Squeezing Quarters Til the Eagle Screams..a May 2010 PTR! 4/9 Update!!

[scooby9932]

Oh Dawn, I hate that you were/still are feeling crappy. At least you were able to make it to work today. As if that's a comforting place.

I like the souvie lists. And, I think they are all great idea for being on a budget. Have you ever visited Mickey Mart at Downtown Disney? Everything in there is under $10.00! That's my kinda store.

Thanks. Yeah, feeling cruddy is never fun, but you learn to live with it. It was actually good to get back to work. At least here I have a computer I can use to catch up on my Dis habit. My eyes get a real workout trying to read the boards on my little cell phone screen.

I haven't been to the Mickey Mart in the last few years. Thanks for the idea! I'll have to stop in & see what they have. I'm all about saving money.

 

[SC_TwiMom]

My family is also very budget minded. It has been great for me to stay home with the kids, but not so great for the wallet. I coupon like a mad woman to save money. I love your list. We like to do pressed pennies too. My kids always get them at the zoo, so we'll have to get some disney one's this year too. I LOVE your mothers day tradition. So sweet. I'm just gonna start calling you Lorelai!

Speaking of GG, have you guys seen Post Grad? It has Alexis Bledel in it, and it's really cute. The English major in me can seriously relate. Also Carol Burnett and Micheal Keeton who are both fabulous! You'd like it.

Sorry you have been feeling bad. You are such a trooper though, and I am in awe od your stregnth Keep up the fight. It sounds like you are kicking butt

Anyway, have a great day, and I am looking forward to reading more!

 

[scooby9932]

My family is also very budget minded. It has been great for me to stay home with the kids, but not so great for the wallet. I coupon like a mad woman to save money. I love your list. We like to do pressed pennies too. My kids always get them at the zoo, so we'll have to get some disney one's this year too.

You definitely should! It's one of the best & cheapest souvenirs at WDW. If you don't already have it, there are 2 websites I use each year to check on penny locations & new designs. They are PressCoins.com and ParkPennies.com



I LOVE your mothers day tradition. So sweet. I'm just gonna start calling you Lorelai!

Thanks! We like it. And it's funny, Somer has long decided her 1st daughter is going to be called Lorelai. She just loves the name!


Speaking of GG, have you guys seen Post Grad? It has Alexis Bledel in it, and it's really cute. The English major in me can seriously relate. Also Carol Burnett and Micheal Keeton who are both fabulous! You'd like it.

No! We saw previews last summer & have been wanting to see it. I'll have to rent it this weekend. Thanks


Sorry you have been feeling bad. You are such a trooper though, and I am in awe od your stregnth Keep up the fight. It sounds like you are kicking butt

Anyway, have a great day, and I am looking forward to reading more!

Thanks for your sweet comments! Yep, I am a fighter! I had my 40th birthday last May to celebrate beating the doctor's predictions. When I was diagnosed with Lupus back in 2001, they told me I would be lucky to make it to 40. I was bound & determined to prove them all wrong! It was a BIG celebration. I guess being stubborn does have it's good points, huh?

I'm working on a t-shirt design for this year's trip that has a little easter like chick on it with the slogan "One Tough Chick" on the front & "Kicking Cancer's Patootie!" or something similar on the back- I don't want the wording to be offensive. Any suggestions?

 

[scooby9932]

Wow! It's been awhile since I posted. I guess life got in the way a bit.

Last week was pretty miserable. I'm feeling better physically - not having as much bone pain as before. So that's good. But I've been just heartsick for Somer. Poor thing has had a really bad week. And, hence, so have I. Don't you just hate it when your kids are hurting & there's really nothing you can do to make it better?

Here's the story:

After being single for about 6 months, she finally agreed to go out with a guy who had been persuing her since last April. They started dating back in early December. After a few weeks of dating, he asked if they could be exclusive. His words were "Will you let me be your boyfriend so I can treat you like a goddess as you deserve?" Yeah, smooth talker! Anyhoo - they were spending loads of time together & she had really started to fall for him in a big way. He'd taken her to meet his family several times - even extended family out of town for a weekend. He talked about the future with her. They laughed alot & seemed really happy together. He came over Sunday afternoon & spent some time with the family. Things seemed normal.

Then Monday morning while she's at work - BAM! - he sends her a text that says he found himself wanting to say "I love you" over the weekend & this scared him so he wanted to have a few days apart to see how he felt. She decided that this was ok, he was sure to come around.

Then Wednesday (after letting her hang there for a couple of days) he sends another text saying he's decided to break it off with her because he's not ready to feel what he's feeling. She's the perfect girlfriend, yadayadayada. What the heck?!? And what's with the chicken sh!t way of using text instead of making the time to talk in person with your girlfriend? It just steams my behind!

She was so hurt!

All week he continued to send her texts with things like "You opened up a part of me I haven't had in years." "I don't want to lose you." "I want us to be good friends & I want to know you'll still be around." She told me yesterday that he sent his usual "Good morning, beautiful." text & this really made her angry.

