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

[Steppesister]

I seem to have this problem a lot. Or I remember the combo but it still won't open...then you really feel like a tool.

Glad it was all a dream though and you did awesome on the exam!!

Ours are the kind where we have to bring out own lock, and I'm so forgetful at times that I decided to just leave the printed combo on the back. If someone wants my lunch, they are certainly welcome to it.

Me too! I STILL have nightmares about showing up to school in PJs, or WORSE forgetting to drop a class that I'm failing before the drop date and having to fail it.

Great news on the exam!!!!

Now hopefully those health problems you are having are being taken care of.

Thanks, Pat!!! WOOT!

Me too. I'll let y'all know.

 

[Steppesister]

I don't know how a single parent could possibly do it.
I was like... "Ruby? Going to lock the door here. See you next week."

Either they have a strong family with a dad who's willing to bend over backwards, or they're gone. I'm they same way; I disappear for a few days at a time (well, I do come home to sleep) and re-surface after tests.

That sucks, because I know where you can get one... but you're going there after you graduate.

Well, crap. Now I"m not even sure I can pass. (jkjk)

Not much.
I keep my cup and my hot chocolate in there. Which I don't drink much of. Or a six pack of coke.
I use it... oh, maybe a couple of times a week. Maybe less some times.
It's just sort of... there.

But it makes you feel like you belong. Like you are One of Them. Like a space holder of sorts.

Just take care of yourself, okay? Please?

Trying.

Did you say.... PIE???????

Did I tickle a fancy?

 

[pkondz]

I'm they same way; I disappear for a few days at a time (well, I do come home to sleep) and re-surface after tests.

But it makes you feel like you belong. Like you are One of Them. Like a space holder of sorts.

But I don't want to be One of Them.
I just want them to pay me.

Did I tickle a fancy?

You can tickle my fancy any day.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Have a long day yet, but am happy to report I got the same acceptable score of 89%! Read 2 of them wrong and feel like a doofus, but will "get over it" and move on. Happy day!!

At the end, no one will remember your scores, just that you passed! Congratulations!

Oh, well that looks very ZZZZZZZZzzzzzz....

 

[franandaj]

Sadly, when I clicked on these 4 links, they all came up blank. I wonder why...? They highlight as links, but the page is completely blank? Maybe if you just copy and paste a URL it might work. Nevertheless, I will definitely take a peek at the offerings from THIS year and see what prices I can expect.

I can assume kids wouldn't be welcome (older teens) to one of these. They are very used to having upscale meals and are quiet, but what do you think??

OK, I saw this and will go back and post the actual links. Might have to be over the weekend. Today is going to involve moving lots of boxes before the rain gets here, hopefully!

I'm not sure about kids. I've never seen any at the events. They are pretty pricey to go without getting the alcohol.

 

[Steppesister]

But I don't want to be One of Them.
I just want them to pay me.

So when you leave someday, I would imagine leaving something nefarious in it then, wouldn't make you feel too badly.

You can tickle my fancy any day.

Today's a new day!

At the end, no one will remember your scores, just that you passed! Congratulations!

Too true, just LOVE that my grade is padded a bit so that if, and when, I happened to bomb one badly, it won't put me in danger.

Oh, well that looks very ZZZZZZZZzzzzzz....

Preach it to the choir, Dude.

OK, I saw this and will go back and post the actual links. Might have to be over the weekend. Today is going to involve moving lots of boxes before the rain gets here, hopefully!

Take your time. Working today, then studying ALL weekend- Clinical on Monday.

I'm not sure about kids. I've never seen any at the events. They are pretty pricey to go without getting the alcohol.

Hmmm, VERY good point! The price is mostly the booze, and to pay $30/40 for a few appetizers would be pretty steep.

 

[pkondz]

So when you leave someday, I would imagine leaving something nefarious in it then, wouldn't make you feel too badly.

Hmmm......

Today's a new day!

<whimper>

 

[pooh'smate]

I am all caught up I even skimmed the chatter. It was nice chatting with you on FB last night (so you know who I am lol)

 

[Steppesister]

I am all caught up I even skimmed the chatter. It was nice chatting with you on FB last night (so you know who I am lol)

Woohoooooo!!! So super excited you've joined in again!! I know my threads tend to be long and mostly drivel, but we sure do have fun around here! (And yes, completely agree about FB)

Great to have you back, Jessica!!

 

[pooh'smate]

Woohoooooo!!! So super excited you've joined in again!! I know my threads tend to be long and mostly drivel, but we sure do have fun around here! (And yes, completely agree about FB)

Great to have you back, Jessica!!

