Racing to Lose a Toenail ~ My Half-Marathon Weekend *Homeward Bound 3/16 p.25

[carissanboys]

Good luck with the house that is so exciting!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait to hear about your half marathon. I have only done 5K's and one 10 miler last May and I have my next 10 miler in March. It would be a dream to do the Disney 1/2 marathon or Princess 1/2 marathon (NEVER EVER A FULL MARATHON -- NO WAY)!

I am in!

and thanks! You should definitely do a half! Heck - if I can do it after just starting running a year ago, you can most certainly do it! I don't think I'd be interested in ever doing a marathon, but you know the saying - never say never.

That reminds me, when I was killing time at MCO before my flight I browsed in the bookstore and that book was there. I went right to THAT part and read it. Oh my. Now I understand better what seeing the movie must have been like.

I can't believe you read it! I'm not sure if I want to read the book or not. I'm scared it would seriously cause flashbacks. Not something I want to relive!

I found it!!! And only a mere 6 pages later, I am all caught up. (If only I'd cruise the TR boards more often to find familiar faces. )

But I did love your beginning!! Finding a fellow runner/traveler was neat! Glad it helped to pass the flight quicker.

Your room brings back so many fun memoriess at POP! You really had a fun view.

Now, I'm all curious to see what you had for lunch and if you were able to keep it down after ToT! (I didn't see any FB posts- so I really am!)

Hey Liesa! Unless someone tells me via PM or I notice a link in someone's signature, I rarely notice new PTRs or TRs. I pretty much just go to my subscribed threads. I know your life has been a bit crazy the past few months.

 

[mousescrapper]

just saving your new TR...promise to be back over my long weekend to get caught up before I go

J~

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

Hi! We are also in Hampton Roads. Dh is stationed at Norfolk. How exciting to be moving to Florida! It would be nice to be so close to WDW, but not sure I could handle the humidity. I was dying in January.

That is awesome! I saw about you guys buying a house! Congrats! The housing market here sucks though. We live in York County because of the schools (and Langleys housing) and it is INSANE! My dad was Navy, we were stationed in Mississippi for a while....I loved it! The heat and humidity don't really bother me!

 

[carissanboys]

just saving your new TR...promise to be back over my long weekend to get caught up before I go

J~

Hey Julie!

That is awesome! I saw about you guys buying a house! Congrats! The housing market here sucks though. We live in York County because of the schools (and Langleys housing) and it is INSANE! My dad was Navy, we were stationed in Mississippi for a while....I loved it! The heat and humidity don't really bother me!

We homeschool so schools aren't an issue for us. Why do you say the housing market sucks? Prices here are MUCH more affordable than up in Maryland where we lived before.

I'm from Maine so me and heat and humidity aren't a good mix.

 

[DrMomof3]

Fingers crossed for your house!!!

Amanda

 

[momrek06]

Before I begin, I want to mention that I didn’t do a very good job of taking pictures on this trip. I was overwhelmed half of the time and the other half I just didn’t want to carry my purse. My camera is kind of big to fit in a pocket. Liz was kind enough to take many pictures and share them with me so that this TR won’t be completely photo-less! Thanks Liz!

~ Friday, January 7th, 2011 ~

Friday morning I woke up shortly before 5 a.m. I wanted to be on the road heading to the airport by 5:45. I still had a few last minute items to pack, but everything went smoothly and I was on my way. I decided I would drive myself and just leave the car in long term parking so Chuck and the boys wouldn’t have to get up early.

I had checked in online and printed out my boarding pass the day before so all I had to do was get through security. It was pretty quiet in the airport and I didn’t have too long to wait at the gate before we started boarding. I was in the 2nd boarding group and scored a front row seat! I had to store my purse in the overhead compartment, but I didn’t care. I had tons of leg room and would be one of the first off the plane.

There was a gentleman sitting in the window seat, but no one in the center as the plane wasn’t full. The flight attendant asked who was going to WDW and I noticed the man next to me raised his hand. I asked if he was going for marathon weekend and he informed me that he was doing the Goofy Challenge. For those who don’t know, there are some folks who are goofy enough to run the half-marathon on Saturday and then the full marathon on Sunday. I know – crazy!