She told him not to send any more texts like that to her. He acts confused as to why she wouldn't want him acting mushy with her. She tells him that it hurts to read that when he's broken up with her & she's hurting.

He tells her he'd like to know that one day he could come back & she'd be there for him. Yeah, right, buddy! She told him no way would she do that & how could he be so callous to think he could "have his cake & eat it too" especially when she'd been through that before with her ex-fiancee & he knew it. He continued to tell her how she was the best girlfriend he's ever had. How everything she is was just so perfect. Well, why did you break it off then, jerk? He's not ready for committment. Ugh!

I'm so proud of her for standing up for herself! She's had a long history of letting guys treat her badly - I think a leftover from her tangled relationship with her father. I've been working on these issues with her her whole life - counseling, etc. - but she's still got a lot of things messed up as far as being a codependent & trying to make everything perfect for guys so they'll love her. LOTS of history here. But I think she's making progress. I hope so anyway.

Yesterday we were shopping for some stuff at Wal Mart & she says she wants to look at the Valentine's stuff. While looking around at all the hearts & candy & I Love You teddy bears, she tells me in this small voice, "Mom, Adam's "beautiful" text really hurt." "I'm not sure any guy will ever think I'm beautiful again. I don't know that I'll ever find a guy that I can love who will love me back & treat me well. Do you?"

Dang it! I hate when she doubts herself like this!

I told her that of course she'd find someone some day that would find her beautiful & appreciate all her good qualities.

She's so easily hurt & discouraged. It just breaks my heart. I wish I could make her see herself for the wonderful person she is. I wish I could scour the earth & find her prince charming for her. But, I can't. I can only try to reassure her & hope she learns to truly love herself without needing reassurance from a guy or anyone else.

I'm thankful that she'll talk to me about stuff. There was a time where she was with a guy who was verbally & mentally abusive. They were together 2 1/2 years. He was her first love & first serious boyfriend.

I knew he was being abusive. Not physically, but in SO many other ways. He made her feel worthless. I couldn't get her to see what was happening. No one could. And we all tried. She shut down & wouldn't talk to me about anything. For a l-o-n-g time. It nearly crushed me.

This was when things were really touch & go health-wise for me & I was terrified I was going to die while she was still caught in this obsession & she'd never get herself out.

He had pretty much alienated her from every family member, every friend, her church, her social network, everything. This was the worst time of my life. It's been a year now since she finally broke things off with him. And about 6 months since she's really started to work out a lot of the issues this relationship left behind for her.

But now she's better at talking things out with me & with her best friend, Abbie. She still withholds from sharing with me some things. But I know she talks to her friends, so that makes it easier to bear. I try to just be there for her when she's ready. But I'll tell you, it just breaks my heart. I know she can't go through life without getting hurt. I know there's lessons she needs to learn in the painful things that happen. I just wish she could catch a break.

Ok, I've given you a thoroughly non-Disney update & vented in my longwinded way. Sorry about that.

I'm going to try to write a new update by tomorrow with more of our plans & excitement about Disney. There's really nothing like planning these trips to get us excited & out of the blues. I'm thinking the next update will be about our Disney crafts! We always do a few crafts in anticipation of our trip.

Here's one we do every year: Disney pillowcases! We like to take them on the trips & also they make a great memento of past trips. In our flashback photos, I'll show you some from previous years:

Mine from 2008:

Mine from 2009:

Somer's from 2008:

Somer's from 2009:

 

[jenbear123]

Seems I fell a wee bit behind your PTR! All caught up now.

Glad you are giving Le Cellier a try, despite not liking red meat. The soup is delicious, the gnocchi I have not tried but have been told it doesn't disappoint, and the Chocolate "Moose" I have had on several occasions and it always brings a smile to my face. Don't be worried about getting excited over a meal that's 3 months away. Happens all the time.

Your shopping day with Somer sounded great! I've seen those Sketchers shoes around here. Don't know if they're actually any good though. Yes, I hate it when you turn and suddenly who ever you were walking with turns into a complete stranger! This actually happened to me once when I was somewhere in the tender age of 4 or 5. I was at Canada's Wonderland (a theme park here in Ontario) and I was walking along with my mom and my sister. I guess I was more interested in my feet and my thoughts than what was going on around me. I hadn't noticed that I was no longer walking beside my mom but I reached up to hold her hand. Before I knew it, a young man yanked his hand away from mine and said "Whoa! I'm not your mommy!" I gave him something to look forward to for his future I was terrified. My mom called to me and I found them quite easily. The whole experience gave me quite the scare though.

You have a Kindle? I want one! Sadly they are not available here yet....

Sorry to hear about your painful Monday. That's no fun for sure. Hope you are feeling better

I like the idea of getting a postcard from each country in Epcot. Gives me an idea for my next trip....

That sucks about your antennae topper! I'd be peeved if someone took my Nemo!

