Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[MEK]

Nice intro Cynthia! Great to see all those photos of you and the fam from around the world. You've really had some great adventures!

I second that!

Cynthia! I look forward to the TR and hopefully some about the race. I get what you mean about your girls trips being something different, in a good way, from trips with your kids or husband. I mean, I guess I don't get the whole girls trip thing per se, but yeah, it is nice to have time with your like minded friends to unwind and get away from things.

It really is so much fun! There's something really special about a girl's trip. I guess that's why we keep doing them!

It was nice of them to warn us.

Or maybe they did and I just missed it?

well, better late than never, right? I've had such limited DIS time, and now they've gone and made it look all different! I'm all confused! But I'm here!!

Sheree! I'm so glad you are here! You are far from being late! And for the record, I'm still pretty confused too. I didn't even have much DIS time either and I procrastinated on that.

Yay, I'm so glad I caught your new TR almost from the beginning, Mary Ellen (even though I guess I'm not worthy of an alert anymore )!

Jen! You are so worthy of an alert! I wasn't sure if you were on the boards these days! Thanks so much for joining in even without an alert!

So awesome that you and Cynthia have remained friends and continue to take trips together!

I feel so lucky to have met Cynthia on the boards. She is awesome and I hope we have plenty more trips together!

Okw looks so pretty, I keep meaning to check it out more but I never have the time! Can't wait to see who you're meeting up with!

I love OKW. It's such a great resort and I definitely recommend eating at Olivia's. It's a great restaurant.

And Cynthia, congrats on the Disneyland half, and doing the Princess soon! I'm considering signing up for it in 2016, but I don't exactly run sooo we'll see!

Sign up for the 10K as a start. I never thought I would do a 1/2 again but here I am. Well, here I almost am. Fingers crossed it goes OK.

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks for the bat signal..and now i'm 5 pages late. Geez, one day i'll be as popular as you...maybe.

Alicia! Thanks for joining in! So glad you are here for the fun!

Love the picture you took on the bus. You definitely amused the woman to your left, but the woman in front of her does NOT want to go to WDW. I'll take her place!

Yeah - she doesn't look that thrilled, does she? I know quite a few people that would definitely take her place!

Excellent shot of the WDW gates!

Thanks!

Cynthia - omgosh that cake is amazing! Who made it?!

That cake was the coolest cake I have ever had. It was really amazing! I was totally speechless for the longest time! It was amazing!

 

[dizneeat]

Happy Birthday, Cynthia!!! ​

 

[PrincessInOz]

Happy Birthday Cynthia!

 

[MEK]

Great intro pictures Cynthia! I feel your pain in not seeing the college age kiddos but once or twice a year. Hopefully, Kendall will get to visit sooner rather than later.

Once or twice a year stinks. I am lucky that I get to see my kids a lot more often than that. Nick usually comes home once a week to get some "quiet time" by studying one night in his own room. And Brian is just 2 hours away, so I get to see him several times a semester.

You and Mary Ellen make this old gal feel like a dang loafer, a no-good lazy couch potato. Lately, the only exercise that I've gotten is taking the new puppy in and out to pee and you-know-what.

You are so NOT a couch potato. You do all kinds of stuff that makes me look like I'm lazy. Everyone just has their own activities, whether its exercise or not. Your puppy is so super cute!

Hi guuuuuurlz, I'm here. Better late than never. Thank you for the PM.

Jenny! So glad you are here to join in the fun, especially since we were really hoping you would have been on this trip with us!

That's crazy that you guys have taken three trips together already! I just love the fact that the DIS brings us all together.

Danielle! Thanks so much for joining in! I know - can you believe we have had three trips together! Pretty darn cool. And getting to meet up at PHM is such a bonus!

No, there is absolutely no such thing as too many visits to the Ditch. Never.

You got THAT right!

The PHM is going to be soooooo much fun! I can't wait to see everyone and to have the run of my life.

I am very excited and nervous at the same time. It really is going to be a cool experience. I am looking forward to it!

Looking at the first week of December. Our anniversary is Dec 2nd so we like to go then, and the crowds/weather are usually nice!

Cool! Our trips may overlap. We arriving the Thursday night of that week (whatever that date is). We will be there Thursday night through Tuesday and then heading down to Miami for a cruise. I can't wait to see the Christmas decorations. I feel like its been forever!

