Team 6 - Team Ohana - Check in and introduce!

[jeanneg]

Wasn't Blue Velvet a song by Bobby Vinton?

Nancy

Sometimes my sister is clueless.......

 

[deekaypee]

Jen: I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you today.

Mel: So, have you read Breaking Dawn yet? Or does DD still have your joint copy. (I saw soooo many girls/women reading it this weekend.) Yes, I do like the Stephanie Plum series--I've requested book 3. (The first 7 or so books aren't available at my local library; the series must have become more famous/popular.) I find them fun reads within the mystery genre--and I even feel like I'm learning a little bit about Trenton, NJ culture (albeit humorously). I'm liking the "fluff in the nutter sandwich" description Maria gave. Hey, have you read the vampire series by Charlaine Harris? Any input?

And training news--how are you feeling?

Nancy: "Blue Velvet" is actually sung by Isabella Rosallini in the film--she's a bit of a chanteuse, a bit of a femme fatale. It's a pretty good version, but I have to listen to Vinton's version if I don't want to think of the film. The movie's got a great soundtrack, but it's a still an unsettling film. You're saving Breaking Dawn for the trip, right?

Thanks for the posts on Hershey and Hersheypark and its entertainment schedule. I like family-oriented parks, especially small ones, and didn't realize PA had so many until I moved here. I think I can pretty much tour the state--especially with gas prices--and still get park fix. It sounds as if there are many classic rock and roll groups that show up there. Bowser's Rock and Roll Party sounds delightful--I love it when I know all the lyrics. Did the Original Comets include Bill Haley? Oh, and abs and spinning class in the same day. Much more intense, and maybe more satisfying, then packing.

Jeanne: The Greek certainly knows how to treat his FMIL. Lamb chops and ouzo-flavored Altoids (never heard of such a thing). From how you've described him, I'm sure the proposal plans are in the works and spectacular. Good things all around in your family. DS's career with Hershey sounds sweet. (Oh my, I think I'll be kicked off the thread for that one.) It speaks well of them that he invests in the company--my investments in Hershey are of the consumable kind and happen altogether too often, I'm afraid. But if it makes the Big Kahuna happy...

I must also tell you, DOOD and I are 6 episodes into The Tudors and loving it. I understand Henry was a really virile and good-looking guy before his accident (at least for the time period), and Jonathan Rhys Meyers is nice, edgy eye candy. Also, I like the actress who plays Henry's sister Margaret and know her from the series Burn Notice, a fun, little spy dramedy. (Btw, the character of Margaret in The Tudors is actually based on Henry's sister Mary. I assume they changed the name so as to not confuse viewers, because of Henry's daughter Mary.)

Jeanne and Nancy: Ooooh, goody, goody, goody. Adventures will be undertaken, stories will be told upon your returns. (Scooching my chair closer to the computer screen.) You could always tide us over with one now. Nothing G-rated, please! In fact, the seduction of Capt. Jack sounds like a delicious bedtime tale. I assume there will be talk about pirate booty?

Seriously, I think it's so cool that you two have the bond you have and get to spend time with one another. And that your DHs recognize and respect that bond. As well as your unarguable perfection. And a DCL trip sounds relaxing, lots of low-key together time & some quality drinking. I've been trying to convince DOOD that cruises are a good family vacation, but he seems resistant. Don't know why. Drinking, eating, working out, no driving, variety of entertainment, some sightseeing. I hope/know both of you will have a great time on your trip!

Johanna: Wild and crazy sounds like a good wedding, at least for the wedding party and guests. Did you do anything you feel a need to confess, er, tell us about? Good luck with today's run, in case you haven't done it already!

Corrina: I don't know if we've lost Corrina, but if not, here's a question for you: Are community theaters putting microphones on their actors these days? Are they still voice trained to do without? (Christa, you could answer this, too, I suppose.) I was having problems hearing the actors on an outdoor stage and it didn't seem to me they knew how to project without straining their voice, hence my question.

