Sabotage de la Diet - *9/10* Amish Grace

[Disneygrl36]

Just have to say............I love your new avatar.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Just have to say............I love your new avatar.

ME, TOO!

I love Ray!!!

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Just have to say............I love your new avatar.

ME, TOO!

I love Ray!!!

He's fast becoming one of my favorite characters of all time. The Evangeline story alone is...yeah.

 

[joybeth]

Is anyone else reading?

I am reading, and have been to wrapped up in your report to comment. First trip report I have read. I feel like I am there with you! However, I am a little embarrassed because I thought you were complimenting me on my hair style a few posts back, which I just had done, but I guess not.... and, yes it is my natural color.....

Well maybe not, but I am having a blast reading.....please go on....

jb

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

I am reading, and have been to wrapped up in your report to comment. First trip report I have read. I feel like I am there with you! However, I am a little embarrassed because I thought you were complimenting me on my hair style a few posts back, which I just had done, but I guess not.... and, yes it is my natural color.....

Well maybe not, but I am having a blast reading.....please go on....

jb

Oh! I posted that in the beginning because I thought I was scaring everyone away! I'm so glad you're enjoying the TR, and I'm flattered to be your first. my apologies about your hair. I'll be good, I promise. Not really. Kidding.

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

He's fast becoming one of my favorite characters of all time. The Evangeline story alone is...yeah.

Agreed.... I balled when the two stars were shown.

So any update on the fleshing out the first few days of your TR?

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Agreed.... I balled when the two stars were shown.

So any update on the fleshing out the first few days of your TR?

None yet, been absolutely swamped at work. Got caught up in planning The Grand trip, but I'll get back to this!

 

[RAPstar]

Best. TR. Ever?! Yes. I believe it is! Greatness all around. Thanks for keeping me entertained on this very slow work day!! Yay for June birthdays!! tee hee

I can totally relate to the meltdown after a day of non-eating. I did that at Sea World my last trip. Had nothing to eat until 2pm and then had alcohol with the meal. I was not a happy camper. Which then lead to me being all cynical during Believe. Or it was the silly hand dance thing they do ("Shamu! Shamu!" to which I replied "Shut up shut up!", silently though, as not to ruin the adorable girl next to me's experience.

Glad to hear that WWoHP didn't disappoint you as a HP fan (I've always thought of myself as a Hufflepuff......maybe just cuase the name is so fun to say). I won't be able to make it over to Uni this trip, but can't wait to get there one day!

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Best. TR. Ever?! Yes. I believe it is! Greatness all around. Thanks for keeping me entertained on this very slow work day!! Yay for June birthdays!! tee hee

Thank you! And oh, are you a fellow Gemini or Cancer? I'm cuspy, so I kinda have to be bi-partisan with myself.

I can totally relate to the meltdown after a day of non-eating. I did that at Sea World my last trip. Had nothing to eat until 2pm and then had alcohol with the meal. I was not a happy camper. Which then lead to me being all cynical during Believe. Or it was the silly hand dance thing they do ("Shamu! Shamu!" to which I replied "Shut up shut up!", silently though, as not to ruin the adorable girl next to me's experience.

You know, I've never been to Sea World Orlando. Once to San Diego, eons ago. I should at least go to do the Shamu Shamu dance. And hmm, if alcohol makes you cynical, maybe it would make me optimistic? Judging from the hell I hath wrought over on the dining board, I am in desperate need of a positive outlook on Disney. At least, that's what those armchair Freuds are saying...

Glad to hear that WWoHP didn't disappoint you as a HP fan (I've always thought of myself as a Hufflepuff......maybe just cuase the name is so fun to say). I won't be able to make it over to Uni this trip, but can't wait to get there one day!

I love funny words. I live for them. But then, I tend to make everything sound like Carol Channing, sho it turnsh not funny wordsh into complete shilliness. My SO, on the other hand likes Hufflepuff because he's all reverential. He takes Harry Potter so seriously. I would like to. I'd like to take a lot of things seriously actually... but everything's just so funny.

Speaking of which, I think I should stick to finishing this report, and of course, updating the pre-trip report. Because left to my own devices on the other boards, it could be tragic.

 

[RAPstar]

Thank you! And oh, are you a fellow Gemini or Cancer? I'm cuspy, so I kinda have to be bi-partisan with myself.



