The ABC's of Trip Planning, Pt 1- K is for Keeping Things Kooky- Drinks V-Z; pg. 197 + New Link

[irene_dsc]

Congratulations, and welcome to your break!

 

[Poolrat]

(No, I did not even come CLOSE to a 96%. I got an 80%, which puts me at a square B, of which I am abundantly thankful for! It was by FAR the most difficult exam I have EVER taken. Sadly, we lost at least 3 more today.)

You did great!!!! Enjoy your break, you deserve it.

 

[Steppesister]

Who knows maybe you'll get one of those rooms with a reclassified view. You never know. But it is a magical resort!

Wouldn't that be PEACHY!? I really don't think it'll matter; the whole place is so bomb-diggity!

First of all, I am really happy with your decision! All in all, AKL is my favourite of all WDW resorts. It kind of started my obsession with WDW vacations and I have special memories of wonderful vacations there, including one with @nodnol and one with Michael.

I have often stayed in pool view rooms at AKL and never felt that I missed out too much of the animal viewing. There are so many places to see animals from! And it is fun to go out and explore the resort!

I think I have read most, if not all of those reports. Magical is right- you've really made some happy memories there.

I"m sure we'll have oodles of time to just view the views. I'm trying to build in plenty of resort time- especially after Mike gets there...

Definitely makes sense. I mean it is your trip, but it could be a special and memorable one from their point of view too!

I think it'll be a really fun thing to see Disney through Anara's eyes especially. This is her first time back and there will be MANY firsts for her; she was quite young last time, and hasn't done any of the "big" rides.

Money, especially that much, does make a difference.

s

Yes, and I already have some cool plans for it.

Why not Caribbean Beach? Or better yet, Contemporary!

I"ve thought about CB, and wouldn't hesitate when we go with a full stay at a mod next time. The Contemp?? NEVER. Absolutely not my cup of tea at all. I know there are a lot of fans out there, but the 70s style arch and design and furniture isn't appealing at all.

Now that you've struggled with this decision, this will most likely be how it plays out.

Probably. But I ain't switching back.

I think it looks like a good call though. I kind of stayed on the sidelines during your debate. I could see the merit in both and I figured if I didn't have a strong opinion one way or the other... well no point in helping keep the waters muddy.

I don't mind a "muddy waters" sort of thread! Keeps me somewhat entertained during this ridiculously long haul called Nursing School. So please. Indulge me.

 

[Steppesister]

Thank you for clarifying the status of zebra farts.

My pleasure. I mean, the clarifying part.

You're not kidding.
"Hey kids! Would you like to visit Rome, Paris, London and Berlin? A six week tour of Europe? Or... two days at Disney? (Value)"

Well, that certainly lends an air of perspective.

That happens? Ugh. Wonderful.

Sadly, yes.

Yay! But now we'll all change our opinions and tell you to switch back to Boardwalk.

You wouldn't dare!

It's almost inevitable now, isn't it.

It would be my luck. But then again, it's a resort at Disney. You pretty much can't go wrong.

I dig your logic and am excited for you at making the switch!

I'm a chronic resort switcher and obsessive "must stay here" lister as well, so I totally get it! AKL is on my short list for a mom/daughter trip in 2017 ( what crazy person plans that far ahead? Well, me, obviously! ). So I am very excited for you to do some scouting and report how you liked it!

I am too!!! Super excited to be whisked away to a really highly themed resort, that in my opinion is the most well-done on prop.

Yes, we are both in the crazy planner club. I just have to wait longer between trips. Hopefully that will all change soon and I can go more often- or at least to DLR! I have a lot of photo ideas already planned out, so you won't miss a thing!!

All right!! Way to go Liesa!

C'mon everyone!
"Liesa! Liesa! Liesa! Liesa! Liesa!..."

Thanks, #1 Fan! (You're wearing a short skirt and waving pom-poms, right? )

WAhooooo!! Awesome on the exam...and the resort choice. So happy for you on both counts!

Thanks, Kathy!!! Exciting times right here!!

Loving the switch to AKL!

:squee:

 

[afwdwfan]

Congratulations! I'm glad you passed. I hope none of your study group fell victim to this one.

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations! I'm glad you passed. I hope none of your study group fell victim to this one.

