NOW is the time! It's MINE & I AM WORTH IT! (friends welcome to tag along!!)

[toystoryduo]

Hope you're having a great time, Julie!

 

[goldcupmom]

I am back now, still exhausted, but slowly recovering from what was NOT a dream vacation. My 'report' will appear here in several installments.

After the train wreck we arrived in Lakeland on Fri 7/17 - 1 day late. DD slept nearly all day, Saturday DSis & I went to Gsales, then she had to work & DD & I went to see Harry Potter. Discovered that my DSis thinks HP is 'really hot' - rather disturbing, but I'm trying to find a blow up doll for her for Christmas!

Sunday we left early for Orlando & Ft. Wilderness. DSis 2 DDs (DNiece1 & 2) & their kids/hubbies both have MotorHomes & camp there every month. DSis DS & his 2 DDs came down from GA for the week. Met with all of them, then took the bus to DTD, walked a bit, then ate at Rainforest. SLOW, SLOW service, food not very good & much pricier than last time we were there. DD & I hung around DTD after everyone else left & walked some more (in the rain).

Back to FtW where DD & I spent several hours driving the 'Beep Beep' (golf cart - each of the DNieces have them) exploring. We got very little sleep as it stormed and woke DNiece1's baby in our camper. Apparently no one slept in DNiece2's camper either as Monday was 'grouch & grumble' day. And it was raining so we swam in the rain.....ick! DD & I ended up taking the monorail and just riding around.

VERY SAD that DD does not remember WDW at all! Went by MK & she started crying because she couldn't remember ever being there. Then at Epcot she got angry that she didn't even remember spaceship earth. Guess I need to plan a girls trip even more than I thought! The only thing she remembers is an armadillo at AK licking her toes!

Back to Lakeland late Monday. Tuesday just hung around DSis house. Wednesday went to Lowry Zoo in Tampa as the little ones had 'zoo school'. Nice zoo, but not worth the $20/pp admission.

Thursday we were to have mani/pedi, then go to pick up DH & DS at Tampa airport.......more later......



M

 

[goldcupmom]

So, DSis, DD, DNiece1 & I get to the nail salon for our appointments & are told that the person who took our appointment quit and another also quit & they can't do us. So, we get in at the place we went last year. We think all is well. within hours DD's French mani is BRIGHT ORANGE, DSis & DNiece all fall off within 24 hours. Oh well.......

we ended up meeting DH & DS20 at a Wendy's on I4 as DSis wasn't taking her 'happy pills', her DH got called out of town & no one could give us a ride to Tampa. So, I was not on the rental car as a driver....

DH had been sick the week before I left & finally got antibiotics the day before he left. They had to get up at 4:15 a.m. to make their flight. We barely make it to the hotel in Orlando without him falling asleep. He is tired, sick & cranky. So DD & I ended up sitting in the hotel for several hours watching DH & DS20 sleep instead of shopping. FINALLY left to shop & did the outlets on I-4, didn't get dinner til 10 p.m. a Cracker Barrel. Friday we were up and at the IDrive outlets by about 11. Had a coupon for Buffalo Wings & Rings $50 in food for $25 that we picked up to take back to hotel for dinner. REALLY GOOD!!! (But we got lost getting there....)

If you are going to WDW before end of the year check out www.odealsnow.com for some really good 1/2 price offers for several restaurants/attractions. I've ordered from them many times & not been
disappointed.

Saturday up early, checked out, had to go to CityWalk so DD could go to the Endangered Species Store. Ended up buying spectacular candles (www.globalcandlegallery.com) went to Disney Quest to meet up with one of DS20 friends who just moved to Jacksonville area w/ national guard. I at a kids meal cheeseburger at DQ....ick! But was about my best choice...I just don't eat beef much . Left about 5 pm. to drive to Ft Lauderdale. Turnpike has NO FOOD worth eating. Finally had a disgusting kids burger (again) about 8 p.m. Got to hotel about 9:30, had to repack, got to bed after midnight. Woke about 3 a.m. & realized that our $85+ candles would not be allowed on the ship. Fortunately, I was able to leave them with the hotel desk, but no more sleep for me.

