending all vacation in the pool too! We always take at least one day for a pool / resort day. So funny he loves the gift shops that much! They are fun though!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

How exacty do you tint eyelashes? I have never seen this option at any of the places I have been. Is it painful and how long does it last?

Hi Michelle,
I do them myself as I did a few beauty courses a couple of years ago. All of the beauty salons over here do it, I don't think it would be a purely European thing. It only takes 5-10 mins or so, as long as the stuff doesn't get in your eye its not painful at all and lasts about 4 weeks. It's a bit like colouring your hair , you slather the surrounding skin with vaseline first to protect it and then carefully brush the tint onto your lashes (like applying mascara) and take it off after 5 mins or so. Sounds a bit scary, but its dead easy.

You know, this is the odd/fun/creepy thing about the Dis because I kept thinking about you & your family while at the party, wishing that you could be there experiencing the whole, giant, American Halloween thing. Total strangers and here I am thinking about you while I'm on holiday. Some pics are dark & some are blurry but pics I did get. We even caught up with Mickey & Goofy on our way out of the park...crowds were so low that even Mickey Mouse was walk right up

Hi Rottiemom,
I know it's bizarre how you form 'relationships' here isn't it! I was thinking, when we thought we would still be going, I bet we could spot Rottiemom at the party and say hello (how many James Hetfield look-a-likes could there be at WDW?)
Glad you enjoyed it all anyway, can't wait to hear all about it.

Quote:
Most crucual question - did you spend enough time in the pool to keep your son happy?
No . He would have been happy if we spent all 6 days at the pool and skipped the parks entirely. He said that the pool & the gift shop are what he's going to miss the most.

Bet you're glad you spent all that money on the trip now!
Just noticed my appalling spelling mistake

Di x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi there,
Any updates??? Have I missed the link to the Trip Report????
I need to know the details!!!! And see lots of photos!!!!
Di x

 

[rottiemom]

I just popped in to update the pre-trippie since I've been out of touch and see this:

Hi there,
Any updates??? Have I missed the link to the Trip Report????
I need to know the details!!!! And see lots of photos!!!!
Di x

You missed me! Actually I wanted to apologize for my absence since it's close to a week since I last posted. Let's just say that we're definitely back from vacation because everything pretty much fell apart in our (OK...my) personal life shortly after our plane landed in NY. No, the trip didn't result in the ending of my marriage (there is no DIS in divorce...unless you spell it wrong) or anything like that but let's just say that the leak that we came home to was the high point.

The good news is that I wll be starting my trip report tomorrow, bright & early. Well that & the fact that the leak is fixed...everything else is still madness . Thankfully things seem to be getting better.

By way of apology, here's a random picture of my cat Gremlin, hunting her tail.