PTR:Four Former CMs Reunite For Free Dining:(TR Has Started!) 10/30

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Cool day one plans--probably exactly how I would do it.

So tell me, will you walk over to Epcot or will you take the boat? Inquiring minds want to know.

Haha..no clue!

If K drives and we don't go back to the resort for a break, I guess we'll drive. If we go back to the resort for a break after DHS, we will take the bus to Epcot. If K doesn't drive, my guess would be the boat even though it takes like 45 mins to get there!

Assuming we are up till 3am, I'll most likely be going back to the resort to use the pool and change for the evening!

Hey Megan ~

Looks like everything is coming together for a great trip! (Here's hoping there is no unnecessary drama at any time!!)

Yes, they do have the little gift card wristband again this year. SO convenient There is also a little passport with all the food & drink offerings of each country listed - makes it easy to keep track of what refreshment you need next! You can pick that up at the Festival Center. Make sure to post your favorites when you get back My DD and I will be there on the 28th and I have my list started!!

That's great! I forgot to ask my brother if they had the gift cards this year! I wonder if there are any pics of the passports..I'll have to research that one!

I'll be sure to post my favs!

 

[Trentmom]

Wow that's great!!!



I've been stalking some of your pics on facebook

Still haven't made a decision on the AP yet...While it's only $300, it's still $300 with Xmas coming up and gifts to be bought. On one hand, I'm not paying full rent since I"m with my parents and it might be a smart decision as if I do move back to FL as planned, I would be paying rent by then and wouldn't want to shell out the $500 for an AP!

I been putting up about 30-40 a day, as I am too lazy to do it all at once

yeah, I can see your point with holidays fast approaching.

Your next day looks killer time wise, but fun. I will be curious to see how long you girls can last

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

PRAXIS UPDATE

Well, Dis Friends..

It seems I've done it again. I have successfully failed my Praxis exam now for the 7th time.

I was pretty, well nearly 100% sure that I had passed it this time, especially since it was the same exam as the one I took in July and had failed by 5 points.

I got up this morning, jumped on the computer, hoped for at least at 168 and saw..

159..

I had done worse..4 points worse than in July.

I really was at a loss for words and thought how silly I was to check the score before work and then I had to work with that on my mind all day. When you have 11 4 yr olds though, things don't stay on your mind for long so it didn't end up being a total loss of a day but still.

So I texted M and said..no AP for me. My present to myself was if I passed, I would buy the AP bc the test would put me one step closer to moving back to FL late spring/early summer to teach.

I'm really at this point:

I'm about to email an Education Prof. of my college and see what else there is I can possibly do. Since I moved back north in May 2009 (a year and 5 months), I've taken the exam 5 times..and 2 twice more prior to moving to FL in 2008. In the time that I've been back, I've taken an online review course through a community college which swore the passing rate was high, and I failed. I took the campus course at the community college since I didn't prefer the online one, and did worse on the exam. I have and studied 5 practice books at $30 a piece and still failed so I'm obviously missing something. I'm not sure if I need to go back to school and take a refresher course in something or what =

I'm hoping he can give me some words or encouragement or advice!

As for now, besides the trip next week..

10 DAYS BY THE WAY!!

I'll be having no life...

I was really hoping to give you all good news as you have been follow this horrid journey with me for a long long time. Sorry to report not good news and I will be back hopefully tomorrow or Wed with a PTR update, if not I'll see you all Friday!

 

[creativeamanda]

Oh, Megan, I am so sorry. Which Praxis are you preparing for and maybe I can find a way to help?

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Oh, Megan, I am so sorry. Which Praxis are you preparing for and maybe I can find a way to help?

Praixs II

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (0011)

Thanks Amanda

 

[Nermel9]

Ugh I'm sorry you didn't pass the Praxis again. It's gotta be pretty hard, I keep thinking I want to go back to school for Education, but the thought of taking that test freaks me out! That's a good idea, to ask a professor what to do, I mean, there has to be some reason you're not passing, especially after taking all those review courses!

Good luck, you will get it next time!

 

[CPer'sMom]

Oh, Megan, I'm so sorry about the Praxis

 

[Trentmom]

So sorry Megan. That really sucks

I think emailing a professor is a good idea

Also, why don't you take a break from taking the test if you can?