Love, love LOVE that ring.

A traditional souvenir that I get on every trip are the resort magnets for where we stayed. Especially if my mom isn't with me, I usually will buy one for her so she can put it on her fridge. I always have to get a box of those mickey shaped coconut patties. And if my budget allows it, I usually try to find something with Bambi or The Lion King on it.

Poor Somer and the break-up. Boys are stupid. No matter what way you look at it. I've had some tough break ups as well so I know what she's going through. I hope she can be strong and get over that jerk. Make sure she doesn't jump into another relationship before she's ready. The worst is getting hurt again.

Those pillowcases are great

 

[scooby9932]

Seems I fell a wee bit behind your PTR! All caught up now.

Glad you are giving Le Cellier a try, despite not liking red meat. The soup is delicious, the gnocchi I have not tried but have been told it doesn't disappoint, and the Chocolate "Moose" I have had on several occasions and it always brings a smile to my face. Don't be worried about getting excited over a meal that's 3 months away. Happens all the time.

I'm super excited about this meal! I'm glad to hear you've heard good things about the gnocchi. Yum!

Your shopping day with Somer sounded great! I've seen those Sketchers shoes around here. Don't know if they're actually any good though. Yes, I hate it when you turn and suddenly who ever you were walking with turns into a complete stranger! This actually happened to me once when I was somewhere in the tender age of 4 or 5. I was at Canada's Wonderland (a theme park here in Ontario) and I was walking along with my mom and my sister. I guess I was more interested in my feet and my thoughts than what was going on around me. I hadn't noticed that I was no longer walking beside my mom but I reached up to hold her hand. Before I knew it, a young man yanked his hand away from mine and said "Whoa! I'm not your mommy!" I gave him something to look forward to for his future I was terrified. My mom called to me and I found them quite easily. The whole experience gave me quite the scare though.

Oh, my! That does sound scary for a little kid. Somer did something similar when she was 10 or so. We were in San Antonio at a bus stop waiting for the right bus so we could go to Seaworld. Well, she kept running back & forth reading the numbers of the coming buses & then sitting back on my dad's lap. Only one time she got confused & ran right up to this young man wearing a similar shirt & hugged him around his middle saying, "It's not our bus yet, PawPaw!" Too late she realized it wasn't her PawPaw she was hugging & ran to my dad embarrassed as can be, hiding her head in his shoulder. That poor guy's face! He turned 10 shades of red & though I had heard him comment on which bus he was waiting for, he climbed onto the very next one that stopped - and it wasn't the one he'd said. My dad & I laughed & laughed. Somer was so embarrassed. She still says it's one of her most embarrassing moments.

You have a Kindle? I want one! Sadly they are not available here yet....

Yep! The Kindle is my new addiction. That stinks that you can't get one yet. Hopefully, you can get one soon!

Sorry to hear about your painful Monday. That's no fun for sure. Hope you are feeling better

Thank you. Yes, I'm feeling better. Those kinds of days are not fun at all.

I like the idea of getting a postcard from each country in Epcot. Gives me an idea for my next trip....

I'm hoping I can find one in each country. I think it would make a great addition to our scrapbook!

That sucks about your antennae topper! I'd be peeved if someone took my Nemo!
Oooh, I was steaming mad when I saw that. And the funny thing is I have really missed the thing. It helps me locate my small car among all the SUV's and monster trucks in the parking lots.

Love, love LOVE that ring. Yeah, Somer does, too. It's getting tarnished easier these days since she started some new medication. I guess the chemicals in her skin are doing it. I'm hoping we can find her a pretty new one this year.

A traditional souvenir that I get on every trip are the resort magnets for where we stayed. Especially if my mom isn't with me, I usually will buy one for her so she can put it on her fridge. I always have to get a box of those mickey shaped coconut patties. And if my budget allows it, I usually try to find something with Bambi or The Lion King on it.

Great idea! I have lots of room in my office for magnets on my filing cabinets!

Poor Somer and the break-up. Boys are stupid. No matter what way you look at it. I've had some tough break ups as well so I know what she's going through. I hope she can be strong and get over that jerk. Make sure she doesn't jump into another relationship before she's ready. The worst is getting hurt again.

Yeah, it stinks! She did listen last time & waited a good while before dating again. I'm hoping she'll do the same this time. Rebound relationships never work out.

Those pillowcases are great Thanks! It makes waking up in the morning almost worth it to see the happy WDW reminders!

to my PTR! Thanks for all the comments! I'm going to pop over to your PTR & see what's going on with your surprise trip!

 

[scooby9932]

Ok, so I've done a few more Disney related things the past few days & actually have something to report! What have I done? Well, in a word - shopping.

The most exciting thing I've bought is a birthday present for Somer that I just bought today.

She has wanted to get her belly button pierced since she was 10 or so. I told her that once she was 18 & able to pay for it, she could do what she wanted. Well, last year she finally bit the bullet & got her piercing done, but there were some complications & she had to take it out. All this involved a visit to the emergency room, so you can imagine how bad it got.