You know, I've never been to Sea World Orlando. Once to San Diego, eons ago. I should at least go to do the Shamu Shamu dance. And hmm, if alcohol makes you cynical, maybe it would make me optimistic? Judging from the hell I hath wrought over on the dining board, I am in desperate need of a positive outlook on Disney. At least, that's what those armchair Freuds are saying...



I love funny words. I live for them. But then, I tend to make everything sound like Carol Channing, sho it turnsh not funny wordsh into complete shilliness. My SO, on the other hand likes Hufflepuff because he's all reverential. He takes Harry Potter so seriously. I would like to. I'd like to take a lot of things seriously actually... but everything's just so funny.

Speaking of which, I think I should stick to finishing this report, and of course, updating the pre-trip report. Because left to my own devices on the other boards, it could be tragic.

I'm a Gemini, but if I'd waited like 2 more days I'd be Cancer, but I was aleady like 2 weeks late or something.

It wasn't the alcohol that made me cynical it was the extreme hunger (no food at all from 7am to 2pm). Alcohol just makes mer crazy...........ok crazier.

Is it wrong that I can't walk down like any staircase anywhere without doing breaking out into "Hello, Dolly"? Both as Carol and Louis.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

I'm a Gemini, but if I'd waited like 2 more days I'd be Cancer, but I was aleady like 2 weeks late or something.

It wasn't the alcohol that made me cynical it was the extreme hunger (no food at all from 7am to 2pm). Alcohol just makes mer crazy...........ok crazier.

Is it wrong that I can't walk down like any staircase anywhere without doing breaking out into "Hello, Dolly"? Both as Carol and Louis.

I think it's wrong how people can walk down staircases without bursting into "Hello, Dolly!" as Carol, Satchmo, or occasionally Babs (I mean, gotta mix it up every once in a while)!

 

[RAPstar]

I think it's wrong how people can walk down staircases without bursting into "Hello, Dolly!" as Carol, Satchmo, or occasionally Babs (I mean, gotta mix it up every once in a while)!

True. But no one can do it with as good high kicks as I can. Well, maybe a Rockette. But only a smidge.

 

[Kaleigh]

My husband likes to sing "Elegance" while walking down city streets...does that count?

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

And I'm sure you'd give the Rockettes a run for their money.

Elegance works too!

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

S a b o t a g e de la D i e t: French Quarter June 2010
The Lost Footage

Welcome to the first installment of the bonus feature series of my Sabotage de la Diet TR! Starting here, you will venture back with me to discover all the missing details from the trip prior to June 22; for that's the day in the report where I began writing more than an expanded assortment of dining reviews. From now on, I will be writing chronologically from the beginning, and when I reach any points already covered in the first posts, I'll let you know. I've already devised a nifty plan that hopefully won't be too confusing.



To review, Hi! I'm Billy. I'm a New England boy, raised in CT, now living in NYC. This particular trip was especially wonderful since it was my first birthday trip to WDW (I did go as a small child when my family lived an hour or so away, but I can't remember a thing), and the first ever trip for my SO! As an added sprinkling of pixie dust, we also planned the trip to celebrate his recent college graduation. There's one little detail I should mention. He thought we were staying at the Pop Century.

So after much procrastination...here we go!



June 17 - Part 1: The Beginning (Again, for the first time)

Okay, so you’re falling with me through an Alfred Hitchcock-esque transition sequence that’s all radiating oranges, reds, blues and assorted kaleidoscopic swirly stripes. Back, back over da falls. Whooosh! And so it is that we’ve landed on June 17, 1912. You’re in the Grand Hotel, and Jane Seymour is waiting for you outside by the lake. It is June 17, 1912. Oh wait. My bad. Too far. Can someone crank up the time-travel music? Everyone back in the trippy Buzz Lightyear/If You Had Wings tunnel.

And we’re falling, we’re falling… almost there. Wait a second. Who turned out the lights?

“Looks like Brer Fox and Brer Bear are making a ruckus downstream. We’ll be resumin' momentarily.”

Oh great. Everyone hold tight now. We’re just unloading a disgruntled Le Cellier patron and sending them to some kind of purgatory where the only animal that appears on Kilimanjaro Safaris is served with a side of creamed spinach. One second.

And we’re resuming. Aaaahhh! Oh my stars, it’s light speed from Endora! Everyone hold on tight because we’re coming in for a landing in Manhattan on the morning of June 17, 2010. Even that date sounds like science fiction. We’re all living in an Arthur C. Clarke novel now, people! Okay,brace yourself, no bad dancing, and don’t forget to leave your children and personal belongings behind, because there’s just no room in my trip report for them hats 'n glasses. Got it? Okay....