We had arranged for a limo service to bring a large van w/ a trailer for luggage (10 people, tons of luggage + 2 strollers & a pack 'n play) The arrived on time, but with NO TRAILER. DBil went NUTS!! DNiece1's DH had planned all along that he would HATE a cruise, so we were not off to a good start. And I was hearing i all 'cuz I made all the arrangements.......

Part 3 coming soon......

 

[Amy&Dan]

Wow Julie, I am so sorry your trip was not as great as you deserved it to be! I am hoping the cruise went better!

I admire your self restraint, I could not have been that close to the parks and not gone! You and dd need to do a trip to WDW, stay onsite and just do it all!

Can't wait to read more and hope you are settling in at home. Its hard to get back to real life from a long trip.

 

[traceycooper]

yes i agree you deff need a girls vacation!
looking forwad to the next instalment & hoping you had a fab cruise!

 

[toystoryduo]

Sending a your way, Julie. I'm sorry that the "land" portion of your trip didn't go as expected. I hope the cruise went well for you!

I definitely think you and your DD should do a girls only trip!

Hope you have a great day!

 

[goldcupmom]

So, we manage to cram 8 adults, the driver, 2 toddlers, 2 strollers, 1 pack n play, 7 carry on bags and 18 large suitcases into the 10 passenger van and arrive a bit squished, but safely at the pier. Exit the van and immediately get upstairs, sign in and begin the wait to get on the ship.

It is during the 'sit' that DNiece mentions that her 15 month old DD hasn't slept since they left home on Fri after work. And the 2 yr old awoke this morning with one eye almost swollen shut from allergies.......OH NO!

We board the ship about 11:30, walk a bit, go eat lunch, walk some more. Beautiful ship, beautiful day. All seems well. DNiece & her DH are exhausted from having a screaming 15 mo DD in a hotel room for 2 nights so when the rooms are ready they head to their rooms....but they get no luggage until after 10 p.m. and thus start the cruise even crankier as, for some reason, even with 2 king beds, 2 rooms, they can't get the girls to nap. They forego dinner in the dining room....wise decision.

DH & DS20 head to the blackjack tables, DSis, her DH & I wander, watch the show & then play slots. DD has headed to the teen club and I stay up to make sure she makes it into her room by her 1 a.m curfew, while DH sleeps. So I am already exhausted on Day 1 since I had gotten up at 3 a.m. the morning before.

Day 2 - Key West - Unfortunately, when the sun comes up, I'm awake, so only about 5 hours sleep. I go retrieve breakfast for DD & DS20 & much needed coffee (even if it is decaf). Meet with DSis & the DNiece families at buffet and learn that the baby has screamed all night & fell asleep about 5 a.m. Needless to say they were GRUMPY. Seriously considering getting a flight home from Key West. We all got off & walked to Southernmost point in ridiculous heat. Somehow I was the only one who thought to bring cold water.?? Separated on the way back as DNieceDH & DBil wanted to do some bar hopping, DSis & DNiece wanted to shop, but we wanted to go at our own pace. Ended up buying Kai Kai flip flops for me, DS20 & DD. DH wanted Key Lime pie, but couldn't get anyone to wait on him, so he left very grouchy as well. Oh well.......

Back on the ship I go to DNiece and ask her if the 'spot' on my spine looked like a mosquito or eczema. She said eczema & put medicine on it from her DD2. I had had an itchy 'welt' on top of my right shoulder in Orlando & had determined it was a mosquito bite from DSis yard. Again, DNiece & family did not go to dinner with the rest of us, DH & DS20 landed in the casino, DSis & I finally did & once again I waited up for DD while DH slept.