All other cousins: Hi! I hope you're doing well. Only a couple of weeks left before the end of summer, school starting, and training for January starts. Tell us how you're going to make those last few summer-fun memories. What's on your list. (Must. have. ideas. )

As for me: This weekend as a 6+ mile LR, followed by a rest day that included a trail walk in which DOOD and I got lost (another 7+ miles). Whew. Then I did my short run this morning. I didn't want to, told DOOD I was thinking of subbing in XT, and he said, "What's your training plan say?" I hate that. He's good for me, really, but he's no longer scared of my evil, intense looks. I don't think that's healthy for our relationship.

Book reading/watching news. I read Shakespeare's Cymbeline (a funny play, if a little sprawling in terms of plot) and Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited (which I'm not Catholic or British enough to understand--help!). I also watched Apocalypse Now (xx times now), Bergman's The Seventh Seal (now I understand Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey much better), and an outdoor production of Cymbeline (hence the reading of the play). I'm trying to pack a lot of the fun stuff in before the semester starts, so I'm crossing my fingers that Twilight shows up at the library for me. I'll be able to read really light stuff during XT, but then I tend to forget it the minute I'm done, kwim?

 

[laughinplace199]

Jen - Your mom, you, and your family are in my thoughts today. I hope everything goes well.

Debra - How's your dad doing? I love that you are enjoying the Plum books and I really love that you go into such detailed analysis of them! Your insights are very interesting. You've got quite a list of summer reading. I'm jealous!

Kayci - How's the calf injury? I hope it's better.

Jeanne & Nancy - It sounds like you have a great vacation planned. I can't wait to hear all about the alcohol-induced adventures from this trip (and feel free to give us some details of past trips too ).

Richard - Glad to hear that your recovery is comeing along nicely. Great news that you'll be running by mid-August!

Johanna - A wild & crazy wedding sounds like fun! Glad you had a good time.

As for me, my hamstring injury seems to want to come back, but I'm trying really hard not to let it. I'm stretching more and I just got a Yoga for Dummies DVD, which seems to help me a lot (I guess I'm the right demographic for this DVD ). I've also been running only short runs and taking days off as I feel I need them. I'm so terrified of injuring myself by overtraining (or taking too many rest days and undertraining) and not being able to complete the marathon.

Other than that, I'm just trying to enjoy what's left of the summer. A lot of my friends can't wait for the kids to go back to school. I guess I'm in the minority in my neighborhood because I really like hanging out with my kids and I"m not looking forward to school starting.

Hello to Maria, Mel, and all of my other cousins. I hope everyone is having a great week!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Driving by with important AAA info -- 2009 rates are out! I was able to apply the code to my existing CSR reservation and saved $336! Go ahead, you know you want to make that reservation!

Maria

 

[jeanneg]

Hello cousins! this will be quick as I have to go tally up the miles and minutes.....2 weeks worth, in fact! Keep 'em coming, please!

Debra: the Altoids are called Liquorice (spelled just like that), but since that is the flavor of ouzo, he called them that instead. They are VERY potent. Only try them if you really like licorice.

Maria: question about the AAA discount....we are members and have a valid ID #. How do I find out the code? I do not want to call our local AAA office because I will not give any business to the TA there. Not only is she is one of the laziest people I have ever known in my life, but she also lies. I will do without a discount rather than give her the commission.

Happy reading everyone....we are such a literate team!

P.S. I think Corinna has left us for good. I tried to contact her via PM several times and never got a response. I don't know what it was that scared her away.....I told her she didn't HAVE TO do the naked events!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Aloha, Team Ohana!

Just plugging along in a nutso week at work, so not much time to post during the day. I'm going to get a quick one in now...the dizziness is almost completely gone. I'm still taking the allergy pills to dry out my ear. I know it sounds odd, but that was what my NP recommended, and she's never been wrong before...

I'm doing great with my workout schedule. So far I've hit all my August workouts. Of course, it's only day 4, but that's four days more of doing what I intended than I made last week!

Since I've added the stationary bike, my miles are going to increase greatly. I'm doing it every other day, so plenty of miles for our team! I'm hoping to increase my leg strength, and also those big muscles so they will burn a ton of fat.

Jen -- I'm also thinking of you. You are such a lovely soul, I hope everything today goes as well as possible.