The flight went by so fast since my neighbor and I chatted the entire time. We talked about running, house buying, dogs – it was one of those conversations where two people just click and there was an equal amount of talking done on both sides. I was really hoping to see him on the return flight because I wanted to know how he did in both races. (I didn’t see him.)

This was my first time using Magical Express, but it was pretty easy to figure out. I only had a carry on so I headed to the check in counter. We had to wait about 15 minutes to board our bus, but everything went off without a hitch. I almost fell asleep on the ride. We had a very entertaining driver, which immediately reminded me why I love Disney so much. Around this time I began receiving texts from numerous people: Chuck wanting to know if I made it safely. Melissa (jmskinner) telling me where she was since we were planning on meeting up. Joe (airman) doing the same. And Liz (who was flying in from NC) keeping me posted on where she was. For someone who isn’t used to doing a lot of texting, I was trying hard to keep up!

We arrived at Pop Century and I immediately loved the look of the lobby. So cool. The line to check in was somewhat long. It probably took about 10 – 15 minutes to get through, so not too bad. The great thing was our room was ready! I think it was only about 11 a.m. Liz had received a code for a preferred room. We ended up in the 60s right by the pool. Later in the trip I’d be very glad we didn’t have to walk very far!

It took me a few minutes to actually find our room in the building. But, find it I did. Room 4470 would be our home for the next two nights.

And the view from our room:

I dropped off my stuff including my jacket. At this point, I was getting a bit stressed. I needed to meet up with a couple of friends at Hollywood Studios to ride Tower of Terror and I needed to get back to Pop so Liz and I could get to the Expo to pick up our packets. Plus, I was starving! I took a few deep breaths to soak up the Disney air and tried to come up with a plan.

Up Next – Will I make my date to ride Tower of Terror or will I chicken out?

I LOVE POP, Carissa!!! Your room is PERFECT!!! Great start and Liz's pics are AWESOME!!! I love the view!!!

So, here is a quick rundown of what has been going on for the past two weeks...

Over the New Year weekend, we visited with my husband's family in Pennsylvania. His niece and her husband recently bought a place of their own. Between talking with them about their experience, we decided that we would start the process of getting pre-approved and see where we stood. We knew we had some money coming to us via tax refund and we wanted to know if we were better off paying a couple of things off or holding on to that money for closing costs, etc.

That Monday we applied for a VA loan through our bank and were instantly pre-approved! They hooked us up with a realtor in the area through their Mover's Advantage program (if we end up buying a house with this realtor, we get a cash credit after closing from our bank). She found out what we were looking for and sent us some listings.

That first week we checked out a bunch of houses, first online and then in person. But, nothing really screamed "Our House!" We upped the price range we were looking in and got some new listings.

The first house we looked at Monday was the one. We just walked in and knew. We decided to put an offer in right away. It is a large 3 bedroom house that is only 3 1/2 years old. It's a foreclosure so the asking price is way below the assessed value. We were very hopeful when we left the realtors on Wednesday after signing all of the paperwork.

Last night I got an email from our realtor who said the seller (the bank) has had multiple offers and wants all potential buyers to put in their best offers. We totally weren't expecting that. Chuck had duty on the ship last night so I had to talk to him via email today. We've decided to offer the asking price (we originally offered $10,000 less) and see what happens. If we're meant to get this house, it'll happen. Otherwise, we'll walk away and start looking again.

I'm finding this whole house buying thing to be very stressful! I should probably be monitoring my blood pressure through this process.

Aaahhhh, househunting, yes indeedy, very stressful!!! We all have out fingers crossed for you!!!

 

[dismagiclover]

Good luck with the househunting! It is a stressful experience, but you just finished a half marathon. You can handle it

 

[Native NYer]

Good luck with the house

 

[blue_river]

When do you find out about the house Carissa?

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

We homeschool so schools aren't an issue for us. Why do you say the housing market sucks? Prices here are MUCH more affordable than up in Maryland where we lived before.

I'm from Maine so me and heat and humidity aren't a good mix.

Well for us, living in York County is one of the most expensive area in Hampton Roads.....Kind of like living in Williamsburg! The houses here are few and far between and pricey!!! Its crazy! We were looking at one, it was basically a shack here in the county and they were asking 315,000 for it It was old and plain and small. I think it was around 1,000 sq ft.