Day 3 - Got to sleep about 1:30 & was up by 6 & had some quiet time waiting for sunrise. Went by DNiece room just after 7 & picked up Ash & took her exploring. Learned that once again Tay had not slept. Not good! I tried to nap with no luck, played on the water slide, casino, etc & this was formal night #1. We managed to get some decent pictures despite exhausted toddlers & increasingly grouchy adults, DD who just wanted to run & DS20 who has gotten even less sleep to this point than I because he can't leave the casino......but he is winning. Again the guys went to the casino, I caught part of shows, walked a lot, played some slots & tried to go to bed....I set my alarm to get up to check DD. Instead ran in to DS20 who said he told her he was going to be up til about 3 anyway, so she could stay out. NOT!!!!

Day 4 - Grand Cayman - Had to get everyone up early to get an early tender together so we could make the shuttle to Boatswain's beach. I brought breakfast to kids again, then went up to eat & once again had time only to grab a banana & a muffin. Somehow, I'm managing to miss my fav meal EVERY time!! But everyone else eats. GRRRRR!!!!!!

 

[goldcupmom]

So, our tender number is called & we end up standing for over 30 min on stairs as the ocean is rough & tenders are banging against the ship which slows the boarding down. During this time we learn that Tay didn't sleep again & they had people banging on their walls last night because of it. We get to Cayman and while waiting at the pier for our shuttle notice that Tay has a large 'blister' looking spot on the end of her tongue. No wonder she hasn't been eating or sleeping!! So, we all head to Turtle Farm while she naps, of course.

Turtles are awesome & we all head to the lagoon to swim with them. Dsis refuses because they 'haven't cleaned the water'. There is algae floating in the man made saltwater lagoon. Boo Hoo. DS20 wants no part of snorkeling and sits in jeans & a black T on the beach, not complaining, but clearly not happy and VERY tired. The rest of us snorkel for well over an hour, then shower off, visit the touch tanks & head to town to shop. All I'm after is Rum & Perfume. DH takes off to buy cigars & head back to the ship. DS20 comes with DD & I to get perfume, then takes off leaving me with DD to go buy the rum. Well, 3 ships in port. Our last tender is at 3:15 & all the rum shops stopped selling at 12 noon as the first ship leaving's last tender was at 1. Hot, tired, thirsty, hungry and VERY GROUCHY, DD & I hit 4 shops & no one will sell us any & I know that this is the 1 thing I was supposed to get for DS23 & DH will be mad. I'm losing it & DD wants to find the ONE key chain she wants for her BFriend & can't. Finally, I'm done & tired of carrying my snorkel gear & the tote bag full of perfumes when we head back to the pier & run into DS20 who is carrying a 'yard' from Senor Frogs that he says he paid almost $20 for & Can't stand the taste. I Chugged the darned thing. NOT a good move for someone who has nothing in the stomach & really doesn't drink. It did make the next couple hours a bit less painful, tho!

So, back on the ship getting ready for dinner I notice a large lump forming on my left inner arm just above the elbow. We're talking like 1/2 a tennis ball. It gets hard, red & HOT to the touch. I figure I touched something in the lagoon. After dinner I go into the bathroom and see dozens of hives on my left shoulder & chest that quickly grow into one big welt. Great! So I drag out the hydrocortisone & start popping benadryl which knocks me out & makes me miserable. Next day Jamaica & my birthday & at this point I'm not sure I will even be able to get off the ship. Plus, I have to set the alarm for the middle of the night to pump more benadryl. Everyone thought the big bump looked like a bug bite, but it eventually seemed more like a giant hive. Will never know.....

 

[goldcupmom]

DNiece takes Tay to the Dr. on ship & finds that she has Thrush. Not just her tongue, but her mouth. Gets meds.

Day 5 - Jamaica & my birthday - Get up early to find that the bump on my arm is nearly gone & the ones on my chest are totally gone. But, I now have small hives on forearms & stomach. So, I pop more benadryl & dress for Dunn's River Falls. We finally get everyone off the ship, find out private tour guide & get in a wonderfully nice, new air conditioned bus that could have held double the number. Get to the falls & DSis & DNiece have the 2 girls, the rest of us are going to climb. When they were told there were small 'pools' along the falls that the girls could play in, they envisioned swimming pools, and somehow thought that the beach area that this huge falls goes into wouldn't have any stairs.