I am so happy to be back. I didn't know how much I had missed it until I came back and realized how much fun it was over here.

 

[Steppesister]

V is for Very Happy Endings​

Letter V finds our intrepid group of travelers waking up once more in a Lodge- a very, Very big, beautiful, African-themed lodge belonging to a Kingdom of Animals. No, no, I don't mean my family; I mean the ones that live outside. However, this will be the last full day at this fantastical lodge, for today is the day, 244 days from now to be exact, that we'll be spending our last day in Walt's Kingdom. We may not jump right onto a bus first thing today, but might rather take our time to soak in the sights right where we are. One does not pay over $250 a night and just not enjoy it, right? There is more to a Disney vacation than the Parks, no? Close your eyes, imagine standing on a veranda with soft African drums rhythmically drawing you away from the cares of everyday life, inviting you to another world filled with zebras, giraffes, and long-horned antelope on the savannahs of East Africa. Where else on earth can you have that, and an hour later be transported to early 20th-Century mainstream USA (no, I didn't say Main Street, USA intentionally) where Joplin and Sousa are piped in and barbershop acts serenade away what may be left of any stress and worry remaining from "outside the bubble".

Today's agenda is simple with few things on it that we must accomplish. See... it takes 10 days to finally feel like we're actually vacationing with no pressing itinerary, no pressure to blitz through or get uptight about. It seems appropriate to bask in the last bit of one of the events I specifically planned the trip dates around: Food and Wine. So we'll start at EPCOT and take one last stroll around one of my favorite places on earth- World Showcase. Yes, I have my 1 adult beverage chosen, but that's for another post, as well as my snack choice of the day- again, a whole post of those coming up... (stay tuned). This may be the day I finish up any holes remaining in our Shop Around the World Quest as well. Perhaps the kids and I will play another Showcase game. The sky's the limit.

Sometime in the late afternoon, we'll take the monorail to MK to enjoy our last park time of the trip. Because it also seems appropriate to end our stay with a view of the castle, some happy dancing and cheesy grinning to the MSEP music/parade, and a few night time spins on the mountains. Dinner is inconsequential at this point. We've never tried Cosmic Ray's nor the Plaza. I'm not sure if I will make an ADR for the Plaza, but have 74 days to think about it. Honestly, if I were to be forced to make that choice today, I'd go with Ray's because I think we'd all like the no pressure to be somewhere vibe. Well, that and the chicken dinner.

Regardless, I want to end my vacation with my last memory being of the scent of chocolate chip cookies and popcorn on Main Street, of bunches of balloons bobbing along the sidewalk, and the Happy Announcer Guy saying goodnight to me.

On a ridiculously happy note, I called Chase today to have a Happy Card sent to me today loaded with $200 of Disney Bucks. People! Do you realize that will MORE than take care of an entire day's food? Or twice my entire souvie budget? Heck, it almost covers a night at AKL, but since that's already paid for, I may use it to pay for my extra, extra coolio treat to me...

Remember, I asked you to guess what that was a couple of weeks ago? A few of you did guess correctly- a dinner at Vic and Al's!!! (I mean, gotta stick with Letter 'V', right?!?- thanks, @irene_dsc for pointing that out!) I've had my eye on that for about 6 years when a fellow worker in Crapistan told me about her special night there. So, now, the call goes out... is there anyone who'd like to join me for a night of extravagant indulgence? (Not to be a cheapskate, but yeah, we'd be going Dutch.) Looking to go one night between the 11th and the 16th. I am happy to go solo (for reals!), but it would also be fun to have a fellow gastronome or 2 to enjoy the evening of delicacies with- someone I know even just a little. Mike would absolutely not think this was remotely fun, and cite it as a gigantic waste of money. Oh well, his loss.

Well, this wraps up yet another intriguing chapter in our never-ending repetition of the alphabet. Time to hit the books for the remainder of the day. Happy weekend, Friends!

Until Next Time,

Steppe

 

[Steppesister]

V was, again, pretty darned hard to find stuff from:

CHALLENGE: Find one of your OWN 'V' pictures to post. I dare you. I mean a Disney picture.

 

[pkondz]

No, no, I don't mean my family; I mean the ones that live outside.

Are you sure???

One does not pay over $250 a night and just not enjoy it, right?

One might... but one shouldn't

There is more to a Disney vacation than the Parks, no?

I wouldn't know!
Last four visits have been.