Sadly, yes, one of the 6 of us did. She missed what she needed to be at 74.6% (they round up) by 2 questions. Truly heart-breaking.

 

[Steppesister]

Yay for you! I'm glad you're rocking these exams!

I have learned early on in the program that you MUST front-load/pad your grade early in the term(s). It is just too hard to make a come back under the stress of losing it all. Given that, I will study through my Christmas break some, so I can hit Exams 1 and 2 hard.

Congrats on the awesome exam score!

Thanks, Lessa! It's been a wild and crazy (and incredibly difficult) ride. I'll make it, but with a butt-ton of hard work.

AKL is the whole reason we bought DVC, so yeah, I'm a little partial to it! I think you'll love staying there.

I hope I can get a few photos half as good as yours from there. Someday, I may actually go to Africa... until then, this is going to work very nicely.

I've got behind again... AKL I know your kids were so looking forward to that, so that is super cool! Hooray! And Congrats on your latest test score

You are not the only one! I had to basically check off the DIS for a solid 3 weeks while I studied. It paid off and I am one of the 35 left in the program. We started with 56.

I am going to keep it a HUGE secret. THey don't know, and will be completely THRILLED when we check in. WOOT!

Way to go on the exam!!!!

THaNKS!!! Still here and while excited for my break, I'm also excited to start Term 2 and be that much closer to BEING DONE!!

 

[Steppesister]

You might just be flirting with that "A" girl......

Nope, not even close. Ended with a very middle of the road, but solid B. Which is still very much passing. Something 8 of our folks didn't manage to do. That Final was by far the hardest exam I have EVER taken!

I am sooo proud of you Liesa!!! you ROCK!!! I also vote for AKL , I am a POP gal at heart !! But the 2 other resorts that tempt me are AKL and French Quarters !!!! When I win the millions:good vibes: Rotfl2:!!! All I know is Carol and I will be there for 5 nights during your trip, we will definitely meet up at some point !!

Thank you so much, Rosie! I have a long way to go, but I'll make it.

I know you LOVE Pop. I'm on a quest to stay at all the resorts so went with AoA this time, since I did Pop last time.

Yes, Marv and I are planning some great Meet-up stuffs for everyone. There should be a nice variety of activities/meals/Park times/shows to please everyone, so you and your group can pick and choose the things you think you'd all like most. I am getting super excited!!

That super glue not only works on wounds, but on gluing you to the table huh?

Remember 11 weeks worth of stuff?
I don't remember yesterday!

Come on Tuesday!

Works pretty good on eyelids too, from what I hear. XP

It did not go NEARLY as well as I'd hoped even up to the time I pushed "submit". I really thought my score would show higher. Ah well... passing is passing, and at this point that's really ALL that matters.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do well.

Good enough was what happened.

All the best for the final exam of the term!! You have been doing so well and I hope that this trend continues!! And you definitely deserve that Christmas break!!

I actually am too; my undergrad degree was on the semester system, and I hated it. The weeks dragged on and on and on....

I really do have to study over break some. We have our syllabus and content, and need to front-load for our Cardiac content. We are getting into Critical Care now and it becomes even more important to really KNOW my crap. If I end up working in an ICU, I will need to be ready for pretty much anything.

Hooray for AKL!! And also...

I somehow managed to pull a pass out of.... places.

Great job on the A! Good luck on your finals!

Thank you SO much for your sharing this journey with me! It means a lot of have others alongside me for this tough deal!

Catching back up! I hear you rocked the final. Good decision on AKL...my favorite resort of all time!

Jill in CO

I fell VERY behind as well, and am now going to spend the rest of the day catching up on everyone's threads I'm SO terribly behind on! I miss everyone so much!!!

Double Woot! Way to go girl!

So... 1 more term to go, yes?



That's what happens with difficult exams.
I've been on several courses where we start with 20-30 and finish with 5-6.
But it makes passing that much sweeter.

Nope, 2 more. The next term is much like this one. Cardiac and Critical care stuff. Practicing Code Blues and stuff... Same: 5 Regular Exams and 1 Comp. Final. The LAST Term (April- June) is called Preceptorship where we work alongside an RN according to her/his actual work schedule for 6 weeks. The other 4 we are doing Simulations in the Lab with our talking/breathing/interactive mannikins; working on a BIG group project for a presentation. Lots of hard work left!

