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

[pkondz]

Said what?

When?

Calamari is mostly the same.

hmmm. Interesting. Kay mentioned it was like calamari.
But I didn't care for the taste, so.... banished!

We enjoyed tripe many times in Crapistan, neatly tucked in dumplings as well. Smothered in a vegetable ragu and fresh sour cream. My kids liked it much better than the eyeballs- so it's all relative.

Sure. You're relatives liked it more than my relative.

Well, we've got a wedding date and it is tentatively set for Oct. 31st.

Halloween?

that is #1) Her birthday, and #2) The anniversary of their first date 3 years ago.

Well, okay. But.
Birthday and Anniversary on the same date?
Why not have two days to celebrate instead of one?

To each their own.

But I equally don't like the option of sending them home on the 20th and then paying another set of R/T tickets a week later to Kentucky and back for the wedding. GAH!!!!! What should I do????????

Win the lottery.
Or... just how much overtime can you pick up?

Additionally, now Mike and I have to fly directly from Miami (probably) to Kentucky (via Nashville) so we can help the couple do whatever last minute prep they may need us to. I suppose it's our duty (that I'm over-the-moon excited about!) to host a rehearsal dinner, so there's that too. Sadly, her parents are absolutely NOT onboard. They are staunchly Catholic; we (and Andrew) are not. Although we have our concerns, as things may be harder for them, especially when kids come around, and have voiced those concerns, they simply won't support them in any way, shape, or form. It breaks my heart to see them alienating the 2 of them from themselves, and to see Andrew and Emily, putting distance there, which in the long-run they may regret.

Can't discuss politics or religion on the board, otherwise I'd have quite a bit to say about this.
PM me if you wish.

Andrew, as you all know is active military getting his MOS training in Ft. Gordon, GA, and just got his "Projection" to be sent to Guam! (Ummmm, HECK YEAH, we're excited!- already planning a trip there!)

Well that escalated quickly!

Courthouse/paper wedding before April? Church/Priest Blessing in October?? They are really in angst somewhat over the whole thing; frankly, I don't blame them.

Well let's see.
Ruby and I were separated by my work for about six months before I proposed.
Then we were married and then separated for about a year. (1 week short of a year, actually)
It's stuff like that that makes an interesting story to tell your kids.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

That is definitely a kink added to the vacation and wedding plans. I'm sure you will figure it all out though.

I can only imagine how difficult it will be for them with her parents not being supportive. I know religion is very important to some people but i think it is a shame when it is placed over the happiness of ones own child/family.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Wow! Never a dull moment in the planning game! I don't know what you will do about plane tickets, etc. I'm guessing a ticket to KY from MCO won't be a whole lot different than a RT back to KY from OR if you must send the kids to school.

Yep! Courthouse wedding = money from the military and they get to stay together! Question is - will they let them come home for the wedding? How much is the ticket. They can take a hop, but it is not always a guartanteed ride. Not a good gamble... If I had any say, which of course Jim just reminded me, I DO NOT!!!! I would say they should move the wedding date up to just before the move and keep it smaller.... then celebrate it up in October as a "half versary" Yes, being in the military requires sacrifices in many ways

 

[Steppesister]

Wow. Halloween. I hope they aren't planning on inviting many families with kids, since that would really mess things up. I can't imagine telling my kids that they have to miss trick or treating for a wedding! They may also have a challenging time booking a venue, photographer, etc. It wouldn't surprise me if that date ends up changing. Especially with the Guam complications. ..

No, there won't be many families at all with small kids. All the cousins on both sides are teens and older, and most of their friends are college aged. The venue will almost positively be her Parish? I should ask, but she made a comment about booking a date at the church. My own opinion is that they should just plan a simple wedding before he leaves in April and be done with it. She can join him in June all married and all. We'll see....

That is definitely a kink added to the vacation and wedding plans. I'm sure you will figure it all out though.

I can only imagine how difficult it will be for them with her parents not being supportive. I know religion is very important to some people but i think it is a shame when it is placed over the happiness of ones own child/family.

I'm trying to stay out of it as best I can- a MIL is quite a bit different than a Mother-of-the-Bride. And yes, it really is a shame that they can't see past that- although I do know that it CAN present challenges in raising kids further down the road, and that may be what they're focusing on?? Who knows.

Wow! Never a dull moment in the planning game! I don't know what you will do about plane tickets, etc. I'm guessing a ticket to KY from MCO won't be a whole lot different than a RT back to KY from OR if you must send the kids to school.