Hey ladies, I'm subbing in! I love your TRs and am looking forward to another one. Good luck on the Princess 1/2, I'm looking forward to running that in 2016, runDisney events are just on a whole other level (anda whole other price range)

Jayne! thanks so much for joining in on another GIRLS trip! And thank you for the well wishes. I hear you about the whole other price range. Not to mention the money spent on a costume and new running shoes. It's a big investment, but I'm really excited about it! It really will be a new experience for me.

 

[MEK]

Subbing....er...."watching" in. Will be back to read!

Thanks for joining in. So happy to have you here for the fun!

Blank post from Rosie

Rosie! Thanks for joining in!!!!!!! (You are about to make a guest appearance)

Thanks for the warm welcome, Ladies!

You guys take awesome looking trips... maybe someday in my future a little more of the West can meet with the East in the South. Love all the photos and look forward to the stories.

Absolutely! Once you are done school and you can schedule a vacation! That would be awesome! You are totally in need of a vacation after all the heard work you have been doing!

Ugh, after the upgrade I"m not getting email notifications! Caught up on 3 pages and Cynthia's intro.

Jill in CO

Jill! I'm not even sure - this may be your second visit, so back! The upgrade has thrown me off a bit. It's a little tricky posting replies because after I post I have to find my way back to where I was last. I am so afraid of overlooking someone. And I am really far behind on my subbed TRs. Hope to get caught up this weekend.

But true....

I hear ya sister!

 

[MEK]

Looking forward to reading along. I travel with a friend I met here too and ironically we have been to Disney around the same time you have been there. We had a trip in October 2012 and again in May 2014. Sadly she has other plans this year so no 2015 trip for us. I am doing an almost totally solo trip though.

Lorrie! Thanks for joining in! I really enjoyed reading about your last girl's trip. Funny that we seem to be on the same "schedule". A solo trip is fun too, especially when you can arrange to meet up with other DISers, plus it gives you more time to catch up on your photography!

I would love to be able to do something like a marathon but unfortunately 6 knee surgeries and torn cartilage in my ankle make walking difficult let alone running.

I remember you saying that and hearing your story makes me appreciate the fact that I can run and I hope I never take that for granted.

I enjoyed your intro, Cynthia! Once again, can I tell you how impressed I am at your "little hikes" at Gros Piton and Koko Head! Fantastic pictures of you and Jeff there and of the rest of your family in your intro.

I totally agree! Awesome introduction!

I understand why you posted the pictures of Mary Ellen with the cake. That is so her!

I was shocked to death when they presented me with that cake. I was just totally overwhelmed with gratitude. It was so special! Seriously - I could have cried!

It was fun reading about the evolution of your friendship with Mary Ellen. Having had my first "internet friend interlude" this past summer, I get it. I loved the looks of horror I got when I told friends I was staying in a room at Disney with a woman I have never met before. I truly treasure the kind, supportive friends I have made here through the DIS and what we share is so much more than a love of the Mouse.

It's so funny you would say that because it was actually my kids who gave me a hard time on my second trip with Cynthia. They said, "mom - haven't you heard about internet strangers. I can't believe you are going with someone you met on the internet". They wouldn't even listen when I told them I had roomed with her before. It was too cute. I really appreciated their concern. My family is now more accepting of my DIS friends!

Now, bring on the Ditch (or wherever you are headed)

Oh Yeah!

Wow! I'm very late to this party! I'll have to read up later.

Allison! So happy to have you hear! You are like the DL guru! I hear about you all the time!

I hope you don't mind if I ask a few questions about Old Key West on your PTR. There isn't really a good discussion thread about this resort. Anyway, we will be taking the Magical express for our quick, three night stay at OKW. I'm assuming that the ME drops you off at Hospitality House. How do you get to your villa from there? The resort looks very spread out. Is everything within walking distance or do you need to take the bus?

Of course I don't. Yes - ME drops you off at the hospitality house. From there you can take the bus to your location. You could walk to everything, but it really depends on whether you want to. Sometimes we walked, other times we took the bus if it was right there. It's not a horrible loop. Probably similar to the mod resorts. Better than the treehouse, that's for sure. When you check in you could always see if there is anything available near the hospitality house. I think for a 3 night stay with little ones that would be best. But don't be disappointed if you are elsewhere. There are lovely quiet pools all over the place.

I sort of forget which direction the buses go. I have to think about it. You could probably google it to see the route.

I can't wait to read about your PHM. I ran the Disney half marathon with my sister many years ago and it is fun to relive the memories while reading about your experiences. I see they still make you get on the bus to race start at 3:30am.

UGH - I know. I am so worried about the early wake up! I hope I can sleep. I would hate to run on little to no sleep. But I appreciate the early start because I am a little concerned about adjusting to the warmer weather.