Close your eyes, imagine standing on a veranda with soft African drums rhythmically drawing you away from the cares of everyday life, inviting you to another world filled with zebras, giraffes, and long-horned antelope on the savannahs of East Africa. Where else on earth can you have that, and an hour later be transported to early 20th-Century mainstream USA (no, I didn't say Main Street, USA intentionally) where Joplin and Sousa are piped in and barbershop acts serenade away what may be left of any stress and worry remaining from "outside the bubble".

I tried that. The phone rang.
Totally ruined the vibe.

See... it takes 10 days to finally feel like we're actually vacationing with no pressing itinerary, no pressure to blitz through or get uptight about.

Ah. So there's my problem.
My vacays lately have been about 5-6 days.

Yes, I have my 1 adult beverage chosen, but that's for another post, as well as my snack choice of the day- again, a whole post of those coming up... (stay tuned).

Staying tuned.

Perhaps the kids and I will play another Showcase game. The sky's the limit.

The sky's the limit? So you're going to see Sammy Duvall, then?

Regardless, I want to end my vacation with my last memory being of the scent of chocolate chip cookies and popcorn on Main Street, of bunches of balloons bobbing along the sidewalk, and the Happy Announcer Guy saying goodnight to me.

$200 of Disney Bucks. People! Do you realize that will MORE than take care of an entire day's food?

This is Disney we're talking about right?
$200 will get you a bucket of popcorn.

A small bucket.

Remember, I asked you to guess what that was a couple of weeks ago? A few of you did guess correctly- a dinner at Vic and Al's!!!

I didn't guess that, but.... awesome!!

So, now, the call goes out... is there anyone who'd like to join me for a night of extravagant indulgence?

I'd love to.
But I fear I shan't be able to make it this year.

CHALLENGE, find one of your OWN V pictures to post. I dare you.

Well... I too could post a Venice shot.

But that's been used....

I don't have a picture of you, since we haven't actually met yet.
So that leaves out "vixen"...

I thought this might work...

But that's definitely not mine.

So I'll go with this:

 

[dglilbit]

Sounds like a very relaxing day and YAY for gift cards!

 

[irene_dsc]

So, wait, how did you miss V for Victoria and Albert? Which sounds like a Very Special Evening, I must say. I even had to go back and capitalize it, to emphasize the specialness. Will you save a gown to wear for the occasion?

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

I just got my Disney Rewards redemption card in today's mail. Mine is only for $100 but still fun to get. We will probably use ours for snacks. I was also glad to see no more expiration date on the cards.

Your last day sounds nice and hopefully relaxing.

 

[Steppesister]

Are you sure???

No. Today was one of those days where "Animal" just about nailed it. It was NOT a good day around here. (Meltdowns can be a downer. Especially when laundry and general lassitude prevail while Mama's working.)

One might... but one shouldn't

Maybe those should re-consider saving their hard-earned money and stay at the Super 8 in Kissimmee.

I wouldn't know!
Last four visits have been.

Park-centric, then?

I tried that. The phone rang.
Totally ruined the vibe.

Definitely check your vibrate on silent mode next time!!

Ah. So there's my problem.
My vacays lately have been about 5-6 days.

YOu need to take better advantage of the "Cheaper by the day" racket they have going.

Staying tuned.

GREAT! One reader staying true.

The sky's the limit? So you're going to see Sammy Duvall, then?

WOW! Hadn't thought of that! Hmmm...

This is Disney we're talking about right?
$200 will get you a bucket of popcorn.

A small bucket.

But at least I get a souvenir bucket.

I didn't guess that, but.... awesome!!

Then you are doing about as awesome here as I did on your guessing game. (Hint: that's sucktastic.)

I'd love to.
But I fear I shan't be able to make it this year.

BIG, huge pouty face.

Well... I too could post a Venice shot.

I need to find my old boxes of photos and crap from my European tour. Have a photo almost identical. Venice....ahhhhh.

I don't have a picture of you, since we haven't actually met yet.
So that leaves out "vixen"...

I've been called worse. Sometimes better too.

On my way out the door for date night. I know where I"m headed now. Thanks.

 

[Steppesister]

Sounds like a very relaxing day and YAY for gift cards!

Ok, seriously one of my favorite Disney flicks!! SO many one-liners!!!

So, wait, how did you miss V for Victoria and Albert? Which sounds like a Very Special Evening, I must say. I even had to go back and capitalize it, to emphasize the specialness. Will you save a gown to wear for the occasion?