I think you have got yourself so worked up that you have to pass that you are freaking yourself out maybe?

Anyway you could wait a few months and then try again?

 

[wdwgirl03]

Megan, I saw your facebook status about the Praxis. I am so sorry to hear that. That has to be beyond frustrating. I still think it's strange that your test seems so much different than the one I took. Didn't you mention something about being tested in gym? We had nothing like that. I don't get why you would even need to be tested in that if you are going to be a classroom teacher. Are state requirements really that different?

It's gotta be pretty hard, I keep thinking I want to go back to school for Education, but the thought of taking that test freaks me out!

Don't let the test keep you from going back to school!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Ugh I'm sorry you didn't pass the Praxis again. It's gotta be pretty hard, I keep thinking I want to go back to school for Education, but the thought of taking that test freaks me out! That's a good idea, to ask a professor what to do, I mean, there has to be some reason you're not passing, especially after taking all those review courses!

Good luck, you will get it next time!

Don't let the test freak you out!! I'm taking it in PA and PA has the highest passing score requirement as well as the requirement to take 5 of the tests before you can be certified. I had to take 3 before student teaching and then 2 after student teaching in order to get my certificate. In FL for example, you can have any degree and take a computer exam in the area you want to teach and if you pass you are certified...so it's not hard everywhere but I'm pretty sure you can't teach outside of FL with the FL one which is why I want to finish the PA one because if I'd want to teach outside of FL, I'd be screwed.

Oh, Megan, I'm so sorry about the Praxis

Thanks, I was really hoping to be able to celebrate a pass next weekend..maybe in Dec since I"ll get the score 5 days before that trip.

So sorry Megan. That really sucks

I think emailing a professor is a good idea

Also, why don't you take a break from taking the test if you can?

I think you have got yourself so worked up that you have to pass that you are freaking yourself out maybe?

Anyway you could wait a few months and then try again?

I did email the professor and didn't get a response which is frustrating me because he had office hours for a few hours today and has been pretty quick to respond so we'll see, maybe he's away.

I'm going to take a break after the Nov one if I failed that one. The following test is in Jan and the weather in PA is either really good or really bad in Jan so I don't want to chance it, plus, my school is at the base of the Laurel Mts = beautiful scenery but horrid winters! So if I fail the Nov one, I'll be retesting in March so that will be my break haha.

Megan, I saw your facebook status about the Praxis. I am so sorry to hear that. That has to be beyond frustrating. I still think it's strange that your test seems so much different than the one I took. Didn't you mention something about being tested in gym? We had nothing like that. I don't get why you would even need to be tested in that if you are going to be a classroom teacher. Are state requirements really that different?

In PA you have to take reading, math, and writing exams before you student teach and after you student teach (or during), you have to take Fundamentals of Ed and Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment which is the one I can't pass. The Fund. exam is more like the reading and math one where you have to know the info/solve the math problem. The one I can't pass is where you take that and decide how/what method you'd use to teach it which is hard because I always can get it to two and then as history has shown, I obviously don't pick the right one. PA also has the highest passing score of all the states. In KY for example their passing score for CIA is 163. I would have passed that 3 years ago as I scored a 165 but I need a 168 and 165 has been my closest.

Thanks for the encouragement!!

 

[wirki]

I am sooo sorry that you did not pass.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I am sooo sorry that you did not pass.

Thanks! I know that each one of us has a plan for our lives..if mine is not this test, it would be nice to have a sign or something because at $80 a test, it's getting kind of old!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Thanks! I know that each one of us has a plan for our lives..if mine is not this test, it would be nice to have a sign or something because at $80 a test, it's getting kind of old!!

Ugh, no kidding! Those tests are not cheap.

Wow, that is crazy you had to take 5 tests. We only had to take two...one before we got admitted into the School of Education and then one before student teaching. The first one I took sounds like the one you took with the reading, writing, and math. The second one was also content. I think I said before it was pretty much exactly like the ACT. I just remember the social studies/history section was really hard.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Ugh, no kidding! Those tests are not cheap.

Wow, that is crazy you had to take 5 tests. We only had to take two...one before we got admitted into the School of Education and then one before student teaching. The first one I took sounds like the one you took with the reading, writing, and math. The second one was also content. I think I said before it was pretty much exactly like the ACT. I just remember the social studies/history section was really hard.