After months of lamenting the loss of her belly button ring, the scarring finally went away & she had it re-pierced - this time with a better technician who couldn't believe what the last guy did, but I digress. Anyhoo, she now has a new belly button ring & is really happy with it. It has healed amazingly fast & she should be able to change out the ring by the time of our trip.

So, what did I buy her for a birthday present? You guessed it! A Mickey Head belly button ring! She's going to be so excited! Now to keep it a secret until March 10. Yikes!

Here's a pic:

In other news, I also picked up a couple of Disney t-shirts for myself that were on sale for $8 at Wal Mart. I only got 1 decent pic of one of them, but it's my favorite color - PURPLE! Pardon the bad pic quality - my phone doesn't take the best pictures.

Somer needed some polarized sunglasses due to her right eye remaining dilated all the time - one of the many symptoms she's been experiencing! So, I went online trying to find a good deal on these thingies. Boy! Are they ever expensive! I couldn't find any for under $100.

Just when I was giving up, I remembered a site I used to use when we camped & backpacked alot. So, I checked & they had some great poloarized Suncloud polarized glasses marked down to only $14! Well, I had to go ahead & get myself a pair at that price!

Here they are:

I'll have to post a pic of Somer's when I can get one.

While I was on that site, I checked to see if they happened to have any Teva Mush flip flops on sale....Cha Ching! I bought one pair for Somer & one for myself. Both for under $20.

Here's a pic of mine:

I have heard wonderful things about these sandals. Both Somer & I have weird feet! Mine have extremely high arches & I have plantar fasciitis. Somer's feet are completely flat & she suffers from fallen arches.

So far, after only wearing them around the house a couple of nights now, I all I have to say is - WO W!

These are the most comfortable flip flops I've ever tried. The bottoms mold to your feet & they have built in arch support. Somer says she thinks she'll be able to walk for days in them. So they should work for us in Disney! It'll be a nice change from Crocs. Not that I don't LOVE my ugly clown-feet Crocs...'cause I do!

That's it for Disney purchases right now. I'm sure there will be more things along the way that we'll just have to have.

I've been trying to come up with a slogan I can wear on a t-shirt or maybe as an iron-on for the back of my scooter seat cover. Today I found the cutest t-shirts that I might have to steal from! I'm leaning towards re-doing my scooter seat cover or maybe even making a sign for the front basket of the scooter. I like the idea of dressing my scooter up a bit.

Here's the choices for slogans - try to imagine them NOT in t-shirt form, if that makes sense:

First Choice - I like the positive attitude-ness of it! :

Second Choice - Because I AM a princess! :

And just to annoy those people who call me lazy for using a scooter (and, yeah, to my face more often than I care to remember) - hmmph! J/K :

Whaddaya think? Which one? Good idea? Bad idea? Better as t-shirts? Or scooter decor?


Oooh, ooooo, ooooo - I forgot to tell ya'll about the cutest story Somer told me the other night. One of the little girls in her daycare is SO cute! Her name is Hannah & she's 3 years old. She just loves Somer & asks her mommy to work out on her off days just so she can "go play with Miss Somer." Too cute.

Anyhoo - it was just the 2 of them & they were coloring. Hannah went to give Somer her picture & noticed that she was wearing a Princess shirt. It's a design I made for her (I'll post a pic below) of a Cinderella & her castle, carriage, etc.

Hannah asked in an awed voice, "Is that Cindyrella?"
Somer said, "Yes, it is! She's my favorite princess."
Hannah says, "Oh, mine, too!"
Somer then tells her that she's met Cinderella.
Hannah: "You've MET Cinderella?!?"
Somer says, "Yep, and all the other princesses. And Tinkerbell, too."

Hannah just couldn't believe this! Somer said her eyes got really wide & she asked in a hushed voice, "You know the princesses? You've met Tinkerbell?"

Somer told her that they all live in Disney World & that's where she met them.

Then Hannah asked in an awed voice, drawing out the words in CAPS: "There's a Disney (pause) WORLD?!?" "A whole WORLD?"

Somer said the wonder & delight on this little girl's face almost made her teary. Well they talked a bit about Disney World, princesses, and pixie hollow for awhile. Then her mother came to get her.

When the mom came in the room, Hannah rushed over & said, "Mama! You have to hear this! There is a Disney W-O-R-L-D!!! Miss Somer met the princesses there! She even met Tink! And saw Cindyrella's castle! Oh, Mama! I would L-O-V-E to go to Disney WORLD!"

The mom pulled Somer aside while Hannah was gathering her things & told her that Hannah didn't know, but they were going to WDW in April! It is going to be the 1st trip for the whole family.

Isn't that the cutest story? I'm so happy for Hannah & her family! Of course, Somer told her she must get online & find a site called disboards. I hope she listens to Somer & does prepare. And I can't wait to hear about their trip.