 

[pirate<3rocks]

If we're meant to get this house, it'll happen. Otherwise, we'll walk away and start looking again.

Good attitude

 

[carissanboys]

Fingers crossed for your house!!!

Amanda

Thanks! We'll need it!

I LOVE POP, Carissa!!! Your room is PERFECT!!! Great start and Liz's pics are AWESOME!!! I love the view!!!

Aaahhhh, househunting, yes indeedy, very stressful!!! We all have out fingers crossed for you!!!

Thanks Karen! Any other parts anyone is willing to cross would be appreciated.

Good luck with the househunting! It is a stressful experience, but you just finished a half marathon. You can handle it

At least the half was less stressful!

Good luck with the house

Thanks Jennifer!

When do you find out about the house Carissa?

Not sure. Buyers have until Monday morning to get their new offers in so I'm hoping sometime Tuesday.

Well for us, living in York County is one of the most expensive area in Hampton Roads.....Kind of like living in Williamsburg! The houses here are few and far between and pricey!!! Its crazy! We were looking at one, it was basically a shack here in the county and they were asking 315,000 for it It was old and plain and small. I think it was around 1,000 sq ft.

I hear ya. I think coming from such an expensive place to live up around D.C. and Maryland helped us. There is no way we could afford some of the places we're looking at down here if they were up in Maryland.

Good attitude

I'm trying!

 

[carissanboys]

When I last left off, I was starving! I headed over to Pop's food court and took a quick glance around. I believe it was around 11 a.m. so they were still serving breakfast. I grabbed a ham and cheese omelette with homefries. It was delicious! After scarfing down my food, I got in line to wait for a bus to take me to my first park.

Overall, Liz and I were very happy with the bus service to and from Pop. This was my first trip relying completely on Disney transportation and it went quite well. I did have to wait about 15 minutes or so for a bus to DS to show up, but this was the longest wait time for the entire weekend.

After arriving at DS, I saw the tree!!

I've always wanted to visit WDW during the holidays so I could see the decorations so I was very happy to at least get a taste. I also noticed that ToT looked like it was getting worked on. For a minute I thought maybe I would luck out and it would be closed and I wouldn't have to ride. But, then I figured Melissa or Joe would have mentioned that.

I went to the counter to buy my special military ticket. I was able to get a 4 day park hopper (they only offered a 4 day ticket) for $146 I think. Don't quote me on the price, but it was something close to that. A great deal! This would also be the first time I had the park hopper option! I wouldn't normally pay extra for it, but I didn't have a choice with this ticket. The CM who waited on me was very friendly and we chatted for a bit about places we've been stationed.

Once I was finished with all of that business, I got a text from Melissa asking where I was and telling me she was outside of the first gift shop. I was going to text her back, but I started looking around and spotted her.

I was not nervous at all to meet Melissa. She and I have known each other here on the Dis for a couple of years (can't believe it's been that long!) and I feel like we're long time friends since we keep up with one another's daily lives on Facebook.

At this time I was also texting back and forth with another Dis friend, Joe, who is part of the Ducks (a support group over on the W.I.S.H. board). When I had mentioned I wanted to do ToT on this trip, he kindly offered to go with me. However, he was just getting ready to do American Idol so Melissa and I decided to do ToT alone and if I wanted to do it again, Joe would join us.

We went through the stand by line and the time passed quickly as we chatted and caught up. Melissa also had a gift for me. She remembered during our last trip that we had brought Stitch with us so she gave me a Stitch pin with him sitting in a director's chair. Perfect since we were in Disney Studios! Sorry I didn't have anything for you, Melissa. Honestly, I'm lucky I remembered to get on the plane with the week I had! The closer we got to the front, the less nervous I got. It was finally our turn. We got seats in the back row, which was fine with me for my first time.

I knew when the first drop was going to happen. And I'm sure I screamed. But, I loved it! Once I felt the seat belt catch me, I was fine. It's a very different feel than when you're on a rollercoaster and dropping. I didn't get those funny feelings in my tummy. I believe I even put my arms up in the air on the second drop.

Now that I was a ToT convert, we tried to red neck our photo. The pictures came out dark on my camera and Melissa's were blurry. Maybe Melissa can post one of them here if she didn't delete them. I'm in the pink shirt.