Yep! Courthouse wedding = money from the military and they get to stay together! Question is - will they let them come home for the wedding? How much is the ticket. They can take a hop, but it is not always a guartanteed ride. Not a good gamble... If I had any say, which of course Jim just reminded me, I DO NOT!!!! I would say they should move the wedding date up to just before the move and keep it smaller.... then celebrate it up in October as a "half versary" Yes, being in the military requires sacrifices in many ways

Never. I am totally going to wait a while longer on making any changes to what I've got so as not to have to change again if the dates changes, which it very well could. I just can't see the kids missing 3 full weeks of school in high school. Not a good idea. The trip is already pushing it.

Coming home for a wedding? That I don't know. The tickets are a FREAKING $2,000!!!!! No, that's not a typo. I will ask about hops, and have heard that even parents may be able to cash in on those. True?? I like the idea of moving it up. We'll see....

 

[Steppesister]

hmmm. Interesting. Kay mentioned it was like calamari.
But I didn't care for the taste, so.... banished!

Well, okay. But.
Birthday and Anniversary on the same date?
Why not have two days to celebrate instead of one?

To each their own.

LOL! Maybe she's just giving him the advantage in trying to remember both. If she doesn't, there's room to not celebrate either.

Win the lottery.
Or... just how much overtime can you pick up?

I play about once a month. Typically on a BIG grocery shopping day. Haven't won diddly crap in about a year.

Overtime? Never. Especially since I'm going back to working every 2 weeks or less during the term.

Can't discuss politics or religion on the board, otherwise I'd have quite a bit to say about this.
PM me if you wish.

I will....

Well that escalated quickly!

But you DO know where it is, right?? Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines are all nearby. All of which I'd LOVE to go to.

Well let's see.
Ruby and I were separated by my work for about six months before I proposed.
Then we were married and then separated for about a year. (1 week short of a year, actually)
It's stuff like that that makes an interesting story to tell your kids.

It is! And can either make or break a marriage. Best to do it while young and newly married than later on, I suppose.

 

[pkondz]

LOL! Maybe she's just giving him the advantage in trying to remember both. If she doesn't, there's room to not celebrate either.

Classic double edged sword.

I will....

You did! And I replied!

But you DO know where it is, right?? Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines are all nearby. All of which I'd LOVE to go to.

I especially want to see Japan. Especially now. Details on my TR, later, I think.

It is! And can either make or break a marriage. Best to do it while young and newly married than later on, I suppose.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

No, there won't be many families at all with small kids. All the cousins on both sides are teens and older, and most of their friends are college aged. The venue will almost positively be her Parish? I should ask, but she made a comment about booking a date at the church. My own opinion is that they should just plan a simple wedding before he leaves in April and be done with it. She can join him in June all married and all. We'll see....



I'm trying to stay out of it as best I can- a MIL is quite a bit different than a Mother-of-the-Bride. And yes, it really is a shame that they can't see past that- although I do know that it CAN present challenges in raising kids further down the road, and that may be what they're focusing on?? Who knows.



Never. I am totally going to wait a while longer on making any changes to what I've got so as not to have to change again if the dates changes, which it very well could. I just can't see the kids missing 3 full weeks of school in high school. Not a good idea. The trip is already pushing it.

Coming home for a wedding? That I don't know. The tickets are a FREAKING $2,000!!!!! No, that's not a typo. I will ask about hops, and have heard that even parents may be able to cash in on those. True?? I like the idea of moving it up. We'll see....

No, there won't be many families at all with small kids. All the cousins on both sides are teens and older, and most of their friends are college aged. The venue will almost positively be her Parish? I should ask, but she made a comment about booking a date at the church. My own opinion is that they should just plan a simple wedding before he leaves in April and be done with it. She can join him in June all married and all. We'll see....



I'm trying to stay out of it as best I can- a MIL is quite a bit different than a Mother-of-the-Bride. And yes, it really is a shame that they can't see past that- although I do know that it CAN present challenges in raising kids further down the road, and that may be what they're focusing on?? Who knows.



Never. I am totally going to wait a while longer on making any changes to what I've got so as not to have to change again if the dates changes, which it very well could. I just can't see the kids missing 3 full weeks of school in high school. Not a good idea. The trip is already pushing it.

Coming home for a wedding? That I don't know. The tickets are a FREAKING $2,000!!!!! No, that's not a typo. I will ask about hops, and have heard that even parents may be able to cash in on those. True?? I like the idea of moving it up. We'll see....

I do believe that airfare crazy. No parents can only take hops if they are actually dependents of the military member, or retired military themselves.


https://www.baseops.

Exciting times for you and your kiddos!

 

[irene_dsc]

All I can say, is, early wedding is sounding better and better.