It was 6 am, and I’d barely slept more than two and a half hours the morning/night before. True to form, I waited to the last minute to get my suitcase outta the crazy narrow closet in my apartment, and that took about two and a half hours! And of course I had to air it out, and get it all Febrezed and linen fresh. What would we do without Febreze? I know, maybe we’d all breathe a little easier. It can’t be good for us, it just can’t. But really, to pull that suitcase out, I had to first remove about 6 giant, clear, plastic bins each weighing about 1,000 lbs. And each box took about three articles of clothing off their hangers with it, until I was left with a muddled mess of dress shirts and pants all over the floor. And, I inevitably get everything caught on the upright handle of my vacuum, which is somehow crowded in with everything else. Is this not the most boring TR paragraph ever? But you see, I do love my apartment. It’s my first . No roommates, SO or otherwise. Just me. But I have to figure out a better solution to the whole storage situation.

Anyhoo, I started folding clothes and gathering toiletries around 1 am, so the fates were laughing by that point at my sense of initiative. But I fought back by putting on some Walt Disney World mood music like the Innoventions loop, and a few tracks played at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (from a CD I bought there in 2003). But the Jambo Mambo was starting to lull my senses to a stopping point, there wasn’t enough oomph. So I decided to slap together a more encouraging iTunes playlist -- I’m bringing it up on my phone now, because it’s still synced -- oh can I type the songs out? Of course, sitting down to make a playlist took even more time, but it was worth it. Wanna see what's on the list? If not you can scroll down. But maybe some of you give a darn:

Dolly Parton – Jesus and Gravity
Dolly Parton – Jolene
Cecilia Bartoli – Dell’aura al sussurrar
Cecilia Bartoli – Dopo un’ orrida procella
Sarah Vaughan – How High Is The Moon?
Sarah Vaughan – Witchcraft
Nirvana – You Know You’re Right
Alanis Morrissette – King of Pain
Joni Mitchell - Conversation
Lady Gaga - Teeth
Bette Midler – Do You Want To Dance?
Company (from the German Cast Recording of the musical Company)
Getting Married Today (from the German Cast Recording of the musical Company)
Barbara Cook – Nobody’s Heart Belongs To Me
The Bangles - Eternal Flame
Eurhythmics – There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)
The Police - King of Pain
Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight
Maureen McGovern – Accentuate the Positive
Madonna – Papa Don’t Preach
Macy Gray – Finally Made Me Happy
Audra McDonald – God Give Me Strength
Cher – The Music’s No Good Without You

That list is so... well, it's not even funny. But it is funny how I kinda added songs based on association. Okay, so Cecilia has nothing to do with Dolly. But, there is a 90s thing kinda happening, and then an 80s thing kinda happening. And maybe not.. Anyway, I don’t think I made it through the list, because I switched over to an episode of the DIS Unplugged at one point and an episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class (love those girls) about the world’s first documented female serial killer. Yep. Fabulous stuff. Apparently her whole family knew what she was doing and protected her. Oh those Victorians, or whatever. Whilst listening to all of that, I checked in for my flight to get my boarding pass, and surfed over to Disney.com to re-confirmed my resort check-in. This was the first time I’d tried this and I was wary. Not that I’m a negative nancy when it comes to online check-ins (I think I checked in right at the 10 day marker!), but I’m sure more than a few of you know how wonky Disney’s travel site can be.

Oh! I have to tell you the other insanity that was keeping me up nights. You know that creepy thread all about bedbugs here on the DIS? I don’t know what forum it’s in, but I always see it as a new post when I first log onto the main page. That thread convinced me that I had bedbugs, much to the detriment of my family and close friends who assured me that I didn't. What did they know? I wrapped double-sided tape around my bed and slept in a tightly wrapped cocoon for two weeks. I scoured my apartment for openings in the walls, loose floorboards, and buggy hiding places. Well, it turned out that the bites on my arm were from mosquitoes. But I’m the kind of person who will read a diagnosis online and prognosis negative myself into believing I have it. I would be a terrible doctor. I’m not disputing the seriousness of bedbugs; I wouldn’t wish them on my worst enemy. But I’ll admit, that thread had me going crazy. Well, crazier than usual. So even while I was packing for the trip, I kept thinking that I couldn’t let my clothes touch the bed. This didn’t speed anything along. Damn you creepy bug thread!

