Team 'Ohana 2009: No One Left Behind

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Afternoon, Cousins!

Work has been crazy-psycho busy, but I have the rest of the afternoon to myself so I'm going to catch up on the DIS and take care of some household chores, plus the usual friday afternoon hair appt/piano lesson/pick up dh round up.

I did all my workouts this week, and only had the one slip with the clam plate. Even so, I still gained a pound I don't really know how that happened, but it's convinced me to try dropping the diet soda this week (aka Beth) and see what happens. I'm not a big diet soda drinker anyway (usually 1 a day), so I'm not sure if it will help, but I'm going to try to shake things up a bit that way. I'm also going to have hummus for lunch as much as possible next week, that seems to help since I just have it with veggies. I'm not going to be too down on myself, because I ran or walked 20 miles this week.

We don't have any real plans for the weekend. Oh! Except we are going to figure out what we need for travel toiletries and pick them up, and Dennis has the Half on Sunday. We will probably be eating off the grill pretty consistently, so I'll be enjoying salmon burgers as often as I can make myself They're not bad, but they're not my favorite, either.

Jeanne -- I think you will have a great time whichever movie you see. DS is pushing for "Night at the Museum", we'll see how our time goes this weekend!

Debra -- I agree the Alvin Maker series is a little ... out there. I had to travel around the Metro area today via the T (subway), and there is an anime convention in town. I saw so many people in costumes...ok, they were all 19, but it was interesting to see.

Nancy -- My dh won't stay at CSR again for the same reason your dh doesn't like AKL. He just thought it took too long to get anywhere. DH's favorite resort location-wise where we've stayed is the BC, but of course he doesn't want to pay to stay there again I'm ready at any time

Kathy -- There were a whole batch of us who turned 40 last year. Are you in the club? Debra likes to call us cougars, I guess we're actually probably more like old tabbies!

Corinna -- Tell us about the rooms at the Luxor. I've never stayed there, but I've always wondered if they have some odd shape because of the building...

Mel -- Gilles was robbed! I predict it was that same tween girl gymnastics crazy group that did it.

Jeanne -- You know we need ADR details! Where are you going? Please photograph the most yummy selections for your envious family!

Julie -- Dennis won't be wearing his wish shirt, so he may be harder to spot. He did say this must be like a tease for you guys after doing the Mickey!

Jen -- Glad to hear morning sickness doesn't have you down! Take the nap, you deserve it I'm sure your girls are going to have a great time with the new baby. He or she is going to be fun for the whole family!

Ok, gotta get started on some of that housework, or it just won't happen.

to anyone I missed!

Everyone have a wonderful Memorial Day, and thank a veteran if you see one!

Maria

 

[jeanneg]

Ooops, I must have had my previous post half-way typed when Deb sent hers through!

Well, I could not find Kathy on FB by searching through Deb's friends....... unless she is the one without a photo, BUT I did find Corinna! If anyone else has a FB account, please let me know.

Speaking of Anderson Cooper.......I have a friend who has worked on GMA for many, many years, which is where he started out. She says he is a really, really nice guy. They all teased him when he left to go do "The Mole"......now he's on to much bigger and better things.

And for Deb (only because she asked), here's my list of restaurant ressies: Shutters, Chefs de France (with Nancy's gang and my son and his GF), Narcoosees (with Nancy and Norm), Le Celliere (all of us), The Wave (all of us), and Yak & Yeti. For counter service, I'll be hitting up Flame Tree BBQ, Yak & Yeti, Columbia House and.......it wouldn't be a Disney trip if I didn't have at least one meal at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cantina!

 

[padisneyfan]

I had to ask Beth what FB was. I really don't have the time or desire to be there. I have enough trouble keeping up with the DIS and that is mostly done at work and you can't get on FB at work.

Jeanne no problem with posting my pictue with you on your FB. At least you know how to post pictures, it took me forever to figure out how to put my picture in avatar.

My family is doing Biergarten next Friday to celebrate DS#2 25th B day. Of all the places he wanted to go for his birthday it was there. It has nothing to do with the food it is all about the Beer. I will be dealing with 2 tispy 25 years old by the time we leave there (DS and his Friend). Of course, Norm and I will do in a bottle of Riesling.