So, DH, DS20, DD, DBil & DNieceDH climb the falls while DSis & DNiece sit in the heat with 2 girls complaining non-stop. When we reached the area where they were waiting, they kept yelling at us, complaining & wanting us to stop. NOT!! DH did, but only because it was too tough on his back & knee. DS20 broke from the group, climbed the 2nd half on his own, then came back down & did it again with us. It was beautiful.

But, the benadryl was taking it's toll on me & I felt really shaky & miserable the whole way. After the falls, everyone wanted to shop. We then dropped DSis's & DNieces back at the pier & DH, DD, DS20 & I went with the driver & his daughter outside town to get some real jerk chicken. it was GREAT even though I was miserable & getting more hives.

Back on ship I told DH I didn't really feel like getting cleaned up for 2nd formal night & he said "it's your damned Birthday do whatever the he!! you want" and that was the only mention of my birthday. Oh well.... Later in the evening I went to the coffee bar & got the most decadent white chocolate cake & ate it by myself.

Day 6 - again at sea & I was still having outbreaks of small hives, taking benadryl, applying hydrocortisone,so I didn't do much other than walk around, do the breast cancer walk w/ DSis & play slots...I did end up ahead by about $60 at the end. Was up w/ DD until almost 3 a.m. & had to get up at 7 to get off the ship.

So, we got off the ship, DSis left w/o even saying goodbye thinking we would be able to meet up downstairs. NOT!! Got the driver to take us past the hotel to pick up the candles then got to Ft. Lauderdale airport about 3.5 hours before our flight. This day I had hives on right side about at bra seam & at waist in same area. During the 6 hours of flights home I developed them all over my lower back. Fortunately, I was so drugged, tired that I slept off & on the whole way. Airport was ridiculously crowded & food/drinks basically sold out. Ended up with a nasty sandwich to share w/ DD & then a mcd burger in Orlando.

Got home & our van wasn't there to get us & then when they arrived, they decided to haul another guy in the opposite direction. UGH!!

Dogs were fine, house fine, refrigerator not working again. Got up in the middle of the night to potty dogs & felt that I had a large hive on the sole of each foot. Gone by morning. Smaller hives came & went all day Monday.

Monday night when I got up in the middle of the night I apparently had a large hive inside my right cheek in my mouth. Again gone by morning & a few less smaller hives all day Tuesday.

Tuesday night not much, but still a few hives coming and going even today & it has been over a week. Unfortunately, by the time I call a Dr., get in, there likely won't be any to show them. I'm very frustrated, tired of the benadryl, but when I don't take it, they get worse. Last night I was up from 2 - after 5 & I suspect I had some in my throat. Felt like horrid allergie & hurt a bit to breathe. Somewhat better today, but again, nothing really for a Dr. to look at & they would likely just tell me to take Benadryl

I'm not sure they are allergy or maybe even from stress.

I also am not convinced that DS23 still has a job. DD's Boyfriend who stayed her with dogs said DS23 never left at the times he would have to go to work. And DS23 now says they've changed his schedule to odd hours when the shift he supposedly supervises isn't there for most of it, etc. And there is a Keg on my back sunporch...I keep trying to get DH to come with me late at night to WalMart to check, but he won't.

More later......

 

[traceycooper]

oh dear julie i really dont know what to say - i hope you managed to make the best of everything & got some positives from your trip

 

[goldcupmom]

Yes,Tracey, there were definitely some great positives from this trip, but for the most part, the negatives were far the majority.......

I finally called the Dr. about my hives, but can't get in until tomorrow morning & not with my Dr. but another in the group. Yesteday the swallowing thing got weirder - when I swallowed anything, it hurt absolutely mid sternum between the breasts - my guess is where the esophagus joins the stomach. Even when I had a sip of hot cocoa last night I could feel it. I'm guessing hives/inflamation. Haven't tried anything today yet as I'm going to go to WW in a bit. Also got a larger than usual hive on one arm & on my side. UGH!!! I'm sure the stress/anxiety isn't helping them at all.