Isn't the excitement of Disney contagious? I just love that Somer is spreading the joy!

Oh, here's the t-shirt design:

And a pic of it on Somer during our 2008 trip. This will be my flashback pic of the day:

'Til next time.....

 

[scooby9932]

Hello?? Anybody out there?

Please feel free to post if you're lurking. I promise I won't bite. Not even a nibble! Unless that's your thing, but, no, not even then...

I always get a bit paranoid that I'm posting to these boards but no one is reading. So, post if you can! Thanks in advance!

Anyhoo, today I worked on my Disney planning spreadsheets a bit. I filled out the driving itinerary, the daily activity itinerary, the dining plans, and the budget worksheet.

Oh, the budget worksheet! I try to not look too closely at what a trip like this costs, even with cutting corners. Yowzer!

I'm hoping my W2 comes in sometime this week so I can plug the numbers into Turbotax & see if I get anything back from Uncle Sam. With all the posts on these boards about people not getting a refund, a much lesser refund, or even owing this year, I'm a bit nervous.

I was really hoping to pay off the trip with my refund. It's still do-able without it, but will be much harder. I knew I didn't like the "incentive" plan put through last year, darn it. Hopefully reducing my claims on the W4 will have at least made it so I don't OWE anything. I'm praying!

For today's update I thought I'd share some things we'd like to do at Magic Kingdom that we've not done before or at least not in a really long time:

• Arrive for Rope Drop
• Ride one of the Main Street Vehicles
• Try the Corn Dog nuggets at Casey's - I found out they're not beef - so Yippee! I can have some! My diet restriction of no red meat is sometimes a real pain in the patootie!
• Listen to the phone in Tomorrowland - we did in Le Chapeau on Main Street & it was cute. I hope the one in Tomorrowland is still there.
• Ride the ferry boat
• Eat @ Cosmic Ray's (Last time I did this was in 1987 for Grad Nites)
• Watch the Show in front of the Castle - we somehow always miss this & just catch the last few moments when we pass by the hub.
• Watch Wishes from the RR platform
• Ride Jungle Cruise @ Night
• Ride Astro Orbitor - not sure if Somer will do this one with her fear of heights, but she'd said she'd try to work up the nerve.
• Get pixie dust & glitter in my hair at Harmony Barbershop - this is something even I can do with my short hair

Well, that's it for now. We might think of a few other things @ MK, but our lists are much longer for the other parks.

Well, that's all for today. I have to leave work & go by the daycare to drop off some coloring pages I printed out for Somer & the kids. Then it's Grey's Anatomy tonight!

For flashback pics of the day:

Acrobats in Epcot's China:

And, just because I think he's so cute, here's my little pookie boy, Rufus, when he was just a puppy:

Peeking out of his house:

Looking guilty for getting all muddy in the backyard:

 

[jenbear123]

Eek! Sorry I didn't realize you had updated a few times. Okay, why can't the Wal-Marts around here have shirts like that!!! I WANT THAT SHIRT! Chip & Dale are my secret crushes. That shirt would be perfect. Plus I'm kinda nutty anyway so it all fits in.

I really like the picture of the acrobats in China. Did Somer take that photo?

I'm hoping for a nice tax refund too. We shall see....

 

[scooby9932]

Eek! Sorry I didn't realize you had updated a few times. Okay, why can't the Wal-Marts around here have shirts like that!!! I WANT THAT SHIRT! Chip & Dale are my secret crushes. That shirt would be perfect. Plus I'm kinda nutty anyway so it all fits in.

I really like the picture of the acrobats in China. Did Somer take that photo?

I'm hoping for a nice tax refund too. We shall see....

Hey! Thanks for replying. It's nice to know I do still have readers.

The Chip & Dale shirt is really cute. I wish you could find one like it! The Chip & Dale characters at the park are always so funny - and a bit naughty! They're one of my favorites, too.

Yep, the Chinese acrobats picture was Somer's. She got some really good shots this last time.

Here's to hoping for NICE tax refunds!

 

[SC_TwiMom]

Hey Darling,
I've been writing alot this week and watching Alton Brown on DVD My sweet husband got it for me even though it's enabling my secret crush.

I LOVE your tshirt ideas. My favorite is the "Chemo Princess" one, but they are all cute. I was actually going to search for some cool slogan ideas for you too. I'll let you know if I find any.

I also love Somer's bday gift. I was into piercing when I was her age. I still have a scar under my lip where mine used to be. Hey, something to show the kids when they grow up and think I'm a dork, right?

I haven't done much in the way of planning lately, but my folks and I are going to sit down for a planning session on Sunday so....we'll see how that goes.

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

 

[scooby9932]

Hey Darling, For some insane reason I always hear Conway Twitty's voice whenever I read any greeting with Darlin' - and being in the South means I hear his voice A LOT!

I've been writing alot this week and watching Alton Brown on DVD My sweet husband got it for me even though it's enabling my secret crush.