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day.

Time to head home. I really am debating getting a pedicure or going to spin class. I think the pedicure is going to win out.

Nancy

 

[tiberius]

Okay, so Night in the Museum goes in the Netflix queue....

Richard: A film that's better than Cannonball Run??? Blasphemy. (I actually showed a clip from CR in an American Humor class. So sue me.)

Debra - I may have exaggerated a little--or might not have, you'll just have to figure it out on yur own! ...and where were you when I was taking college English classes?? Oh yeah, you were not yet teaching, unless you progressed at a Doogie Howser-ish rate in your career.

As far as FB goes; Debra, I would be OK if you just sent my name as a recommended friend to the Team members who might be interested.

 

[momoftwogirls]

Well I didn't make it to the gym this morning , so much for plans! But I did squeeze in four miles on the treadmill today.

Julie - Thanks for the info on the missions - hopefully all three will be able to share without too much fighting.

Nancy - I hope you and Jeanne have an awesome time meeting up at WDW. Good food and good friends - sounds like fun!

What is an interval class? sounds interesting.

Jeanne - glad you found me! I'm with everyone else - we want to hear all about your eating adventures in the world.

Jen - glad you are morning sick free - mine lasted for five months

Maria - Yes, I guess I'm in the club - 1968 was a great year!

Wishing everyone a good weekend!

 

[jeanneg]

Nancy: if Beth has a FB account, have her befriend me and then you can see the many photos I have of us. I would do a search myself, but have no idea what her last name is!
I hope the pedicure won out. I need to get one before we leave and I was thinking of you.......One of my toes is still demented from racing and I was thinking about having them put a gel nail on it. I hope i don't have to go to PA for the procedure. Have fun at the Biergarten.....and make sure they know it's Brian's birthday so they can suitably embarrass him! He can chug that 2 litre glass he got last time!
See you in a few days!

Kathy: Nice photos on FB! Are all 3 girls yours? I was just confused because of the DIS screen name.

We saw Night at the Museum II today. It was the perfect movie for a hot humid summer day......silly but cute! We went to a 3pm showing so there were alot of kids in the audience and it was so funny to hear their reaction to some of the silliest scenes. Some of the kids were just giggling uncontrollably, which made it even more fun for us. I'd say it's definitely a thumbs up for the elementary school crowd.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, everyone!

 

[momoftwogirls]

Kathy: Nice photos on FB! Are all 3 girls yours? I was just confused because of the DIS screen name.

Yes, all three are mine. I registered for my dis account in 2001 when we only had two. Who knew we would be blessed with three

 

[deekaypee]

I'll catch up with my beloved cousins Tuesday, I think, but I'm posting the mixer question for those who are interested (or our Canadian WISHers and/or those who have to work tomorrow and would appreciate a little DIS-down time).

'Ohana Monday AND Tuesday Mixer

I know this weekend is a vacation weekend for many of us, so we'll be running the mixer tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday. This mixer question is a ringer, folks, but hopefully still fun:

What did you do for Memorial Day/Weekend?

Provide us with plenty of details & hopefully photos of your activities, gatherings, celebrations and how you observe the day (and spirit) of Memorial Day.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hello Family and Visitors!

I won't go into my tale of woe eating and not moving this weekend, but I will say Dennis finished his Half yesterday in 2:05, which made him happy. It also made him very certain he didn't want to do a Full I'm totally with him on that

What did I do for Memorial Day weekend?

, reading, housework, sleeping, eating things I shouldn't, and more reading. This was not an active weekend for me. We did do our toiletry shopping for our upcoming Universal vacation, we also picked up a new portable dvd player to entertain ds while we are in the hotel room, and traumatized the cat by bringing the suitcases down from the attic. I wanted to wait since we're almost a month out from the trip, dh and ds were in a different mode.

On the bright side, I should be ready to face another work week tomorrow. I am really getting run down from the constant state of "crisis". I once had a boss who had been in the Vietnam War, and he said, "Work is work and war is war." War is a crisis, work is not". I wish others subscribed to that view. I do well with short spurts of adrenaline and perhaps a weekly or even daily crisis, I'm not good at it from the time I arrive until I leave. My vacation cannot come soon enough.