Sadly the first 3 you have to take are not all one test, they are individuals and you pay for each one..how crazy is that!?

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

UPDATES 10/16


HAPPY SATURDAY DIS FRIENDS!!!

I thought I would never get this update on here! I'm sure by now, everyone is highly annoyed with the User CP function not working! Thanks to Amanda (creativeamanda) and her link on facebook, I'm able to post this..

oh ya..

6 DAYS TILL DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!

PERSONAL UPDATES:

I guess I'll start with minor updates:

My brother is doing well down there. We're all curious to see if he is going to stay or go home in Jan. All of us want him to stay for various reasons including: he seems to love it, he's made good friends, he can can continue to finish his master's degree since it's all done online, and his s*ut of a gf back in PA is not in FL and my entire family greatly dislike her and of course want the best for him..but not including her. It's not keeping him from going out with friends, especially girls, so we hope for the best for him but can't choose his life for him as my mom says!!
My mom is down there right now. She comes home on Tues They are staying at POP. I requested building 10 top floor and they got building 6 (across from 10) on the top floor, facing the lake! Her and my bro are at La Nouba right now! The best part was that they released more CM discount days for MNSSHP so the manager at POP said that the tix are non refundable that they bought from wdw.com but he would refund them and did..talk about pixie dust! They saved nearly $40

Alright, enough about them..now for me!

I got some great news about my Praxis, well kinda good news. I found out that in Jan they passed a new law that stated that based on your graduating GPA, you can score less on the praxis and still pass. I can pass with a 166, not 168 and the highest I scored was 165 in 2007 but scored 164 in March so I guess there is hope!

TRIP UPDATES!

As a Diser you know that one of the most important parts of trip planning is that ever-loving packing list. Well, I'm 6 days away and believe it or not but I HAVE NOT MADE MY LIST YET!

M on the other hand, texted J today and said she was already packed which blows my mind. I guess in CT, it's already cold but here in Cincinnati, it was in the low 70s today and we're still in shorts and ts!!

Has anyone elses ADR's disappear from wdw.com?! 2 of mine did. I went into panic mode yesterday and spent 20 mins on hold with wdw dining to be told my ressies were still there.
I also changed my Les Chefs ressie from 4 people to 5. My friend, the CM at CSR, we'll call her D..her and her DBF are going to join us and of course I'll pay for them as she has/will be doing a lot for us! Her dream is to eat there and hasn't so I'm glad they are able to go but it makes me feel a little selfish as I have eaten there plus many other places in the past many years!

Finally, I've decided once again to change my costume. I'm going back to the Hula costume. I'm going to wear a blue sundress complete with Leis and flip flops! I figured for FL weather, it's going to be better and I'm going to be Wendy on Thurs for Boo Fest at school

MY TO-DO LIST

Today I finally decided I need to make a To-Do list of things to do between now and Friday. I'm working Overtime at work on Mon and Wed morning and then working Boo Fest on Thurs night so the week is going to go quick and I need a plan!
My list includes:
*Study (of course )
*Return the "not so blue" nightgown to Sears that I bought online
*VS for girl items
*Get my hair cut
*Pedicure tomorrow
*Fill my nails on Wed night
*Gas station
*Get some groceries/trip stuff
*Make my packing list
*Update my Disney Rewards gift card
*Laundry
*Go to the bank for tip $$$
*Pack
*Library to return books
*Charge camera
*update/charge Itouch

..and I think that's it! For now.

I crossed some things off my list today! I got my hair cut (3 inches off) which I think is too short, even straightened, so now I'm 1/2 regretting it. I went to the bank and got the $$, went to Walmart for milk and other trip stuff, and added the $$ to my gift card! Tomorrow I'll cross more stuff off! I love lists


I'll continue in the next post with SCHEDULE DAY 3

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

SCHEDULE DAY 3

Day 3:
Sunday Oct 24th, 2010


We will start off the day by..SLEEPING IN!!!

Assuming we are at MK till 2 or 3 am, we will crash I'm sure and will need to sleep in. This whole, 3 girls and 1 bathroom thing is still going to amaze me but we shall see, maybe I'll be surprised!?

After we sleep in, we have breakfast ADRs at 10:50 for:

J and I are going to Ohana and M and K are going to Kona.