Anyway, like dress rehearsal before opening night, I got through it and before I knew it, morning had broken ("like the first morning"). But I wasn’t heading to work that day. Oh no. It was off to Terminal 5 at JFK! I had laid my clothes out somewhere between Cher and Innoventions Plaza, and it hadn't yet sunk in that I was going on VACATION. Because I was stressed! There were surprises in store and I wanted everything to go perfectly. You know, I am an OCDIS'er. So after I managed to collect everything and walk three blocks to the train, I decided to change things up. Originally, I was going to take the A and transfer to the Air Train, but something about dragging my luggage down the stairs in 100 degree weather (did I mention it was hotter at home than it was in Lake Buena Vista that week?) to the even more broiling oven below became very unattractive to me. And so, I decided to cab it. Of course, now I could have slept a bit longer, but.... might as well beat the morning traffic. Riiiight, because everyone’s driving to Queens at 7 am.

The cabbie got out to help me with my luggage – an increasingly regular occurrence lately, woohoo! I'm getting older! – and then quoted me a ridiculous fare which I whittled down to believability. I always have to pretend I’m my father in those situations. My dad once told... okay, derailment time.

Like any Disney-lovin' kid, I always pre-ordered new videos at The Disney Store. Not only did it give me an excuse to drag my parents to the mall, but the pre-ordered titles were always coupled with gorgeous lithographs sleeved in decorated envelopes (I had a collection of just the envelopes hanging on my wall!), and limited-edition plastic wristwatches. I'm sure some of you reading did the same. Anyway, my father would take me over to the mall after school on the big release days, which were always on Tuesday I believe. And we were often fairly late because he was coming from work. Because of this, the store was almost always deserted. Oftentimes, he would let me run into the mall while he waited in the parking lot listening to Charlie Parker.

So, in regards to this particular story (I think it was for Beauty and the Beast but I can't remember), the store was completely empty save for two CMs. The one who gave me the video said she had run out of lithographs and watches. “In one day?", I asked. She told me that despite the shipment they had in the back, she was unable to get them and made no suggestion of my returning to retrieve them later in the week. Bluntly, she seemed to have checked out early for the night. When I asked again, she got very stern and I sheepishly inched back out of the store. Back in the car, though my dad never asked to see anything, he suddenly wanted to see the “little poster”. I didn’t want to tell him about my little setback at the store but, there it was. Suffice it to say, he parked the car against my protests. I didn’t want to go back in, but he told me to come along. Now, at this point in time my dad was a pretty imposing figure: smartly dressed with an executive look, a more recent military background (well more recent than now, anyway) and a knack for that kind of under-the-breath authority which is so much more effective than yelling and screaming. And I kid you not, this was the exchange:

“Hello, how can I help you?”

“Well how in the heck are you?”

“I’m doing well, are you look -”

“I understand there are a few components missing from my son’s order.”

“I’m sorry but I can’t get them just now. I let your son -”

“Isn’t that something?"

“If you give me your phone number, I can contact you when the next shipment is available.”

“Now lemme ask you a question. I know you’re just doing your job, and that you must deal with a lot of irate people.”

The CM laughed and smiled.

“But if I let my good friend Michael, Michael Eisner know about this, I’m sure he’d be more than a little interested.”

“What-”

“I could always speak with the manager”

“I am the manager, sir.”

“I know you want to close up shop and go home. But I want to go home too. And if you don’t mind walking 5 feet for a lousy watch and a piece of cardboard, it would be much appreciated.”

After we got back in the car, I was still mouth agape at what he said.

“I can’t BELIEVE what you said!”

“We got what I paid for right?”

“But –“

“Life’s too short. You may as well learn it now.”

Of course, it took me years to put this kind of thinking into action. And while I’ve never posed as a friend of Bob Iger, I do like to reflect on my dad's attitude. It's never one of entitlement, just one of, well, getting your money's worth. Now, if you want to talk about entitlement, I learned that all on my own! It’s like I always say, I can’t stand entitlement unless it’s me getting to the front of the line. Kidding. Not really.

So with a good cab fare, thanks to my dad, I was on my way to Jetblue Terminal 5, which is, plainly, my favorite airport terminal evah. The dining options alone rival most of what I find even at Disney! They have the country's first ever airline terminal tapas bar. It's called Piquillo, here's a photo:

Then there's the steakhouse, 5ive Steak:

And Deep Blue Sushi (run by the chef behind Buddakan!)