I hope everyone else is enjoying a fantastic break from work, and just relaxing as much as possible.

Maria

 

[tiberius]

Hi Team!

With Memorial Day off from work, I can get in early (or at all) on the Monday mixer.

I decided to use this weekend to be my "official" start of preparing for a late summer Olympic distance triathlon, which will either be in Austin, TX on Labor Day or in Clear Lake City, TX (home of the Johnson Space Center, aka NASA) 2 weekends earlier. So I started by doing at least each events distance on one day this long weekend--even if I did go out of order for my convenience.

An Olympic distance tri is a 1500 meter swim, 40 K bike and a 10 K run (or in English measurements, approximately 1640 yard swim/24.8 mile bike/6.2 mile run).

Saturday, I did my weekly (more or less) longer bike ride and did 26.5 miles. Sunday, I met with my local running club and did 6.3 miles. Finally Monday, I went my gym and swam 1700 yards, which was my goal for the day. I did think of doing more for a while, but it was getting near to the start of a water aerobics class and they would have chased me out soon, so I chose to stop at 1700 yards, which is easily my longest swim of the year (I have done 1200 yards several times this year.).

I am planning on spending a big chunk of time on Memorial Day doing some work around the house. My family will also enjoy lunch (and maybe dinner) grilled out on the backyard deck today. However, I will also find some time in there to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day.

 

[chimera]

Our weekend has been low key. I've been having allergy/migraine stuff and just didnt feel much like doing anything. We've also hit 100% humidity so it's pretty gross outside. We went to ride n roll yesterday and I only managed 4 miles because I couldn't breathe.

Currently, DD6 and I are waiting for the rest of the family to come home from the emergency vet. Our old dog (not the oldest but the one we've had the longest) has been coming up lame on the right front leg, off and on since we got the crazy pup. She'll be fine on day, limping the next, then fine again, until yesterday when she fell on the concrete trying to catch a squirrel on the porch. Soooo...they've been at animal ER since about 9am. Apparently, she has chipped her elbow and the floating bone chunk gets in and out of tender areas. Will need surgery to fix.

Tonight is crazy pup's obedience class graduation, then Friday is DD6s kindergarten graduation. And as of Friday, DD16 is a junior in high school How the heck did that happen?

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maria - Sorry work is so stressful. I actually find myself missing those days right now - we are so slow that one of other women and I find ourselves begging for things to do. I keep a book in my desk, and she spends most of her day online to keep from dying of boredom! We desperately need new home construction to begin again... But I like your old boss's philosophy. I once read a poster that said "Your in box will be full when you die."

Richard - Great job with the workouts! I'm feeling a little sluglike in comparison.

Mel - I so understand the humidity. Today got worse each time I stepped outside. It's a horrible time for a migraine - this is the week that mine will probably hit in force and our forecast is for rain all week. Hope the dog's surgery goes okay! And my DD graduates next week - I'm really having trouble understanding how that happened!

My weekend has been a lot about running, but without any real running... Saturday was the kickoff for our Galloway program, so I dragged DH to hear Jeff Galloway speak and meet all the people I spend my Saturdays with during the year. DH actually talked to Jeff about his marathon experience last January - Jeff said most people wouldn't have finished (which most of us already knew!) First run is next Saturday. Then today DH, DD, and I were on our way home from lunch and on a whim decided to walk part of the greenway - one of the hilliest sections that I've ever run - so we set out on a 2.5 mile walk and ended up finishing in a downpour. If you have teenagers, imagine what I had to listen to after "dragging" her out on a walk that she didn't want to do, in the wrong shoes (flip-flops), in the rain... But hey, Jeff said we only HAVE to do 30 minutes 2x/week in addition to our LR, so that counts, right?

Jackie

 

[corinnak]

Busy weekend for the 'Ohana!

Here's my quick recap:

Saturday, visited some friends, sat under the lilacs and drank rhubarb daiquiris. And if you think that sounds weird, you're right!