 

[addictedtothemouse]

Hi Mary Ellen and Cynthia! I'm so glad I caught this TR at the beginning. It sounds like it will be a ton of fun. I love flying SW because I hate the thought of paying baggage fees. Most of my trips are girls only because DH doesn't like Disney trips but he definitely enables me in Disney. LOL

 

[rentayenta]

I know girls, I would have loved to make it. Life is bananas right now and I'm not sure I see any relief for a while. Nothing bad just busy busy. They still haven't fully staffed us with therapists and between me, you, and the DIS I'm starting to feel a little fried.

Anyway, back to your fun report and I'm glad im here.

 

[LuvEeyore]

I've come over but will have to come back to catch up!!

 

[LuvEeyore]

I am all caught up...not that far behind does help. Glad to see you both are still enjoying the travels together.

 

[micandminforever]

Sorry I am so late, but I am still trying to figure out the ways of the updated DIS. I looking forward to reading how East meet West.

 

[MEK]

Same and I feel lost and behind.

I have not read any of my subbed threads since the change mostly because I still haven't figure out how to find them.

I am finding that if I go to my watched threads and post, magically I start getting email notifications. So frustrating!

Jill in CO

OMG! I do NOT want any email notifications! I am going to have to find my subbed threads

I am trying very hard not to bail and just KIT via FB but I know I'll miss so much if I do.

I feel the exact same way. I don't like the new format yet. I am trying, but it just isn't clicking for me yet.

Finally here. I am so in love with the fact that you all do trips together after meeting on DISboards. That just makes me happy.

Rob! Thanks for joining in! It looks like you had another fabulous trip and I can't wait to read all about it.

It is pretty cool that Cynthia and I met on the boards. I really appreciate the friendships I have made in the virtual world.

Hmmmmmmmm... given the current state of WDW in general, the constrcution pics are sadly appropriate Mary Ellen.

Oh NO! Does that mean you saw a lot of construction in the parks during your last visit. Boo! Not looking forward to that.

Happy Birthday, Cynthia!!! ​

Happy Birthday Cynthia!

This is too cute! Love it!

Hi Mary Ellen and Cynthia! I'm so glad I caught this TR at the beginning. It sounds like it will be a ton of fun. I love flying SW because I hate the thought of paying baggage fees. Most of my trips are girls only because DH doesn't like Disney trips but he definitely enables me in Disney. LOL

Thanks for joining in!!! Glad you're able to join us. We had a blast!

SWA is the best. This next trip I am flying home on Frontier and I am going to have to pay baggage fees. Boo!

 

[MEK]

I know girls, I would have loved to make it. Life is bananas right now and I'm not sure I see any relief for a while. Nothing bad just busy busy. They still haven't fully staffed us with therapists and between me, you, and the DIS I'm starting to feel a little fried.

Anyway, back to your fun report and I'm glad im here.

Oh Jenny! I know exactly how you feel. One of our PAs left at the beginning of the year and another is on an extended mission trip. Therefore, I am working OT. I like the money, but honestly, I would rather have the free time. I hear ya on the fried. I feel like I don't have any room in my brain to take on anything else.

I've come over but will have to come back to catch up!!

Lee! Thanks for joining in! So glad you are following along!

I am all caught up...not that far behind does help. Glad to see you both are still enjoying the travels together.

You don't have to worry about getting too far behind on this TR. I used to update every 7 days, but now I think I am updating about every 10 days. And I feel terrible because I am so far behind on my subbed threads!

Sorry I am so late, but I am still trying to figure out the ways of the updated DIS. I looking forward to reading how East meet West.

micandmin! You are not late at all! I hear ya on the DIS. I am still trying to work my way around it too! It's got some nice features but it is taking me time to get used to it.

 

[rentayenta]

Oh Jenny! I know exactly how you feel. One of our PAs left at the beginning of the year and another is on an extended mission trip. Therefore, I am working OT. I like the money, but honestly, I would rather have the free time. I hear ya on the fried. I feel like I don't have any room in my brain to take on anything else.

That's exactly how I feel. I am so overwhelmed I am forgetting little things like I forgot to cancel the milk, cancel a hotel room etc....I agree the money is nice but SO not worth it at this point. I am a 32 hour employee and have been working 50. That's waaaaaay to much mental health for anyone.

