I think I left off two weeks before our first big family vacation and our one and only trip to the world. (stop laughing) P9 is still not excited, even though we bought Disney Dollars, got him a bright orange Goofy t-shirt, a Grumpy hat, and other assorted trip necessities. We loaded up on a bunch of crap from the dollar store, bought fanny packs, made one ADR, and planned our schedule. I am still pining, actually obsessing, about staying on site. At some point, I applied for the Disney Visa, but it may or may not arrive before our trip. Therefore, I had intended to follow every budget tip available. Three days before our trip, it arrived! My brand spanking shiny new Disney Visa card thank you Chase! It was so beautiful, glowing with pixie dust, and I think it talked to me. So I run straight for the phone, dial the non toll free number, again, yeah yeah welcome back, woman, there is no time for chit chat! I have a brand new Disney Visa and I know how to use it! I need to book a room at POR blah blah blah. WHAT? No rooms? Dont you know who I am? (Word up Utah Mama) Ok, check the CR, and give me the AP rate. No, I dont have an AP, but if thats what it takes, then I will get one. What do you mean there are no more rooms left at the AP rate? You limit them? They are snatched up quickly? I AM SO NOT GELLIN! WHY AM I YELLIN? No, I dont want to try other resorts; I am not madame money bags! In a much deflated tone: No, I cant afford $3600 for my familys first ever trip to the World. Thank you for trying for me. No, I dont want to book any character meals. Thank you, Ill try to have a magical day. I'm still not gellin, and my eyes are wellin'. Alright already, stop this potty mouthing, were going to Disney! Who cares where we sleep as long as its clean, and near Disney! Theres no time for dwellin, I have laundry to do, children to locate, and this, and that, and, and (look at my avatar)!!
Check it: I have a bad habit of planning out everything in my head, and expecting those around me to read my mind, take notes, comprehend, and be ready at a moments notice to jump into action! But again, me:

the family:
My plan was to pack Friday afternoon, load the 2005 Caravan, go to sleep, and hit the road at 2:00AM. P9 just could not comprehend why I was in such a hurry, we have all of Saturday to drive. Lets get a good nights sleep, get up around 6:00AM, and finish packing and leave. We will take our time, and mosey on down to Florida. Seriously, ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME? Mosey? Dude, we are so not in Oklahoma! Now, get a move on people, we have lots of work to do. Dont you people realize all that needs to be done? Havent you checked the schedule in my head? I have got to do a better job training you people. Not only did we not leave at 2:00AM, but I dont think we went to bed until 2:00AM! This trip is not starting good, but I remind myself: We are going to Disney! I think we got up at 6:00 and at 8:45 AM we were on the ramp of exit 97 on I95, heading south. Life is grand!
Up next, the clock is ticking!