Sunday:Church. I thought it was Pentacost, so we're all decked out in red. Of course that's......next week. We went out for lunch at Olive Garden afterwards. I do like their minestrone soup and salad (dressing on the side - I am SUCH a cliche!)

Monday: I did do the 5K this morning. The weather was perfect but for a bit of wind. It wasn't so bad during the race, but did pick up a lot as we were waiting for awards etc. I ran pretty hard and thought I was a little over 30 minutes - in fact I got a 31:04. Which was good enough to win the whole Athena division. Translation: I was the fastest of the big girls. I've never been first in any way at a race before, so when I saw that on the computer, it did put a smile on my face. I am interested to see how the photos turn out - I am wearing the same shirt I wore to the half in January but I feel like it is fitting me completely different. I'll post a link anyhow, if they aren't too scary. I was wearing my WISH shirt today, too!

Because of the theme of the race - neurological, stroke and brain injury related challenges - I had a low number and got called up at the end for a loaf of bread. Yes, the division winners and honored athletes are "bread winners." And the organizer hands me the mic and says "tell them whatever you want. anything you want them to know." So I start in with something about how nice it is to run - I don't even remember and ended up telling the short-short version of my concussion to half-marathon story. They LOVED that, let me tell you!

I need to do some push ups and then hit the hay, but wanted to do at least responses to the direct questions over the past few days:

Debra- You are too kind. I only posted the pictures in which I looked OK! And ST on the IMAX - opinions differ, most markedly mine and my FIL - he saw it on IMAX first and regular second and has the opposite impression of mine, but I thought that it was actually a little more pleasant to watch on the regular screen. Chris Pine's pores weren't so prevalent. Spock's not-close-enough-for-IMAX shave wasn't evident at all. And most importantly, you were able to see what was going on in some of the action shots in a kind of a gestalt way that you just don't have a chance at with a 30 foot screen.

Maria: First of all, congratulations to Dennis! As for your question: The rooms in the Pyramid are nice - I wish I'd taken a photo, but didn't do it, I'm sorry to say. Really, it was a lot like a regular hotel room - bathroom near the entry, two beds. The table and chairs and big cushioned chair, though were at the end of the room where, in a regular hotel, it would just be a flat wall, but because it was a pyramid, the windows were at an angle. It was very nice and comfortable. The curtains attached at the top and bottom. I did have to buy a sleep mask, though, because the light from Mandalay Bay's THE Hotel was shining in my eyes all the previous night.


Mel - your poor older dog - I hope she feels better soon.


Richard - what a workout!

Jackie - ending in a downpour with a sullen teen in flip flops - you should get a medal for that, you know! That is pretty cool that you got to hear Jeff Galloway!

Jeanne - glad to hear you liked Night at the Museum 2 - we'll have to catch that one one of these days.

re: facebook. I'm on there, but visible to friends of friends only - I'm wondering if we should maybe have a WISH team 'Ohana Group, if nothing else for the sake of finding each other easily.

 

[grizbuzz]

Hi Strangers. It's me, Jen G.

I have a question for you experts. I've been training for a half marathon on June 7. This past week I was hit by a rather nasty flu bug -- one of those muscle achy, hit you over the head and keep you in bed for three days sort of things. I didn't do any running last week. I did get in my 11 mile run last Saturday before this bug hit, but then didn't run again until yesterday for just 20 minutes and then again today for 45 minutes.

I'm feeling like I need to catch up next week and get myself back to feeling strong. Should I just stick to my regular taper program and not worry about it or do I need to make sure and get in another longish run this week? Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated.

Oh and I have ANOTHER question for you WDW marathon people.

I still haven't given up hope of signing up for the marathon. My DH isn't convinced that I need to do this, but I still want to somehow get there. My 7 month reservation window for DVC opens up in a couple of weeks and I'm thinking of tentatively reserving some days. So my questions are:

1) Where to stay on DVC points: if available, are Epcot resorts closest and easiest? I'm all about convenience, as the 5:30am start time with the jet lag is pretty much intimidating me. My home resort is AKV, but I'm thinking that just isn't going to be convenient.

2) How long does one stay if coming just for the race and flying in from SF, California?

Thanks for your advice.
-Jen G

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Strangers. It's me, Jen G.