 

[Steppesister]

T is for: Trekking and Tour Tents​

Day 8 of Fun and Games. Fun for me, games for Everyone. I haven't decided on the game that will accompany the ensuing TR, but I have some pretty decent ideas. So in the end, fun for everyone. Besides 'Subtle', 'Fun' is my middle name.

What fun could Day 8 hold? We'll have been to all 4 parks; most twice except DHS, which at this moment in time is meh. However, by October, there may be more to do. But we aren't going there again.... yet. Although, I'll still be griping about them taking out Animation Studios and One Man's Dream.

Instead we'll start our day of fun and games with an early "Up and Outta There" sort of move. Move to AKL that is!!!!! WOOT! Finally, another deluxe stay for me and oodles of awesomeness for the kids. Bags will be checked with our porters and we'll hit the dusty trail on our Royal Safari Coach to find our space in the private reserve on an empty expanse of Savannah. There we'll pitch our tents, string up some mosquito netting, and ready our cameras, while we sip sherry waiting for wild beasts to wander into camp. Because Deluxe Safaris like that cost what equals about 1/3 of our mortgage payment and the value of the Hope Diamond a night, once we get there, we'll stay a spell. I hear the watering hole is quite nice and free from most dysentery and cholera. So, we'll probably go in too.

After I deem that I've gotten my money's worth with some arbitrary amount of time to be determined, we'll head to lunch at one of my must-do repeat places: Sanaa. Oddly, although this resort is all about Africa the restaurant's namesake is for the capital of a country located in Asia. Maybe for most of the clientele... close enough. Hot, dry, sandy, snakes... Yemen... whatever. Regardless, the naan service is not to be missed! Where else can you get enough food for 2 light eaters with a pretty decent take on authenticity for $12.99? Add in a curry, and now there's more than enough for 3. It's my kind of gig. Of course this is all conveniently located within easy reach of our Safari HQ, which has been kept impeccably clean by our able Safari guides and help. By that I mean there are no forgotten chamber pots or empty kerosene lamps.

Fully sated, we'll head to the only logical park to continue our exploration of Savannahs, Jungles, and all the remarkable wonders they hold. Magically, along the way, within minutes, we'll be travel from the Savannahs of Africa to the mountain heights of the tallest peaks of the Himalayas where creatures of unspeakable terror await- an altogether different kind of animal hunt. If by some miracle we make it out alive, we'll somehow end up in Eastern
Asia for some sustenance at a place which has always been odd (at the very least) to me in name. Seriously, I guess hundreds of thousands of people will willwingly eat at a place called Yak and Yeti. I've done plenty of "yaking" after eating East Asian food and it's not fun.

One magical wonder that I'm more than a little looking forward to and hoping is up and shimmering by then is the River of Lights Spectacle. From what I have read, it will be similar to World of Color at California Adventure which I more than a little, actually quite thoroughly enjoyed. The newer technologies now available to Safari-bound visitors is quite a feat to produce in the middle of a Jungle-type habitat. I've lived in the jungle and never once saw colorful images cast on sheets of mist. Maybe I should have paid more to get that perk in addition to snakes and scorpions regularly visiting my living room.

The park will call an end to this portion of our Magical Safari soon after, so we'll take our Royal Caravanserai back to the tents that are hopefully devoid of cobras and asps and fall into a deep and happy sleep with visions of zebra and giraffes dancing outside of our net-covered tent flaps. Which is better than nightmares of wildebeests stampeding over us.

 

[Steppesister]

Classic double edged sword.

Women are experts. But then again, you already know that.

You did! And I replied!

Haven't forgotten to write back... ramping up for our Study Group's Last Hurrah Before Starting Back Up Party. White Christmas Martinis for everyone. But not too many. Working at 5:30 AM tomorrow. So, I'll probably give a few lines after work tomorrow.

I especially want to see Japan. Especially now. Details on my TR, later, I think.

I'll have to take a peek! I'm intrigued! But sorta dreading to see my point deduction. You know that makes me sad, right??

I do believe that airfare crazy. No parents can only take hops if they are actually dependents of the military member, or retired military themselves.


https://www.baseops.

Exciting times for you and your kiddos!

Thanks for the link and info! I'll pass it along!

All I can say, is, early wedding is sounding better and better.

I'm not holding my breath for any set-in-stone plans yet. For now, I"ll just hold off on changes to our own tickets until it gets closer!

 

[pkondz]

Besides 'Subtle', 'Fun' is my middle name.

Just how many middle names do you have?!?!?

Although, I'll still be griping about them taking out Animation Studios and One Man's Dream.

Is there a statute of limitations on griping about this? Because if there is, I don't want to miss out.