We have 35/56 left. Some have left of their own volition knowing Nursing wasn't for them. Most failed out due to low theory scores, a couple have failed out due to poor Clinical performance. But you're right. I don't take my still being in for granted. It's a privilege to still be in, I'm thankful for it, and know my success is due to God's Power and the support of family and friends.

A or B, the pass is all that matters! Congratulations! Have a wonderful Christmas break and collect all your strength for your final term!!!

THanks, Magdalene!! I plan to sleep in some and work some, and study some. But at a slower pace.

Sorry, I am used to a system with two terms per year... But it sounds like the last one is not the one that people are likely to fail!

NO, most fail out this and next term. The content is just super, super hard to grasp and the test questions are super tricky!

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations, and welcome to your break!

You did great!!!! Enjoy your break, you deserve it.

Thanks, guys!!! It's a great feeling to have open days to do what *I* want to do!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I somehow managed to pull a pass out of.... places.

Congratulations! I'm so glad the stress is behind you and you have some time to enjoy and rest! You've earned it!

 

[franandaj]

One down, two to go, but really one, I think by the time you make it to the practical, you've got it all down and they just want to see you do it. With all your life experience you should be a shoo in!

I have learned early on in the program that you MUST front-load/pad your grade early in the term(s). It is just too hard to make a come back under the stress of losing it all. Given that, I will study through my Christmas break some, so I can hit Exams 1 and 2 hard.

I can't even imagine this. I am so into having a (somewhat) cushy life that I can't imagine having to work this hard!

 

[pkondz]

Thanks, #1 Fan! (You're wearing a short skirt and waving pom-poms, right? )

How did you kn... er... I have no idea what you're talking about.

Thanks for the "term" info. Holy cow that's a lot to stuff into a term!

But you can do it!!

 

[Steppesister]

Q is for: Quirky Tours and Quieting Quaffs​

Sunday October 16th, 2015. Exactly 10 months and 6 days from now. 7 days into my....

GRADUATION EXTRAVAGANZA​

It will back to the parks after a lovely day off filled with (what I hope are) amazing meals, some serious shenanigans at Trader Sam's, power pool lounging, and a bit of shopping.

So where does one turn his (or her, or actually their, in this case) attention to at this point in a trip. Well, as luck would have it, I have hatched a nice plan that doesn't make me have to go back and edit one darn thing in the PTR so far written. Only because it really accidently worked out, of course. After I came into that several hundred dollah savings from switching resorts (the one I had really wanted all along!) I made the decision to add something I've wanted to do for quite a long time. And since we'll have had a nice day of relaxing and getting to bed not quite so late, why not get up early- like way before dawn early?

...FOR A TRAIN TOUR!!​

Who doesn't love an antique train (or 10) all refurbed up shiny just like Uncle Walt would have loved? TOOT TOOOOOT! I've heard this particular tour gets one all up and personal (again, who doesn't love that?) to steamy machines. Rumor has it that photos are absolutely allowed and you get a free cup of coffee! So does that make it a $60 cup of coffee with a side of train? Either way, I'm taking it. We'll have to for the first time ever take a taxi on Disney property as the busses don't run that early to get us to the front entrance by 7:15. Know what else is gonna be really fantastaroni? I get to see Main Street completely deserted. That may be worth $60 bucks (x3) right there. Just sayin'. In your face, Late Risers, gonna get me a cool shot of an empty park! (Hmmm.... this may make getting that wide angle lens I've wanted for a while, too.)

Breakfast schmekfast. Somewhere along the lines (see what I did there?) we'll find a bite to grab and call it good. Maybe Main Street Bakery after the tour. Lunch is where it's at!! And I can't think of any better place that the NEW, and rather exciting, Skipper's Cantina. At least I hope it's exciting. No menu yet. No ADRs being taken yet (last I read). But we like chicken, and I hear everything tastes like that at the newest, greatest Dang Skippy Hangout. Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I've read, it's much like the BOG concept: CS by day, TS by night. We'll take the same meal for 1/2 the price and no tip, thanks. Probably less interaction than during dinner, I really don't know. More than for corny jokes, I'm fairly intrigued to check out the decor which I hear rumored will be pulling in all kinds of Vintage Adventurer's Club paraphernalia. How cool is that?! My only regret? No Kungaloosh. It's ok, another Dole Whip could certainly console my Kungaloosh-missing heart. For the record, I never had the chance to try the real McCoy in person. Disney will never be forgiven for that.