I had to look up who that was, so that'll tell you how little TV I watch. I love to cook, though, so I can totally understand loving cooking shows. I just never take the time to watch any of them.

I'm glad your sweetie feeds your addiction for you!

I LOVE your tshirt ideas. My favorite is the "Chemo Princess" one, but they are all cute. I was actually going to search for some cool slogan ideas for you too. I'll let you know if I find any.

Oooh! Thanks - I'd love some more suggestions!

I also love Somer's bday gift. I was into piercing when I was her age. I still have a scar under my lip where mine used to be. Hey, something to show the kids when they grow up and think I'm a dork, right?

You will find that as your kids grow up & think you're a dork you'll have lots to prove them otherwise, but they don't always believe you! In my case, it's true - I'm a huge dork...but a PROUD dork!

I haven't done much in the way of planning lately, but my folks and I are going to sit down for a planning session on Sunday so....we'll see how that goes.

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

I've been reading your Twilighters fanfic & am up to Chapter 3. I haven't reviewed it yet as I wanted to wait until I'd gotten caught up. But - I'll just tell ya right now - You're an AWESOME writer! You have a great gift for dialogue, which IMO is the hardest thing to get right in writing.

I hope your planning session is productive on Sunday! Any may you have a lovely weekend, too.

If the weather cooperates where you are, be sure to go out & look at the full moon tonight. It's the closest the moon will come to earth all year & should put on quite a good show. Also, since you like vampires & werewolves, you might be interested to know that this month's full moon is called the "Wolf" moon - due to the Native American stories about wolves going particularly crazy during Jan's full moon. Some of the werewolf stories originate from the Native American folklore like that.

Just one of many pieces of "useless information" I have stored in my brain. I think sometimes all the trivia is taking up the space where complex math should have resided. At least that's my excuse & I'm sticking to it!

 

[scrdofbugs]

I'm here Dawn!! I love you report. I am Disney Dreaming as we get Snow & Ice here in West TN. I was lucky, my boss closed our office. I had to work from home this morning but all is quiet this afternoon.

 

[SC_TwiMom]

Aww, you read my story! How sweet are you? It's been pretty horridly neglected but hopefully I will have time to get to it soon. I've been working on an original story, and my other fanfic which is way more in the "romance" genre (mainly just to see if I could do it). I used to be dreadful at dialogue, so it's what I've been working on the most. So nice to have some validation that it's been worth it

Stupid South Carolina sky is covered with clouds, so I can't see the moon. Thanks for telling me about it though. Very cool. Maybe things will clear out later tonight.

Isn't Alton dreamy I <3 him

Thanks for all the well wishes. I am currently listening to the Princess and the Frog soundtrack with my 2 year old. It's so great. She and I can't wait to meet Princess Tiana in May!

 

[scooby9932]

I'm here Dawn!! I love you report. I am Disney Dreaming as we get Snow & Ice here in West TN. I was lucky, my boss closed our office. I had to work from home this morning but all is quiet this afternoon.

Thanks! I sometimes wish we had the snow & ice instead of this constant rain & drizzle, and then I think about having to shovel snow & change my mind! I hope you're staying warm, dry, and having great Disney dreams!

Aww, you read my story! How sweet are you? It's been pretty horridly neglected but hopefully I will have time to get to it soon. I've been working on an original story, and my other fanfic which is way more in the "romance" genre (mainly just to see if I could do it). I used to be dreadful at dialogue, so it's what I've been working on the most. So nice to have some validation that it's been worth it

Well, I think all your hard work is definitely paying off! You have a great talent for plot flow & dialogue & characterization as well. That's coming from an English major (who used to teach creative writing, btw), sometime writer, and lover of reading.

Stupid South Carolina sky is covered with clouds, so I can't see the moon. Thanks for telling me about it though. Very cool. Maybe things will clear out later tonight.

Isn't Alton dreamy I <3 him

Thanks for all the well wishes. I am currently listening to the Princess and the Frog soundtrack with my 2 year old. It's so great. She and I can't wait to meet Princess Tiana in May!

Don't you just love the Princess & the Frog movie & music? I think it's the best thing Disney's put out there since Beauty & the Beast! And I love the local color they included - being from Louisiana & spending a lot of time in New Orleans, I can say that they got alot of things right. Our South Louisiana accents (especially the Nawlins' drawl & Cajun accent) are hard to do correctly & they got them pretty close! And I love the music, too.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I've been a bad Diser here lately. I haven't even kept up my own pre-trip report.

First off, I hope that Somer has gotten over the stupid farthead. She's a sweet lovely girl and there is a prince out there just waiting to find her.

I love the belly button ring. It's so cute.

I'm worried about our taxes too. Every year, we get money back but I'm a bit scared this year because my Federal withholdings went down by half due to the Obama stimulus whatever it was. We also own a business so we have all of those self employment taxes. Gosh darn it, I better not have to pay anything.