But the uber coolest of coolest things ever? Amidst the waiting areas at the gates themselves, there are little elevated tables with touch screen monitors for ordering food! It’s brought right to you at the gate and you feel all fancy and futuristic and stuff. And with outlets to charge your phone/laptop, who cares if there's a layover? it’s all in one place, ready to go. Overall, I'd describe the terminal as a cross between the restaurant area at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and an Apple store. Sleek, hip, sexy.

But the sweetest bonus is that Jetblue has acquired the terminal just opposite, the classic Eero Saarinen designed TWA Flight Center, which they are currently restoring and hope to open soon as a new entrypoint into their main terminal. It just so happens that it’s one of my favorite buildings in the whole world, and I swear I'll probably head on over to check it out even if I'm not going anywhere. Ever since I got into architecture, I've wanted to see this space.

So, even though I choose to fly out of Newark when I travel, if I’m going to Disney, it’s JFK all the way. My vacation kinda starts the second I get to the airport, but then, I’ve always considered Walt Disney World to be the sixth borough.

To be continued!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Awesome getting packed playlist! It seems like no matter how excited you are for a Disney trip packing is still as boring as packing for any other trip

Sorry that the bedbug thread kept you up at night! I am sure it would have creeped me out as well!

That's an awesome story about your dad and the lithograph! I could only imagine the CMs face after he talked about Michael Eisner

Great update!

 

[Kaleigh]

There must be a completely different JFK than what I experienced in May flying American, cuz that was long lines for Mc Donalds all the way. There was 1 wine bar that didn't look anywhere near as nice as the places you had. Oh well.
Love your Dad story. I only become bold with people when I am traveling. Get me in Italy, and I can talk down any street merchant, but at home, I am jello.
Also love your wacky playlist. Eternal Flame AND Not Getting Married? I don't know why I am surprised anymore with you...

 

[creativeamanda]

I have a confession. . .I've never been closer to an airport other than dropping someone off at the Southwest outdoor counter at RDU. (Hanging my head in shame) Of course, I've been on 15 and 16-hour drives. But JFK looks so interesting to visit, if nothing else.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Awesome getting packed playlist! It seems like no matter how excited you are for a Disney trip packing is still as boring as packing for any other trip

Sorry that the bedbug thread kept you up at night! I am sure it would have creeped me out as well!

That's an awesome story about your dad and the lithograph! I could only imagine the CMs face after he talked about Michael Eisner

Great update!

Thanks Caitlin! I still couldn't believe the CM bought it!

There must be a completely different JFK than what I experienced in May flying American, cuz that was long lines for Mc Donalds all the way. There was 1 wine bar that didn't look anywhere near as nice as the places you had. Oh well.
Love your Dad story. I only become bold with people when I am traveling. Get me in Italy, and I can talk down any street merchant, but at home, I am jello.
Also love your wacky playlist. Eternal Flame AND Not Getting Married? I don't know why I am surprised anymore with you...

Oh, I can vouch that the new Jetblue terminal is far removed from the typical JFK experience. That's why I go to Newark if I'm flying to a city not served by Jetblue.

And yes, I'm normally jello too, unless I picture my dad encountering the same situation.

Oh and Eternal Flame and Not Getting Married? I see a medley in my future... somehow. Thank you for reading Miss Kaleigh!

I have a confession. . .I've never been closer to an airport other than dropping someone off at the Southwest outdoor counter at RDU. (Hanging my head in shame) Of course, I've been on 15 and 16-hour drives. But JFK looks so interesting to visit, if nothing else.

Oh, JFK isn't a destination by any means. Only if the TWA structure interests you, otherwise it's stilll.. just an airport. And you have to go through security to get to the cool parts of T5 anyway. But hey, if you're not a fan of flying I completely understand. I stopped flying for a little while out of sheer terror. It's not a good feeling.

Thanks for reading Amanda!

 

[Linda67]

Well I have finally caught up

It's a shame that sometimes I have to do some actual work instead of reading your wonderful TR

Anyway I am all up to date with your adventure and am so pleased that you are already planning your GF dream trip

I spent my 30th (and 40th ) birthday's at WDW and there is no better place to:

A) Lie about your age
B) Not act you age
C) Use Sugar/Alcohol to forget you age (and ocassionally your room number)

Have a great day - it's pouring with rain in London