After lunch, my crystal ball says that we'll be making our way back over to EPCOT around 2:00 to round out the day. Why? Well, duh! Food and Wine. Also, I have a date with a certain Jalapeno Margarita. Or a Horchata Margarita. I still can't decide which one to try first. We could take a poll. (If it's a tie, I'll do both.) I'm hoping that this will be a DISMeet Event and that many others will also join us. We can certainly be there for a drink, stay for Illuminations, take a stroll around the World, catch a snack, take some silly pictures, or burn a FP+ back in FW. The sky's the limit, and you should be there! (Seriously, we're starting to take roll call, if you think you may have a fair shot at meeting up with the growing crowd of takers, please let @GoofyFan1515 or myself know! We wanna count you in!)


That'll do it for Day 7. I gotta say, I'm LOVING the prospects of this day. A lot. Trains and EPCOT. Two of my favorite things. Brown paper packages tied up in string....

ETA: I just posted the following on pkondz's TR and thought it pertinent here as well.

"Getting there. I had an AMAZING day at work today. I really made a difference for a patient, and that made me feel really great! I'm really doing it! And feeling so much more confident. And to think I get PAID for doing something I love. Gotta say it, I'm a big fan of career changes later in life. I'm old, but not too old to make a difference."

This is getting real folks. Me likey!!

2nd ETA (Much like a P.S.S.):

Just yesterday we were notified of our Clinical Assignments. I was assigned to the most exacting instructor we have. His specialty is ICU Nursing, and I think I *may* have scored a Term in the IMCU (Intermediate Critical Care Unit) or the Cardiac Critical Care Unit. Of the 4 students I know of in my group, we are all the top students in Theory, and are, shall we say... the more mature of our cohort. I am SO excited about this possibly being true. It isn't confirmed, but this is my hunch. My hard work is paying off!

 

[OregonGirl]

Holy crap lady, 110 pages! I suppose you DID start this nearly a year ago. Well I'm gonna go start at the beginning, but wanted to say HI!

- Carey

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations! I'm so glad the stress is behind you and you have some time to enjoy and rest! You've earned it!

Meeeeeee too! HOWEVER.... during this "break", I have to pass (at the usual 100%) my last Math Exam of my Nursing Career (that counts for a grade- I suppose I'll have to keep doing math forever and it may someday mean someone dies if I screw up), and I have to frontload a bit of cardiac content. This is a marathon, not a picnic in the park.

One down, two to go, but really one, I think by the time you make it to the practical, you've got it all down and they just want to see you do it. With all your life experience you should be a shoo in!



I can't even imagine this. I am so into having a (somewhat) cushy life that I can't imagine having to work this hard!

I think you are right, Alison. Even by now I think they know who's headed where and they've placed people rather strategically in Clinicals for next term. Which reminds me to go back and edit my last update with what I know already about next term.

I have been curious what you and Fran do for livings, or if you're retired what you did do in the past.

How did you kn... er... I have no idea what you're talking about.

Thanks for the "term" info. Holy cow that's a lot to stuff into a term!

But you can do it!!

I KNEW it!! PRetty much all Management and Critical care. OY!!

Holy crap lady, 110 pages! I suppose you DID start this nearly a year ago. Well I'm gonna go start at the beginning, but wanted to say HI!

- Carey

Yeah, I tend to host pretty long threads full of all kinds of dis and dat. A lot of this is drivel from yours truly with a bit of off-color humor thrown in to keep the peeps coming back. I can get a little wordy and gushy sometimes too. You've been warned.

It's a long read, and full of a year of pretty much Nursing School Hell. Welcome.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[afwdwfan]

And since we'll have had a nice day of relaxing and getting to bed not quite so late, why not get up early- like way before dawn early?

...FOR A TRAIN TOUR!!​

Awesome! I'd be excited to do any of the tours, but this one looks like a lot of fun!