Good things from trip: Had some good times w/ DD; spending time alone w/ a very precocious almost 3 yr old who sees the wonder in everything; Swimming with the sea turtles was pretty amazing & I'd probably still say so even if we determine the hives are from that lagoon; Jamaica & Dunn's River Falls were truly spectacular; getting to spend a bit of time w/ DSis DS & his girls; Ft. Wilderness; just being on the ship & the ocean; having my DBro meet me at the train station in Iowa with caffeine free diet Mt. Dew!

The Bad & the Ugly: HIVES!!; train wreck; lack of sleep; sick kids; grouchy people; my un-birthday; my DSis totally losing it at me & her DS over my letting his DD try on a halter sundress that was too big for DD - we actually had to get one of her DDs over to mediate (for hours) & try to calm her down after she blasted all of us, accused us of making the 13 yr old a slut, & locked herself in her room screaming on the phone & crying....that was really special & stressful & DD & I nearly went to a hotel over that one

So life goes on & I feel like I really need a vacation! Unfortunately, that is not to be..... I have only managed to get out & walk once since I've been home due to the heat, tired, stress hives, etc. & I really need to, but can't drag out of bed early enough to beat the heat due to the benadryl & lack of sleep.

Refrigerator guy came out again on Monday & it is still not getting to safe temps so will have to keep calling. I need to do some major grocery shopping, but can't get motivated due to the refrig issues.

I gave up on my BodyBugg after the trainwreck when it got full & I had no way to download it, then at DSis couldn't get her computer to recognize the USB port & I couldn't use mine as she doesn't have wireless. But, the first day home when I weighed, I was up only 2 lbs, so I'm not complaining. With the hives coming & going on my arms I really don't think I should wear the bugg yet, but I want to. Not sure what WW will say as I had gained a bit before I left from the last time I had gone. Guess I will find out! But, I am still at least in the low 160's if not in/near the 150's. Still have a long way to go....

I am going to try to get the energy to visit journals today.


So here's a link to pics from the trip....Warning: there are a LOT of them!!

http://photos2.walmart.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1029292004/a=4720533_4720533/

 

[goldcupmom]

Hives are still here and are driving me NUTS!!!!!!!

Went to the Dr. (not mine, but one in the group) on Saturday & he said to stop the benadryl & try Zyrtec, if not better in about a 5 - 7 days, then to come back & they will do some blood tests to see if an underlying physical cause.

So, Saturday night I took Zyrtec. Sunday morning I had more hives than ever except for the 1st couple of days. I seem to be near 'normal' from about noon to 4 then they start appearing again. Last night was up most of the night trying not to scratch. Large cluster of large hives on my shoulder blade, then top of shoulder, then lower back & when I did sleep a bit, DH woke me to take the dogs out & I had a fat lower right lip. UGH!!!!!!

DH of course says it is nothing, ignore it, I shouldn't be bothered by it, etc. Surely something has to have triggered this & something can stop it!!

I probably won't go back to the internist, thinking dermatologist next & then maybe allergist. Not sure........Prayers welcome!!

Hope everyone is having a better start to the week than I am! And, refrigerator still not working......GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!! Calgon take me away!!!! No, wait, I might be allergic.......

 

[toystoryduo]

Sending lots of prayers and your way. I hope you get some answers soon as to what is causing your hives....

Great pictures, Julie! Thanks for sharing!

I hope you're feeling much better soon!

 

[goldcupmom]

Thanks, Tracy! Not as many today & all are fading now so not so bad. Only a small one inside my mouth.

Called a dermatologist yesterday & first available appt. (for existing patients even!) is 9/14. Tomorrow I will try an allergist if improvement doesn't continue...but there are only FIVE in the entire STATE, so I doubt that that appt. would be anytime soon, either. (Have I mentioned how I HATE NEW MEXICO???)

Sigh.........

I still haven't walked poor Sashi & she is way too energetic from lack of exercise (wish I was!). Just not getting enough sleep to get up & walk before it is too hot. I am ready for fall!!

Off to do a bunch of returns this morning.