I texted back and forth with Joe and he was headed our way. I told him I was ready to go again!! We met up and then another Duck, Augie (ahoff), joined us. We went through the stand by line again. I think the time said 50 minutes, but it went quicker than the first time we went through so it couldn't have been that long.

While in line, Joe was kind enough to take a picture of Melissa and I:

I didn't get any with Joe and Augie at this time, but we would meet up again over the weekend.

We got to the front and this time we scored the front row. I loved it even more! At one point, there was a tiny drop and I remember saying, "Come on! I want a big drop! All the way down!"

So much fun! I'm very glad I finally made myself try it out and next time I will take Sully on it. I think he'll love it.

It was now almost 1 p.m. and I knew I needed to get back to Pop to meet up with Liz so we could head to the Expo and get our packets. She was already there, relaxing and waiting for me. Melissa had to head back home. She lives about an hour from WDW and had a trip planned for the weekend. So, it was really cool of her to drive over to meet me. Thanks Melissa!

I said goodbye to Joe and Augie and said I'd see them tomorrow. Melissa and I walked out together and said our goodbyes. I hopped back on a bus to Pop and went up to my room to see Liz. I hadn't seen in her in a year and a half.

Up next - I spy a celebrity!

 

[dismagiclover]

I'm glad you loved TOT! I think that is one of the best rides in Disney. A great mix of theming plus a little bit of thrill! My kids won't ride it so I don't go on it too often, but I love it whenever I do. How cool that you got to meet Melissa. I only know her from the DIS, but she is a sweetheart! Can't wait for Liz's entrance

 

[glennbo123]

That's awesome that you braved ToT and found out that you loved it! Good for you!

I like Melissa's stormtrooper shirt.

 

[liznboys]

I'm so proud of you for doing ToT (twice!) and SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad I didn't have to ride it with you!!!

I can't wait for us to meet up!

 

[Native NYer]

Yay!!! You conquered ToT!!!
Maybe you can talk me into trying it

 

[carissanboys]

I'm glad you loved TOT! I think that is one of the best rides in Disney. A great mix of theming plus a little bit of thrill! My kids won't ride it so I don't go on it too often, but I love it whenever I do. How cool that you got to meet Melissa. I only know her from the DIS, but she is a sweetheart! Can't wait for Liz's entrance

I agree! I can't wait to go on it again. I was very glad I finally got to meet her in person. I think that Liz girl is coming up...

That's awesome that you braved ToT and found out that you loved it! Good for you!

I like Melissa's stormtrooper shirt.

Isn't it cool? I wonder if she wore that just for me.

I'm so proud of you for doing ToT (twice!) and SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad I didn't have to ride it with you!!!

I can't wait for us to meet up!

You know the Ducks will never give up on getting you on there! Do we meet up or don't we?

Yay!!! You conquered ToT!!!
Maybe you can talk me into trying it

It really wasn't scary! Something I forgot to mention in the TR. The moment I knew I had nothing to worry about was when I was standing in our circles waiting to board, I looked over and there were a couple of little kids. I swear one was smaller than the required 40 inches! I looked at Melissa and said, "Seriously! What am I scared of if these little kids are going to ride??"

 

[liznboys]

You know the Ducks will never give up on getting you on there! Do we meet up or don't we?

Don't you dare plant that seed into any of the ducks heads! Though I know a few already have it there. UGH.

"Do we meet up or don't we?" LOL Sometimes the cliffhangers in these reports have me rolling with laughter! "So we got off the bus and we're walking to the front entrance of MK... Next up: Will we enter the gates of MK????!!!!???? " (Next update) "So, we made it into the gates of MK!!!" And the replies are: "WHEW!! SO relieved you made it into the gates! I was on the edge of my seat wondering!!!" LOL!!

 

[carissanboys]

Don't you dare plant that seed into any of the ducks heads! Though I know a few already have it there. UGH.

"Do we meet up or don't we?" Sometimes the cliffhangers in these reports have me rolling with laughter! "So we got off the bus and we're walking to the front entrance of MK... Next up: Will we enter the gates of MK????!!!!???? "

I've tried to get the idea out of their heads! It's not like you haven't tried it. You did and you didn't like it. I doubt another ride is going to change your mind.

Or... Next up: I really needed to find a bathroom. Will I make it or pee my pants?!