I have that same Nutty Chip & Dale shirt except mine is bright yellow. It was a hit at the Garden Grill. As far as your other t-shirt choices, I like the bottom one.

Hope you're feeling better since the last time I posted.

 

[scooby9932]

Well, readers, I must apologize from being so tardy in getting updates put on here! As the song goes "Life's not always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride."

Today's life update:

I just got back from picking up a rental car. Somer had been in an accident back on December 17. She was out Christmas shopping with her best friend & the best friend's boyfriend. Well, around mid-day, her sight was getting fuzzy & her legs were getting numb, so she asked the BF if she could drive. The boyfriend insisted that he take over driving her car since it was a rainy day & the traffic was so bad. Well...wouldn't you know it - he lost control of the car when it hydroplaned & he hit another car. On the front passenger - Somer's side. She flew forward a bit & hit her cheek on the passenger window & then the seatbelt pulled her back. Her leg jammed a bit under the dash as well since she had her seat pulled up to accomodate her tall friend. The BFF and her boyfriend were fine.

Her car was damaged, the other car had a scratch on it - her car's a Honda Civic & they hit an SUV, so you know - big car wins. Anyway, she called me right after it happened & I told her that I wanted her to go to the ER after they worked out the accident scene - as long as her car was still driveable.

Her friends took her to the ER & I met them there. She was X-rayed & found to have multiple contusions (bruises) along her shoulder, back, and ribcage, a cervical strain (whip lash), and a bruised black eye. Otherwise she was fine.

Even though he had full coverage through (I won't name the company - but it's a big one), they said that they wouldn't pay for the hospital bill since he had a functioning car & therefore didn't need to be driving hers. And so the insurance saga began.

I had to put the ER bill on my regular health insurance. Somer's car is insured with liability only since it's over 13 years old & doesn't cover medical loss. The rest of the bill was going to be up to me. Not good.

Then they said they wouldn't pay any damages on the car either.

So, over a month later, with a zillion phone calls, etc. - his insurance company finally agrees to pay for the damages! And they are paying the hospital bills, too. Which is a HUGE thing seeing as for about an hour of care & some x-rays the bill came to $2530.00. That's more than our Disney trip! Guess who was sweating having to cancel our trip so she could pay the bills? Yep!

Anyhoo - today she finally heard back from the collision place that they had the parts in - not just cosmetic, btw as structural damage had occurred - and she should come during her mid-day break to drop off the car & pick up the rental.

Somer called in a panic saying that Enterprise wouldn't let her rent a car as she's not 21 & her insurance is only liability. So, after another zillion calls back & forth with the insurance companies, it was worked out that I would take the rental car, pay for insurance coverage through Enterprise, and Somer would drive my car. Whew!

Somer tried calling the boyfriend to see if he would pay for at least part of the supplemental insurance, but he said no. As did his insurance company. Both he & his insurance company have a standing invitation to kiss my a$$! I don't know how her BF can stand him! He's a real jerk.

So, I'm out $16.99 a day until they get her car fixed. But it's better than having to pay for any damages that might occur while I drive the thing. I live in the country & rocks hitting windshields, deer jumping into cars, etc. are not that uncommon. Hopefully they'll get her car fixed in record time!

So, that's what's been happening with me today. Well, besides work!

As for Disney Updates:

Well, since I'm a bit more confident that we're still going on this trip, I've made a short Day to Day itinerary:

Friday, April 30 ARRIVAL DAY

Arrive Hotel - Approx. 12 p.m.​

Check In
If Room Ready:

​

Unpack Car/Luggage
Receiv

​

e Groceries from GardenGrocer.com
Clean Up & C

​

hange
If Room Not Ready:
Leav

​

e Luggage with Bell Services
Pick up scooter from bell services
Bus to Magic Kingdom
Wander & Shop along Main Street

No Wishes tonight - early closing due to Grad Nites?​

Saturday, May 1 AK DAY
Wake up by 6 a.m. - get to AK for rope drop
ITTBAB, FOTLK, Nemo, Trails, Dinosaur, and Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!
For some reason Somer wants to skip the Safari this time
Lunch at Pizzafari
Snacks in Asia - Slushie & Cookie
Dinner back at Resort

Sunday, May 2 MK EMH Day
Rest/Swim until late afternoon
Bus to MK no later than 3:30 p.m.
Monorail to Contemporary
Dinner ADR @ Chef Mickey's for 5:20 p.m.
Monorail to MK or Walk Path?
MK EMH!!!

Monday, May 3 Epcot FW
Spaceship Earth - at least 2x, Test Track-at least 2x, Soarin, Figment, Innoventions, Living with the Land, Living Seas
Lunch @ Sunshine Seasons
Dinner @ UK - Fish & Chips
Fantasia Mini-Golf
Walk Along Boardwalk back to Epcot
Bus back to Resort from Epcot

Tuesday, May 4 MK Day
Re-do Favorite Rides - SM, BTMRR, JC, POTC, TTA, COP
Lunch @ Pecos Bill's
Dinner @ ?