Julie -- I'm really sorry to hear the hamstring injury is trying to come back. Just tell it to hit the road!

Debra -- Nothing exciting to report on the book front. I'm reading Matt Taibbi's latest, The Great Derangement: A Terrifying True Story of War, Politics, & Religion at the Twilight of the American Empire. I'm putting "The Tudors" on my Netflix list. Eventually I'll get through it all -- I bet yours is scary long! Shark week...it's ok for a night or two, but really how many seals can you watch violently meet their maker? Sigh. DH always had to go to the gym when it was on, which is a real shame since he would actually appreciate it.

Nancy -- I like your idea of cross training! I make packing an Olympic event, I just love working at it. I make lists, and lists of my lists, I drive dh crazy, but we have everything we could need, as efficiently as possible

Jeanne -- I can't wait to hear these cruise stories. I think we are all going to need a cool beverage as we sit back, relax and hear all about Jeanne and Nancy's Excellent Adventure!

Johanna -- It sounds like the wedding was a blast! I'm glad you are recovering from the debauchery, and I hope you had an excellent day of rest today!

Mel -- What are you reading these days?

Richard -- I think you will enjoy POFQ. It is a compact resort, and it is really lovely to take the boat ride to DTD. It's never a bad thing to be a quick cruise away from the Earl of Sandwich! And those beignets!

Kayci -- I am so psyched we are staying at CSR, because I understand they have excellent margaritas! I will have to sample them for quality after the Half!

Shouting out to Christa, Ruth, Denny, Morgan, JenB, Jennifer, Angela, Aimee, Robert, Linda, Shell, Corinna & our visitors Dave and Erica! -- Did I miss any Cousins? Anyone else lurking out there?!

Have a wonderful evening, my virtual family!
Maria

 

[padisneyfan]

Just a quick response to Jeanne's question. You can call Disney and they will give you the AAA rate. I always do that one first and then if an AP rate comes later out see if it is cheaper. I have never been asked to show my AAA card when checking in.

Got to go get ready to watch The Closer. Anyone else watch that series?

Nancy

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Just a quick response to Jeanne's question. You can call Disney and they will give you the AAA rate. I always do that one first and then if an AP rate comes later out see if it is cheaper. I have never been asked to show my AAA card when checking in.
Nancy

Jeanne -- You definitely do not need a code, just call up Disney and say you want to apply the AAA rate to your reservation, or make a reservation with the AAA rate. I was asked for my # and the expiration date on my card, and I was told I would have to show the card when checking in. We did have to show it last year when we checked into POR. I think it just depends on the CM you get at check-in.

There are only a certain # of rooms available at the AAA rate for each resort at various dates, so if you know what you want when, it's best to call asap.

Good Luck!
Maria

 

[chimera]

Let's see, biking yesterday, 2.25 miles on the TM today...I'm just racking up the miles

Jeanne...how did you and Nancy meet?

Debra...nope, I haven't gotten anywhere near Breaking Dawn. DD15 is in band camp this week so she's not likely to finish it. Charlaine Harris may have multiple personality disorder She has at least 4 different series, each with a different heroine going. The vampire heroine is Sookie Stackhouse...I've read 2 or 3, like them so far. Kinda like Stephanie Plum with vampires and shapeshifters. Her other heroines are Aurora Teagarden, Lily Bard and another one who was struck by lightning and now can find dead people. They're all light and fluffy.

Maria...we hit the library last Fri so I have a whole bag to work through. I read Snowed In over the weekend and am now working on Plain Brown Wrapper. You read some heavy stuff, dude!

We just got Netflix. Anyone have any good recommendations?

 

[jeanneg]

Mel: we actually met on the DISboards! We were both on a cruise together in October of '04 and chatted for months before we actually sailed. Nancy lives about an hour from where my daughter went to college, so during one of our trips to visit our daughter before the cruise date, we met her and Norm for lunch. The two of us started talking and never stopped! Our kids find it scary how similar we are. And that's the story!