Hey, Tracy or others.....how busy do you think parks would be 1st weekend in Oct? DD has a break. Other than that it is Halloween weekend which is probably packed, or the week of Christmas. I'd like to be able to to a VR so we can get the free dining - even just the quick stuff wld be good.

DNiece did offer us their motorhome & 'beep beep' at Ft. Wilderness if we want, but by the time we pay the fee for the site, I think someplace like Music or Sports might be as cheap. & Cheap is the optimum word!!

Thanks!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I am so sorry the cruise didnt' go as well as you deserved it to! I am telling you, extended family trips are tough to pull off.

First week of October shouldn't be too bad. Lots of locals will be at Epcot for Food and Wine. And since they extended free dining into October that will have ppl there too. I'd say moderate but very manageble. Go for it if you can! I love that time of year at WDW. And do the Halloween party, its so fun. You and your dd should do this just you two.

Music and Sports are both nice, newly refurbbed rooms. At Music, I'd ask for a room back in Country Fair or Broadway. You and your dd like to walk, and the walks aren't bad to the main area. And its much quieter. I love Music but the pool games at the main pool make it very kid friendly. You and your dd would be better off back by the Piano pool. Sports generally has lots of young kids but I still really like that resort. Pop is another one I'd recommend, in fact its about my favorite value. Love the lake, and its got the best food court on property in my opinion. I really, really, REALLY hope you go!

And when your dh's birthday rolls around, don't do one damn thing for him. Sorry, but you deserved better on your day!

I hope these hives get better, that must be beyond awful.

Did I mention you should defnitely go to WDW!!!!???!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

I hope you're feeling better, Julie.

I'm with Amy...You should do a girls only trip to WDW!!! October seems like a good time to go. Value resort+ free dining + minimal crowds (except for Food and Wine) =

I hope you have a great day!

 

[traceycooper]

great pics julie
nice to ''see'' you
the hives must be aweful, i hope they go away!!
WDW anytime would be fine with me

 

[toystoryduo]

How are you, Julie? Are the hives gone? I hope you're feeling better.

 

[goldcupmom]

Thanks for checking in, y'all!

Hives still here. Went to my PCP yesterday & she basically took notes, quickly glanced at them & said they were classic allergy hives that could take a few MONTHS to go away. Said I should probably see a dermatologist for other input. Offered me prednisone which she said had about 50/50 helping record. Also said to start on Zantac, Pepcid, or ?? (cant' find my note) as they are really an antihistamine of the H2 blocker type & I may need the Zyrtec/claritin/allegra H1 type and the H2 type to shut them off. I haven't started that yet.

So, here's the post I put on Budget Board. I actually booked air today (SW, so I can use my credit for a year if needed)

"I can book Pop Cent., music or sports fo $74/night + tx. 3 nights there, then we will stay at Ft. Wilderness w/ DNiece & her family in their motor home.

Or, I can book the package deal w/ the quick meals, tickets for almost $1300.

W/ just hotel I would buy the no exp 6 day passes for $371/pp thru undercover tourist.

Which do you think is a better deal?

Also, can we use ME when returning to MCO from FtW?

Thanks!! This is a surprise trip for her as when we stayed 1 night at FtW in July w/ DNiece, DD & I rode the monorail & she cried at MK & Epcot as she couldn't remember the castle & had NO CLUE what space mountain or Spaceship earth were.....sad!!! "

So, what do you think?

forgot to add I would call her in on Tues 10/6 & we would be at hotel at WDW from 10/6 - arrive about 4 p.m., til Fri 10/9, then go to FtW & then fly home 10/11. She would miss 1 day of school....oh well.....!

 

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!!! A girls' only trip to WDW!!! How exciting for you both!!!

It sounds like both trips would come out to be about the same amount. I think it just depends on how much you are planning on spending on food if you choose the value + Ft. Wilderness option. Will you be doing QS or TS meals? If you think you will lean towards mostly QS meals, then the value resort + free dining might be the way to go. Plus, you wouldn't have to change resorts, you could get ME from your hotel, and you and your DD could visit family and then come back to your own room.

In any event, you're going to WDW....How exciting!!!!!