I have a question for you experts. I've been training for a half marathon on June 7. This past week I was hit by a rather nasty flu bug -- one of those muscle achy, hit you over the head and keep you in bed for three days sort of things. I didn't do any running last week. I did get in my 11 mile run last Saturday before this bug hit, but then didn't run again until yesterday for just 20 minutes and then again today for 45 minutes.

I'm feeling like I need to catch up next week and get myself back to feeling strong. Should I just stick to my regular taper program and not worry about it or do I need to make sure and get in another longish run this week? Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated.

Oh and I have ANOTHER question for you WDW marathon people.

I still haven't given up hope of signing up for the marathon. My DH isn't convinced that I need to do this, but I still want to somehow get there. My 7 month reservation window for DVC opens up in a couple of weeks and I'm thinking of tentatively reserving some days. So my questions are:

1) Where to stay on DVC points: if available, are Epcot resorts closest and easiest? I'm all about convenience, as the 5:30am start time with the jet lag is pretty much intimidating me. My home resort is AKV, but I'm thinking that just isn't going to be convenient.

2) How long does one stay if coming just for the race and flying in from SF, California?

Thanks for your advice.
-Jen G

Jen,

I am in no way, shape, or form an expert, but I think I would stick to the regular taper program. Your body has already done a long enough run and you want to be sure you're well-rested and illness-free for the race.

As for your marathon questions, I'd stay at BWV or BCV if possible. I have no first-hand knowledge regarding staying at either of these places for the marathon, but it just seems like it would be nice to be able to walk through Epcot after the race to get back to the resort. Sorry I have no experience dealing with the WDW marathon and jet lag, but I'm sure someone else will be able to answer that one for you. I'm on the east coast and we flew in on Fri, ran on Sun, and flew home on Mon.

I'm glad you're feeling better now. Good luck on your race!

 

[jeanneg]

JenG: Welcome back, cousin! We missed you! I'm no expert, but someone once sad it's better to be undertrained and feel good, than be overtrained and injured. So I would err on the side of caution and get the rest you need to fully recover. If been good with your training so far, missing one or 2 sessions shouldn't hurt you.
About the other question, if you want to use DVC points and can snag a room at the the new BLT in the Contemporary, I would go for that. Being anywhere on the monorail is just SO convenient. Other than that, all the other DVC locations have the same schedule which require you to be on a bus by 4am We like to stay at the Polynesian which means we can leave at 4:45. By the time we use the portapotties and walk to the start, it's only minutes before the race actually begins. I see no big advantage staying at the Epcot hotels in terms of the race start. I don't think you can walk to it at that hour of the morning since the park will be closed. Of course, one huge advantage of the Epcot hotels is that your family can basically just step outside to see you run.

Corinna/Dennis: congrats on your events!

Richard: good luck with the triathlon training. What is the difference between your event and an Ironman (half-ironman)?

Mel: sorry about the doggie troubles. It seems Ohana has had a alot of that lately......as Jackie and Nancy can well confirm.

Jackie: congrats on doing Gallaway again. Is Bill doing it also? What races are you training for? I still have not signed up for my January races. Alot depends on what news I get from the NYC lottery. Last year I got the rejection on my birthday, so I figure I should know in about 2 weeks. If I do get in, I'll go all out with my training and also sign up for my one and only Goofy. And with those 2 major events under my belt, I will retire from everything except fun races! I'm not signing up for the City of Oaks this year, but plan to do the OBX marathon which is on the same day. It has an 8-hr time limit, so I treat it as a long-walk training session....with bling! BTW, this year the full in Raleigh is down to a 6-hr time limit that they claim will be strictly enforced. The half is still 3.5 hours.

Our Memorial Day was quiet and rainy. There was not much to do, so we ended up spending money! We bought ourselves a tiny little computer (8.9" screen) that we can take traveling. John has a laptop, but we are such afficionados of traveling light that we never take it anywhere. This new one fits in a cosmetics bag! We also bought 4 pairs of shoes, a few books, several bottles of nice wine and an OWL! I saw it for $4.95 and always wanted to have one so I splurged! It's that little thing featured on those info-mercials that looks like a credit card but is really a light-up magnifier you can use in a dark restaurant to read the menu. I guess you have to be of a certain age to appreciate it, but I am really excited about my new toy! Now please, someone take me to a dark restaurant!