Bags will be checked with our porters and we'll hit the dusty trail on our Royal Safari Coach to find our space in the private reserve on an empty expanse of Savannah. There we'll pitch our tents, string up some mosquito netting, and ready our cameras, while we sip sherry waiting for wild beasts to wander into camp.

Too bad Disney doesn't actually offer something like that.

we'll head to lunch at one of my must-do repeat places: Sanaa.

Another place I've yet to try.

Fully sated, we'll head to the only logical park to continue our exploration of Savannahs, Jungles, and all the remarkable wonders they hold.

You're going to Gatorland Zoo?!?! Cool!

Seriously, I guess hundreds of thousands of people will willwingly eat at a place called Yak and Yeti. I've done plenty of "yaking" after eating East Asian food and it's not fun.

That's exactly what I think when I hear "Yak".
Well that and ...
"Eddie? Is there something wrong with the dog?"
"Nah. He's just yakking on a bone."
"Blurch!"
"He's got it out."

One magical wonder that I'm more than a little looking forward to and hoping is up and shimmering by then is the River of Lights Spectacle.

So that's what's being built there.

Women are experts. But then again, you already know that.

Oh, God. Yes. Yes I do.

Haven't forgotten to write back... ramping up for our Study Group's Last Hurrah Before Starting Back Up Party. White Christmas Martinis for everyone. But not too many. Working at 5:30 AM tomorrow. So, I'll probably give a few lines after work tomorrow.

No worries.
I said I'd tell you, you don't have to feel like you're pressured into anything.

I'll have to take a peek! I'm intrigued! But sorta dreading to see my point deduction. You know that makes me sad, right??

And you know I'm not deducting, right?
I may not be awarding as many as you asked for...

 

[Steppesister]

Just enough time before I go to bed for reals to post the 'T' Photos for this iteration of Letter T. We're really marching our way through the Alphabet, aren't we?!

All of these should be self explanatory, so I won't give commentary on them, other than to stated the obvious- they are all taken at DLR. I hope you enjoy them as much as I looking through them!!! One last request: Now that the Term is starting up in the morning, please remember to pray for me as I take my final attempt at passing the math exam. It would break my heart to be out of 4 years of hard work over a silly error.

Also, I can't be on here for a while as much as I'd like. If it's not too much trouble, if you mention me or post an update. I get notifications if you quote me, but not otherwise and I don't want to miss stuff. Might take a spell to finally respond, but I will. Promise!

And now without further ado:

 

[pkondz]

Now that the Term is starting up in the morning, please remember to pray for me as I take my final attempt at passing the math exam. It would break my heart to be out of 4 years of hard work over a silly error.

Is your math exam in the morning???
Good luck! I've got fingers and toes crossed!

Also, I can't be on here for a while as much as I'd like. If it's not too much trouble, if you mention me or post an update. I get notifications if you quote me, but not otherwise and I don't want to miss stuff. Might take a spell to finally respond, but I will. Promise!

I won't send you a bat signal on my next update, I'll just tell you now it'll be up by tomorrow night.
Written and ready to go.

Oh. And don't forget your car keys.

 

[Steppesister]

Is your math exam in the morning???
Good luck! I've got fingers and toes crossed!



I won't send you a bat signal on my next update, I'll just tell you now it'll be up by tomorrow night.
Written and ready to go.

Oh. And don't forget your car keys.

1. Probably will hold off until the 5th; school may be cancelled here due to crappy/icy weather. We'll see.... this week for sure!

2. OK, will look then.

3. Shut up.

 

[pkondz]

1. Probably will hold off until the 5th; school may be cancelled here due to crappy/icy weather. We'll see.... this week for sure!

Saw about the ice on FB.
If it's not cancelled, can you not go in anyway due to weather?

2. OK, will look then.

Good!

3. Shut up.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[Steppesister]

Saw about the ice on FB.
If it's not cancelled, can you not go in anyway due to weather?



Good!

No, if it's closed it'll be totally closed and if not, I'm not sure I can get a ride in. While we don't live truly rural, we live a good 12 km out if town- not likely anyone would risk missing class to come get me.

Nothing like having to eat crow with ones own kids, eh? However, that does not explain the daily phone, computer, chargers, and other sundry items snipe hunts.

 

[Steppesister]

Math skills - use the Force, young Jedi! You have good wishes from around the world heading your way!

Thank you!!! I'll need every ounce of prayer I can get!!

 

[mom3sonstt]

Finally caught up after hearing about the celebration and jumping on the bandwagon last month.

So to summarize the last 117 pages, congrats, congrats, good luck, congrats, oh that looks yummy, have fun, how pretty, good luck, congrats.... (Repeat and rearrange as necessary!)

 

[irene_dsc]

Good luck on your math test!