So does that make it a $60 cup of coffee with a side of train?

That's a better deal than you can get from Starbucks.

I get to see Main Street completely deserted. That may be worth $60 bucks (x3) right there. Just sayin'. In your face, Late Risers, gonna get me a cool shot of an empty park! (Hmmm.... this may make getting that wide angle lens I've wanted for a while, too.)

That is certainly a very nice added benefit for you!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I've read, it's much like the BOG concept: CS by day, TS by night. We'll take the same meal for 1/2 the price and no tip, thanks.

Hmmm... I haven't heard so I don't know if that's true, but that would be just fine by me! I love the QS lunch at BoG for that very reason... good food, no tip, a little more affordable.

Also, I have a date with a certain Jalapeno Margarita. Or a Horchata Margarita. I still can't decide which one to try first. We could take a poll. (If it's a tie, I'll do both.)

Skip the poll and get both!

This is getting real folks. Me likey!!

Just yesterday we were notified of our Clinical Assignments. I was assigned to the most exacting instructor we have. His specialty is ICU Nursing, and I think I *may* have scored a Term in the IMCU (Intermediate Critical Care Unit) or the Cardiac Critical Care Unit. Of the 4 students I know of in my group, we are all the top students in Theory, and are, shall we say... the more mature of our cohort. I am SO excited about this possibly being true. It isn't confirmed, but this is my hunch. My hard work is paying off!

I'm glad to see that you're seeing some payoff to all of your hard work!

 

[Steppesister]

I do admire you early birds. I do, really. It's just that I am even more clumsy and disoriented when factoring in jet lag and normal sleep wake cycles. But you can thank me for not crowding you in the early morning hours...


That would be so cool! I have no clue when my holidays will be yet, and the Canadian exchange is not spectacular. I will have to wait and see if holidays and a last minute deal coincide. It doesn't look like good odds, does it? *cranky face*


Awww, validation is alway nice!


Well, you will be prepared for anything after that kind of rotation!

Just keep an eye on things. We'd sure love to have you come on down and join the par-tay!!!

I think I have a long ways to go, but I'm making progress, and that's always a good thing.

Awesome! I'd be excited to do any of the tours, but this one looks like a lot of fun!

I"ve done the Behind the Seeds Tour as well, and I sure love that!! I'd recommend it to anyone, especially the tweens!

That's a better deal than you can get from Starbucks.

Nice point! And so true.

That is certainly a very nice added benefit for you!

Yes, Sir!! I'm walking right down the middle of Main Str. USA-aaa-aaa-aaaa....

Hmmm... I haven't heard so I don't know if that's true, but that would be just fine by me! I love the QS lunch at BoG for that very reason... good food, no tip, a little more affordable.

I actually love this concept! If we really LOVE the place we can always go back another time for "more", but until then, best to save a little cash on this one for other things I have "up my sleeve". Surprises still in the making....

Skip the poll and get both!

Ummm, oK. That was easy. Too easy.

I'm glad to see that you're seeing some payoff to all of your hard work!

ME too!!!

 

[cinderkelly]

...FOR A TRAIN TOUR!!

Sounds awesome!!

I get to see Main Street completely deserted. That may be worth $60 bucks (x3) right there.

Sounds even awesomer!!

Also, I have a date with a certain Jalapeno Margarita. Or a Horchata Margarita. I still can't decide which one to try first. We could take a poll. (If it's a tie, I'll do both.) I'm hoping t

I second that vote for forget the vote, have both!!!

I really made a difference for a patient, and that made me feel really great! I'm really doing it!

Isn't that the best feeling? I love those days where I have a client that you can see the difference you've made for them, it's the best!

 

[Steppesister]

Sounds awesome!!



Sounds even awesomer!!

It just gets awesomer and awesomer!!! But wait...

That's not all...!!!!

I second that vote for forget the vote, have both!!!

Oh I definitely will, just not sure if it'll all be on the same day/night or not. At $14 a pop, I may have to spread them out a bit. Well, that and maintaining my ability to navigate my way around the World without mistaking London for Rome.

Isn't that the best feeling? I love those days where I have a client that you can see the difference you've made for them, it's the best!

Totally is! Makes all the hard work absolutely worth it!