Nancy: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but did you perchance check out the weather in Orlando next week? Rain, rain, and then some more rain. I don't think we have a single day that calls for sunshine. On one hand, it's a bummer.....on second thought, when are the weathermen ever right? I would not be suprised if it turns out to be beautiful all week. I guess I should play it safe and pack the ponchos.

Deb: so, in answer to the mixer question, I guess my one and only Memorial Day activity was shopping! That is most unusual for me because I HATE to shop!

Have a good week, everyone....it's gonna be a short one!

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Cousins!

I hope that you all had a nice Memorial Day weekend. To answer the mixer question, my weekend was fun. The highlight was that Rob & I ran a half marathon with our neighbor (it was her first ). We also had some nice family time playing Pictionary and Disney Scene-It with the older kids, took the little guy to the park, ate lots of unhealthy food, etc. We live on a dead-end street and we have what we call "sidewalk cafes" on summer weekend evenings. Once the kids are in bed, the parents start emerging from their houses and come hang out in front of our house. Everyone brings their own adult beverages and lawn chairs and we just hang out and chat. The weather cooperated this weekend and we were able to have "cafes" both Fri and Sun nights.

Jen - I noticed that you said your girls will be 9 & 6 when the baby is born. What great helpers they will be! My DD was 7 and my DS was 5 when my youngest was born. DD has been like another mother to the baby since the day we brought him home.

Jeanne & Nancy - I hope you have a wonderful trip to Disney!

Mel - I hope the dog is better soon.

Corinna - Congrats on the race! Rob & I always joke about winning the races we do, but you actually did it! I love the Vegas pics too.

Maria - Sorry work is so crazy right now. At least you're having fun getting ready for your well-deserved vacation.

Richard - That's quite a workout you had this weekend. I think I'd need to rest for a month if I did that much in one weekend. I hope that your training continues to go well.

Debra - I love that you have your books all planned out. I would love to be that organized, but I'm not. I usually just wander into the library and grab something. Are you looking forward to seeing Up?

Kathy - Nice to see you on FB. Your girls are adorable!

Jackie - Sorry to hear about getting caught in the downpour with your DD. My DD is only 9 and I can only imagine how she'd react.


Have a great day, everyone!

 

[jmasgat]

Hello Ohana-ers? Ohana-ites? Ohan-ians? All right, moving along.....

The mixer question.....Costco'ed, Trader Joe'd, Meijer'ed, BBQ-ed, Biked, ran, planted (butt and flowers--although not in the same place!), read (Alexnader McCall Smith--always good for a little light reading), other random household things (vacuum the dog), and for the piece de resistance....made vanilla and chocolate ice cream, along with homemade hot fudge and caramel sauce. Add the nuts, strawberried, pineapple and whipped cream, schlep into work and it was sundaes for all today!

Have a great Tuesday, everyone.

Maura-Goof

 

[jship210]

Aloha Ohanians~
Mixer Question....
Friday afternoon, stopped by to see my dad at the Veterans Cemetery
Saturday Morning Scout fishing Derby, Afternoon dropped DS off at camp out.
Sunday Morning picked up said scout. Noon time had to attend ceremony at town park, after that home to cut the grass. Sunday night watched "Taking Chance"
Monday Home Depot, planted garden, watched the Soxs and just Grilled & Chiiled .

 

[jeanneg]

Hello Ohana-ers? Ohana-ites? Ohan-ians? All right, moving along.....

The mixer question.....Costco'ed, Trader Joe'd, Meijer'ed, BBQ-ed, Biked, ran, planted (butt and flowers--although not in the same place!), read (Alexnader McCall Smith--always good for a little light reading), other random household things (vacuum the dog), and for the piece de resistance....made vanilla and chocolate ice cream, along with homemade hot fudge and caramel sauce. Add the nuts, strawberried, pineapple and whipped cream, schlep into work and it was sundaes for all today!

Have a great Tuesday, everyone.

Maura-Goof

Oh Maura, I want you to be my co-worker!