After our meals, I wouldn't mind going back to the resort and using the pool. DTD could be a possibility too but depending on when we are done and how long the girls think it will take them to get ready for MNSSHP, we might end up at the resort. I spent enough time and $$$ at DTD in Aug, I won't be missing anything!

After the pool (hopefully!) we will get dressed and head to:

J and I (M and K have decided not to join us and that's why they are eating at Sanaa on Day 1 for dinner) have a 4:15 ADR to eat at:

As I said before, I have never eaten here. I probably wouldn't choose a buffet when on the DDP or even breakfast at Ohana for that matter but we're on a time crunch and I don't have days and days to eat since I get in late Friday and we all leave early on Tues plus with food and wine going on, it limits us on dinner if we want to partake in that stuff so I gave in and used 2 of 4 meals on #1 buffet and #2 a breakfast.
We'll see..it's not like I've never changed ADRs before haha!!!! If anything, we might change CP because J seems to really want to do Ohana.

After an early dinner, we will ride rides I'm sure and wait for the party to start!!

I thought I had pics on here from when we went 2 years ago but I don't due to my hard drive crashing late Fall in 2008 They are on facebook though..thank goodness!

I'm sure we will be staying till 12 and then dragging ourselves back to bed!

UP NEXT: TRIP PACKING PICS AND SCHEDULES FOR DAY 4 AND 5

 

[therussells08]

I'm so sorry to hear about the Praxis. Hang in there, you will get it! It's good to hear that they lowered the passing score!

I can't believe your trip is only 6 days away! That is so awesome!

I've only been to Crystal Palace once but I really enjoyed it. We are trying it for Breakfast in December!

 

[Trentmom]

I love Ohanas....Yummy.....



Crystal Palace is so pretty



I know what you are being, but I forget what you said the other girls are doing. What are they dressing up for on MNSSHP?

Glad u found out about needing a lower score for praxis

 

[Nermel9]

Day 3 looks great!

I agree with you, I don't like wasting DDP credits on buffets or breakfasts, and I'm doing 2 this year! I think I will probably pay OOP for one, if not both of them though, especially since last night Brandon informed me that he wants to eat at like 10 more restaurants! Ughhhh...he needed to tell me this months ago, not 3 and a half weeks before we go!

I can't believe your trip is almost here!!! Yay!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm so sorry to hear about the Praxis. Hang in there, you will get it! It's good to hear that they lowered the passing score!

I can't believe your trip is only 6 days away! That is so awesome!

I've only been to Crystal Palace once but I really enjoyed it. We are trying it for Breakfast in December!

I've heard good things from a few people but M said she didn't like the food when she went 2 years ago and would rather try Sanaa. Honestly, if my flight didn't get in so late on Friday, we would probably not be doing CP, and just do a CS. I keep thinking about that but with food and wine going on, I doubt J will want to give that up to eat a dinner at Epcot on Sat. I guess I could text her and see. I don't know if she was all that wild about CP anyways and I've already decided to only spend $30 on Food and Wine..how filling could it be anyways haha..I say that now.

I love Ohanas....Yummy.....



Crystal Palace is so pretty



I know what you are being, but I forget what you said the other girls are doing. What are they dressing up for on MNSSHP?



Glad u found out about needing a lower score for praxis

Katie, not sure? Meghan is doing some kinda ghost girl from Haunted Mansion, and Jenny is going to be a pirate. It will be a nice mix of things!

Day 3 looks great!

I agree with you, I don't like wasting DDP credits on buffets or breakfasts, and I'm doing 2 this year! I think I will probably pay OOP for one, if not both of them though, especially since last night Brandon informed me that he wants to eat at like 10 more restaurants! Ughhhh...he needed to tell me this months ago, not 3 and a half weeks before we go!

I can't believe your trip is almost here!!! Yay!!!

Thanks! I agree with you. I know the DDP is free but really is isn't considering we are paying full price for the room. As I said above, I might text Jenny and see if she'd like to drop CP and do a dinner at Epcot on Sat night instead. I feel horrible that my flight gets in so late and it limits the days that we have for meals but since I was just there in March and Aug and I'm going back in Dec for 6 days, I couldn't justify taking 3 days off unpaid now It will all work out, I know it