 

[LuvEeyore]

You don't have to worry about getting too far behind on this TR. I used to update every 7 days, but now I think I am updating about every 10 days. And I feel terrible because I am so far behind on my subbed threads!
With the new DIS you don't know how far behind you are as I am not getting my email alerts. I went to make sure I was signed up for them here, and I am but haven't gotten the first one since the change. I do however like the alerts and it is easy to see where updates have occurred.


micandmin! You are not late at all! I hear ya on the DIS. I am still trying to work my way around it too! It's got some nice features but it is taking me time to get used to it.[/QUOTE]
I cant agree with you More Mary Ellen!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hopping on to an MEK/Cynthia combo trip report on page 7? That seems like a pretty good proposition... I'm already caught up- so now maybe I can figure out how this board actually works these days...

Ahhh Mary Ellen- flying out of BWI? You really do dislike the Phila airport- don't you? Well I do think that right through Md. is definitely prettier...

Looking forward to your take on OKW... and all the other shenanigans you'll be getting up to...

Cynthia- HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

So- Is there anything between the 5K and the half marathon to run at Disney now? It's on my bucket list to run there but not a marathon or even a half (at least not in the foreseeable future) a 10k or a 10 miler would be great but I feel like there aren't any? (I could be totally wrong about that though...)

Looking forward to this ride...

 

[MEK]

That's exactly how I feel. I am so overwhelmed I am forgetting little things like I forgot to cancel the milk, cancel a hotel room etc....I agree the money is nice but SO not worth it at this point. I am a 32 hour employee and have been working 50. That's waaaaaay to much mental health for anyone.

WAY too much! Oh you poor thing. Your brain must just click off after that. I find when I am working a lot I and far less sympathetic to my post-op patients. Usually I am very sympathetic and give them all types of TLC, but now when I am fried. I hope your hours cut back really soon. I should only have to work 40 this weeks, but I'll be working 52 the week before I leave.

With the new DIS you don't know how far behind you are as I am not getting my email alerts. I went to make sure I was signed up for them here, and I am but haven't gotten the first one since the change. I do however like the alerts and it is easy to see where updates have occurred.

I haven't quite figured that out yet. I really want to spend time with my subbed threads today. I just finished an update that is ready to post, so we'll see how that goes first.

I cant agree with you More Mary Ellen!!

 

[MEK]

Hopping on to an MEK/Cynthia combo trip report on page 7? That seems like a pretty good proposition... I'm already caught up- so now maybe I can figure out how this board actually works these days...

Patricia! Just when I think I will never see you again in the virtual world, here you are! I was just thinking about you the other time. So happy to see you!

Ahhh Mary Ellen- flying out of BWI? You really do dislike the Phila airport- don't you? Well I do think that right through Md. is definitely prettier...

I do like BWI better than PHL, but the main reason I go there is the flights are always cheaper. They were A LOT cheaper that flight, if I recall correctly. Like maybe $100 cheaper. I am flying out of Philly in a couple weeks, so I haven't abandoned it all together!

Looking forward to your take on OKW... and all the other shenanigans you'll be getting up to...

Shenanigans? US? Surely you jest!

Cynthia- HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I hope she had a fab day!

So- Is there anything between the 5K and the half marathon to run at Disney now? It's on my bucket list to run there but not a marathon or even a half (at least not in the foreseeable future) a 10k or a 10 miler would be great but I feel like there aren't any? (I could be totally wrong about that though...)

There is a 10K. It's the day before the PHM. I feel the same way you do. I like the 10K distance. I feel like its a good distance. It's a challenge without being ridiculously long. I am still pretty worried about the 1/2 marathon distance.

Looking forward to this ride...

Stick around now, you here?????

 

[Flossbolna]

I am signing up for this! I somehow never got around to follow your previous reports, but I will try to keep up to date with this one!

Mary Ellen, the subscribed threads are now called "Watched Threads" if you go to the bar on the top this is one of the options to click on. There you will get a list with all your former subscriptions that have new posts. At the bottom of the page you can chose to see all watched threads. The ones with new posts are bold, the other ones are normal. At the moment everything is set as if you had not read anything since about January 6th or so (unless you have read the thread since the update). The great thing about this software is that it remembers exactly where you left off in a thread, it does not set everything read after a certain time of being logged in like the former software. Hope this helps!!

 

[rentayenta]

Yeah, when I get home my brain clicks off for sure Just ask Michael. Really though, I forgot to add lunch money to Joshua's account and got that dreaded call! I never forget things like that. We're putting in for a PRN but that won't help me much. It'll help the other PRN folks mostly. Thanks goodness we've got Spring Break to look forward too. I'll tell you what's lacking: my bs meter. Ain't nobody, especially this girl, got time for that.