Thanks for the AAA info. Today I am trying to wrap up all my Disney stuff and finally reserve our room for January. If the AAA or AP rate doesn't measure up, I am just going to use Marathon Tours and Travel. Their rates are excellent, but they charge a huge non-refundable deposit.

Not much time for chat today......gotta tackle this to-do list!

 

[tiberius]

Richard -- I think you will enjoy POFQ. It is a compact resort, and it is really lovely to take the boat ride to DTD. It's never a bad thing to be a quick cruise away from the Earl of Sandwich!

And those beignets!

Maria

Maria - that is so very, very true about Earl of Sandwich! and DW and I have missed beignets since a local shop went out of business a while back.

Johanna - It's going to be a while before you seem me post about my running, but I also am looking forward to that time coming.

and thanks to several of you for info on the meets. I'll be looking for y'all there (I'll be the one trying to decide between which DIS shirt or podcast shirt I should wear).

 

[Jen117]

Nancy and Jeanne - I always wondered how you two met!!!!

Mel - I can't believe you get a bag full of books and get them read. AMAZING!!!!

As for AAA, we use it frequently. You can get a room only rate by calling Disney. If you want a package deal, it has to go through a AAA agent. Only 1/2 of the time do we get asked for our AAA card, but still make sure you have it (just in case!).

My mom was in surgery about 4 hours yesterday. She came out great considering all they had to do. She is also alert today, which they told us wouldn't happen. So she is recovering quite quickly for someone that was beat up as bad as she was. What a trooper. I can only hope her attitude on life turns 100% because she was seriously concerning me when she was at her down point. They also think she may get to toss the oxygen she was using 24 hours a day!!!

So, I need to get back to ME. I gave up the running when I spent the last 2 weeks running to hospital. The last 2 nights I have done my crunches and my abs hurts. I hope to get on the TM tonight (I always say that, so now I have to prove it!)

 

[Jen117]

I LOVE POFQ!!!! We were going to stay there when we go in 2 weeks... but no AP rates so we switched to POR. I hope I like that one as well. I just love how quaint the sidewalks are, especially on a quiet early morning or at dusk. Oh and the carriage rides, I love watching those. I hope to book one for us this year. Anyone ever done one?

 

[jeanneg]

Jen: so glad things went well with your mom. You've had a rough couple of weeks.......please do something nice for yourself now.


Richard:I love both the PO resorts, although I am quite partial to FQ. For one, it is more compact (1 central bus stop as opposed to 4) and of course, those beignets! There was only one time where we couldn't get FQ so I did the little river walk ever morning to get my fix anyway! I rationalized that the workout reduced them to zero calories. Riverside has a great bar with an awesome piano player on most evenings. Trust me, he puts on an amazing show! Also, Capt Boatrights is one of our fave restaurants....and relatively speaking, one of the cheapest.

 

[Jen117]

Hey Cousins... guess what I did last night.......... I RAN! Oh yah. I was going out just for a walk and it ended up being a run/walk of 5/5. I haven't ran 5 in a LONGGGG time. Sadie the dog sure enjoyed it (even in her old age). I ran slow, but the fact I was running made me happy!!!

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Debra: Your DOOD sounds lot like my dork...uh....husband, yeah, that's it!

Julie: Sorry about the injury. I am midway between you and your friends...some days I want my kids home, many days I don't!

Maria: Glad you are doing better and the workouts are going well. And the allergy thing makes sense to me!

Jen: I am SSSSOOOO happy to hear about your mom!

Richard: Did you rescue that golden in your siggy? I think I am in love!

Me: Its raining here...again...and is supposed to continue till Sunday!!!! I am slowly going insane. I had to run at the indoor track again today, and there was this mentally disturbed guy there who kept talking to "someone" who wasn't there...saying how much they were bothering him, and they were making him very angry. Creepy. Oh well, 36 laps later and I was done!

 

[tiberius]

Johanna – Yes, CoCo is my rescue Golden, and that is her picture…and she is loveable. She is laying near me right now!

Thanks to several of you for the POFQ info, I am really psyched up about going there in January!

A quick update on my physical therapy – everything seems to be improving. I am probably 80% better, maybe close to 90% at times, with any luck I’ll get my running clearance next week.