WOW!! DOY moment there. You should be my editor and get a cut for all the money I'm making off this PTR. LOL!

Now, you really have me thinking!

I just got my Disney Rewards redemption card in today's mail. Mine is only for $100 but still fun to get. We will probably use ours for snacks. I was also glad to see no more expiration date on the cards.

WOOHOO!! YES for extra cashola! Snacking around the World is a great way to go! THey reminded me of that today too, and I was super happy too! I mean, what if I don't spend all $200.

Your last day sounds nice and hopefully relaxing.

I think so too!

 

[pkondz]

It was NOT a good day around here. (Meltdowns can be a downer. Especially when laundry and general lassitude prevail while Mama's working.)

Saturdays are usually Mama meltdown day since the DDs tend to make it "I'm not doing my chores all day" day.

Maybe those should re-consider saving their hard-earned money and stay at the Super 8 in Kissimmee.

What's wrong with a tent, girl? Hmm? Why not start off with a nice tent? You don't have to go leaping straight for the Super 8 like a bull at a gate.

Park-centric, then?

Oh, no. I'd say our/my park time was only around... oh... 100%.

Definitely check your vibrate on silent mode next time!!

I did.
It rattled along the top of the table until it finally fell off.

YOu need to take better advantage of the "Cheaper by the day" racket they have going.

Now you tell me!

GREAT! One reader staying true.

I'm all you need.

WOW! Hadn't thought of that! Hmmm...

But at least I get a souvenir bucket.

Paper. Stained. But sure!

Then you are doing about as awesome here as I did on your guessing game. (Hint: that's sucktastic.)

BIG, huge pouty face.

Sorry.

I need to find my old boxes of photos and crap from my European tour. Have a photo almost identical. Venice....ahhhhh.

Venice. Yes, it was ahhhh. for the first day... then it changed to aaaggghhh!!

On my way out the door for date night. I know where I"m headed now. Thanks.

I'm here to serve...



.... veal.

 

[Poolrat]

Close your eyes, imagine standing on a veranda with soft African drums rhythmically drawing you away from the cares of everyday life, inviting you to another world filled with zebras, giraffes, and long-horned antelope on the savannahs of East Africa.

Ahhhhh

Where else on earth can you have that, and an hour later be transported to early 20th-Century mainstream USA (no, I didn't say Main Street, USA intentionally) where Joplin and Sousa are piped in and barbershop acts serenade away what may be left of any stress and worry remaining from "outside the bubble".

Only a few and for me they all have Disney in the name.

See... it takes 10 days to finally feel like we're actually vacationing with no pressing itinerary, no pressure to blitz through or get uptight about.

Yup it takes that long to get into a groove to BE on vacation and then bam its over. But longer then re-entry is really bumpy.

I specifically planned the trip dates around: Food and Wine. So we'll start at EPCOT and take one last stroll around one of my favorite places on earth- World Showcase.

Good start.

Sometime in the late afternoon, we'll take the monorail to MK to enjoy our last park time of the trip. Because it also seems appropriate to end our stay with a view of the castle, some happy dancing and cheesy grinning to the MSEP music/parade, and a few night time spins on the mountains

Nice way to end.

Dinner is inconsequential at this point. We've never tried Cosmic Ray's nor the Plaza. I'm not sure if I will make an ADR for the Plaza, but have 74 days to think about it. Honestly, if I were to be forced to make that choice today, I'd go with Ray's because I think we'd all like the no pressure to be somewhere vibe. Well, that and the chicken dinner.

Cosmic Ray's is a good choice. Lots of food and entertainment...

On a ridiculously happy note, I called Chase today to have a Happy Card sent to me today loaded with $200 of Disney Bucks.

Nice. My VISA Disney Bucks paid for La Nouba last trip..

a dinner at Vic and Al's!!!

Yes I may not responded but I knew that.

So, now, the call goes out... is there anyone who'd like to join me for a night of extravagant indulgence? (Not to be a cheapskate, but yeah, we'd be going Dutch.) Looking to go one night between the 11th and the 16th.

Hmmmm Interesting.I am sure they can deal with my long list of exceptions. Will have to think about that and discuss.

Well, this wraps up yet another intriguing chapter in our never-ending repetition of the alphabet. Time to hit the books for the remainder of the day. Happy weekend, Friends!

Well we still have W,X,Y and Z in this round. Hope your weekend was happy although it sounds not so much.

CHALLENGE: Find one of your OWN 'V' pictures to post. I dare you. I mean a Disney picture.

Now of course I need to go look. Until I get distracted....