Wednesday, May 5 EPCOT - World Showcase
Wander the World - Try to take in some of the shows - China Acrobats, Japan Miyuki (Candy Lady), Morrocco Dancers, Etc.
Late Lunch ADR @ Le Cellier - 2:35 p.m.

Thursday, May 6 EPCOT - World Showcase
Wander World some More - Shopping for Country Souvenirs
Lunch @ ?
DTD p.m. - Dinner @ Earl of Sandwich or Rainforest Café

Friday, May 7 Check out Day
Drive to Treasure Island
Check into Bilmar Beach Resort
Dinner @ Mexican Restaurant on Gulf Blvd.

Saturday, May 8 Day @ the Beach

Sunday, May 9 Checkout of Bilmar
Drive toward Home - Stop Near Destin/Pensacola

Monday, May 10 Return Home

I'm sure we'll tweak this a few more times before our trip. Any suggestions on things I'm overlooking?

For today's picture, since the Saints are on my mind - I'm including some from our August weekend in New Orleans.

There was a cancer benefit run being held in the Big Easy & everyone was wearing red dresses! The spirit of New Orleans is displayed in all it's -ahem - glory - in these 2 shots :

A moody shot I got that night:

And a shot of the hotel where we stayed - it's something I wanted to check of my bucket list due to it's famous literary history. A beautiful hotel - if you're coming to New Orleans, I can definitely recommend staying here - if you can find a coupon code like I did! :

And a shot of a big guy at the Audubon Zoo - thank goodness the one in our backyard pond isn't this big - yet! I keep hoping we'll get the Wildlife & Fisheries guy to come get our latest "pet" gator out of our pond. He's only about 4 feet long, but I worry about my puppies. Anyhoo - here's a shot I got during feeding time.

This guy reminded me of Skuttle on Little Mermaid:

Have a great Wednesday, all, and I hope to be back to posting at least 2x a week!

 

[scooby9932]

I've been a bad Diser here lately. I haven't even kept up my own pre-trip report.

First off, I hope that Somer has gotten over the stupid farthead. She's a sweet lovely girl and there is a prince out there just waiting to find her.

I love the belly button ring. It's so cute.

I'm worried about our taxes too. Every year, we get money back but I'm a bit scared this year because my Federal withholdings went down by half due to the Obama stimulus whatever it was. We also own a business so we have all of those self employment taxes. Gosh darn it, I better not have to pay anything.

I have that same Nutty Chip & Dale shirt except mine is bright yellow. It was a hit at the Garden Grill. As far as your other t-shirt choices, I like the bottom one.

Hope you're feeling better since the last time I posted.

Hey, don't worry about being a bad dis'er. We all have things that get in the way!

I'm sending you & for a good tax return for ya'll! I did my taxes yesterday & I am getting some money back. I think it's because I reduced the withholdings early last year to make up the difference in the "stimulus" plan. Self Employment taxes are a pain! I have a good friend who owns her own business & I've seen what she goes through monthly, quarterly, and then at tax time. Yech! to you!

I like the bottom t-shirt, too. You don't think it's too snarky? I love good snark, but wouldn't want to offend anyone.

I am feeling a bit better. Thanks for the well wishes! I have my good days & my bad days. Today's so-so as I'm fighting off a cold Somer brought home from her kids in daycare. I'm okay with it just so long as I'm feeling better by April 29th!

 

[mickeystoontown]

What an insurance dance you've been doing lately. Glad that they are finally going to pay for repairs and for the medical bills. Makes all those gazillion calls seem worth it in the end.

The girlfriend's boyfriend sounds like a big ole pile of poo, if you ask me. Jerk should have offered to pay at least something. He'll get what's coming to him sometime or the other.

I'm liking the looks of your plans so far.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hey, don't worry about being a bad dis'er. We all have things that get in the way!

I'm sending you & for a good tax return for ya'll! I did my taxes yesterday & I am getting some money back. I think it's because I reduced the withholdings early last year to make up the difference in the "stimulus" plan. Self Employment taxes are a pain! I have a good friend who owns her own business & I've seen what she goes through monthly, quarterly, and then at tax time. Yech! to you!

I like the bottom t-shirt, too. You don't think it's too snarky? I love good snark, but wouldn't want to offend anyone.

I am feeling a bit better. Thanks for the well wishes! I have my good days & my bad days. Today's so-so as I'm fighting off a cold Somer brought home from her kids in daycare. I'm okay with it just so long as I'm feeling better by April 29th!

Good for you getting a tax refund. I hope we get some back too.

Yeah, the t-shirt is a little snarky but I like it. I bet most people would just chuckle at it. For those who don't, then it's just too bad. Have they gone through what you've gone through? I don't think so!

You have what I call the "daycare snots". That's what I always called those colds that my kids got from daycare.