On the down side, I am starting to think I should drop my November marathon (San Antonio Rock n Roll) to the half marathon to avoid overtraining issues, especially since I have several other HMs to run over the winter and spring. I figure I can always decide to add a spring marathon later on. Overall, I am still thinking about it. Any ideas out there, team?

 

[Jen117]

Hey team - I biked last night with the family. Yah me. I will actually have miles and hours to report this week. I figured that if my mom came out of surgery and fought life, that I need to also!!

Richard... I am not the most experienced here, but I went through some major training burnout this last year. After the Full at WDW in January and then training for the Minnie and another 1/2 marathon 2 weeks later... I was just sick of training. I also did 3 1/2 marathons last year and a handful of other races. Are you planning to run WDW? If so, I would drop back, but that's just me. I wish I could join everyone in San Antone as it sounds like it will be a blast.

BTW - My golden is not a rescue, however she is the best running partner, even at 9 years old. Tho I can tell she can't go as fast or far anymore as she tires quicker. Love her to death tho!!!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Team Ohana!

I'm pleased to report I'm still keeping up with my 2 daily workouts. My miles and minutes this week should be a huge improvement for me. Not up to Christa's standards, but a big leap!

Jen -- I'm so glad you're out and running! I know it will help you feel better. I am so glad your mom is doing well! I hope her recovery is speedy and full!

Richard -- Your dog is a beauty! I think I would listen to my head with regards to the training. You know what might be too much, and you can always add another race later.

Johanna -- You win the fortitude award, I would have bagged my workout the minute I saw someone having a full-blown conversation solo.

Jeanne and Nancy -- How's the packing coming? Don't forget to bring plenty of sunscreen, I wouldn't want anyone to get sunburned on one of your naked training runs!

Mel -- My reading list is what happens when you let Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert tell you what to read! I try to be somewhat current with my reading, so I'll pick up something from an author I see interviewed. It's my hope to keep my mind from atrophying, and it's actually a little trick I use to keep my writing fresh. I'm seeing words that are new or long forgotten, and it helps me to sound more eloquent, not that you can tell it from my posts... what it doesn't do is make me more concise

Debra -- I hope you weren't offended when I was tweaking you about the your married state on the Lean Mean thread. I do think it's really romantic, and very sophisticated. I just can't believe you'd let all those fab wedding gifts pass you by! Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, I hope it was fantastic!

Everyone have a Lovely Weekend!
Maria

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Cousins!

Maria - I'm glad to hear that your dizziness is gone. And 2 daily workouts - Wow! That's fabulous. I don't think I could do that.

Mel - A bag of books from the library - that sounds heavenly. I seem to have very little time for reading lately, and when I do read, I pick up MfM or the latest issue of Runner's World. I'll have more time to read once the kids are back in school. I love the carpool line - I get there early and read until the kids are ready to be picked up.

Jen - I'm so happy to hear that your mom is doing well after her surgery. I'm also glad to hear about your recent run. You must be so proud of yourself. I've never stayed at POFQ, but I've stayed at POR many times and I really liked it. I hope you do too. Have a great time!

Johanna - It's been raining a lot here too - gotta love this NE weather, right? I am so impressed that you can run 36 laps on an indoor track. I'm even more impressed that you could do it with the distraction you mentioned. Although, maybe that's good motivation to get your run done and get out of there!

Richard - CoCo is a beauty! I grew up with goldens and my parents still have one. Unfortunately, my DD is allergic to dogs, but we're hoping she'll outgrow that allergy someday. I'd love to have another golden in my life. They are such gentle, playful, affectionate dogs.

Hello to Debra, Jeanne, Nancy, Kayci, and the rest of my cousins. I hope you all have a great weekend!

For anyone doing the WDW half or full, do you have your hotels reserved yet? I"m just wondering where everyone is staying. I think I read that Maria will be at CSR and Richard will be at POFQ. I apologize if I don't have that right - my brain is a bit frazzled these days. How about everyone else? We're staying at the Contemporary. I figured it might be nice to be able to take the monorail to and from the race.