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

[Steppesister]

I hear you.
It was one of three things I resolved to do today.


Maybe tomorrow?

Mine's still filthy. Yours?

Easter's never been a big supper meal around my family.
Brunch... sometimes.
Ruby went with Elle to a church in another town.
I didn't since I had to work that evening.
Kay stayed home while I went to our Church.
Met the folks there who said they were going for brunch right after.
"Where?" Says I.
At a place that's right by my work.... so I went with them before heading off to work.

Like I said. Weird.

Sounds like it worked out well, though. Weird, but not altogether bad.

Oh. I think I'd rather do the cooking.

Me too. It's always more fun to make a mess than to clean it up.

I dunno. Elle got a Mac 5 years ago and it's still working really well.
I can't say the same for my PC.

The interface is always hard for me to navigate on Macs. But yeah, quality is probably a bit better.

just caught up on about a months worth of posts. I'm looking forward to hearing the results of the powwow with Marv and pat and what kind of meets and gatherings are planned.
I've got a trip coming in 2 1/2 weeks, and am starting to pre-plan the October trip.

WOW! Hey there!

Well, for now he's mostly helping me navigate the FiP+ choices. But we do have a few of the group things planned.

My Graduation Dinner at FF on the 14th at 6:30; Trader Sam's at 3:30 on the 15th (Saturday); Sunday at EPCOT 3:00 F&W, VN for dinner and The Ditch afterwards. Probably other stuff to, but this is a start.

I'm here, don't punch me!

PUNCH!!

Oh, wait, that was if you hadn't made it.

BUNNY! I love him!

And it was good timing too! This was on Saturday, the day before Easter.

This is a VERY cool photo!

Thanks, Billie! It was a fabulous trip.

 

[Steppesister]

Yeah! What's with that???

From now on, I'm going to look at FB with my left eye and the DIS with my right.

Don't hurt yourself.

I've never heard weather referred to as "delicious" before.

Actually... it's usually "&#$% weather!"

Warm breeze on my face, the sun on my shoulders (this is Oregon; we have sun on ANY part of our bodies about 3 days a year), and a nice light burn on said shoulders.

No, only your weather is &#$% weather. Ours is just boring in a wet sort of way.

Nope. I looked.
Some I hadn't seen and in any event, they're bigger now that I'm on the 'puter as opposed to my iPod.

So you're using company equipment (and time) then. I approve.

Wow. I dunno if I could hand that off to someone else.

It's about as anxiety-inducing as say... a Nursing School Exam.

Standing by.

Sorry to leave you standing there. Legs cramping yet?

How long did you hang around? I'm guessing about 5 minutes.

What is that braying I hear in the background?

Niiiiiiiice.

Truly.

 

[Steppesister]

The cougars and coyotes, I can deal with.

But rattlesnakes???

Nope. Only if I have a gun in my hand.

They make darn good eatin'! Growing up we'd go to summer camp up near Bakersfield, CA for a few weeks a year. Each year there'd be a couple snakes someone would kill and the cooks fried them up for us to try. Mmmmm.... tastes like chicken.

With as much planning as you've been putting into this trip, it has to be hard to give up any control of the process. I wish her luck in getting the ADRs so that she doesn't have to feel your wrath.

I will try to be gracious as I throw any hissy fits that may need to be thrown.

Finally playing catch up after being gone on my trip! I'll just say congrats to finishing another term and fantastic start to your last term! Your photos are stunning!

Please, PLEASE send a PM when you start (if you do) a TR. I would love to hear about your adventures! And see your photos.

Hang in there....you are almost done!

GEtting SOOOO close!

Cool. A short term adventure is a lot easier to fit into life. This also makes me curious how much Senegal has changed since I was there (very briefly) back in 1989 (as mentioned on pkondz's TR). I didn't spend much time in Dakar, but there was one area with a bunch of skyscrapers and a big park where I hung out for a little bit before catching my plane back to Paris. (My then-bf was in The Gambia in the Peace Corps, but there weren't any direct flights from Paris, where I was studying abroad at the time, so I flew into Dakar in Senegal instead.) There were also some areas with little open air markets that I remember. And of course, French is an official language there, so speaking French helps a lot.

With all the turmoil on the entire continent, I imagine quite a lot. It makes me so incredibly sad to see what's going on in Africa.

Hmmm.... I was going to study Spanish as I think it will really help me in my job, but re-studying French might serve me well too.

And catching up some more...gorgeous photos! Sounds like a great day - hiking and reading - my kinda day!

Instead, we spent much of the weekend cleaning, lol. The almost 12 year old did a deep clean / redecorate (reorganize stuff on walls) on her room, with the least amount of help from me yet on that type of endeavor. It desperately needed to be done, so I was proud of her. Lots of boxes - some stuff to donate, some stuff to hang onto in storage, some stuff to give to baby cousin, some to consign...

Truly a wonderful little getaway.

My place is still a pigsty. Just don't wanna do it.

Kudos to your daughter! Mine is 13 and did the same thing a few months ago, but also painted. We had to strip off a WALL sized mural that had been hung in 1971, and she did most of that all by herself. Odd how much they can accomplish when highly motivated. LOL!

Because it was there, I take it?

Of course!

Rappelling down looks more fun than climbing up.

No way! That is scary stuff! Going over the ledge is more frightening than the 2016 election.

Good luck to Brook on getting those ADR's...good thing you have her.

I"m sure she'll do great! She's got loads of practice and has a few advantages (like real estate in Eastern time).

 

[pkondz]

Mine's still filthy. Yours?

Horrible.

Sounds like it worked out well, though. Weird, but not altogether bad.

Yep. Everyone seemed to get a little something.

Me too. It's always more fun to make a mess than to clean it up.

Don't hurt yourself.

I have a headache.
Literally.
That's why I'm up now instead of sleeping.

Warm breeze on my face, the sun on my shoulders (this is Oregon; we have sun on ANY part of our bodies about 3 days a year), and a nice light burn on said shoulders.

Sounds delicious.

No, only your weather is &#$% weather. Ours is just boring in a wet sort of way.

And we just (and are still getting) another dumping of &#$% snow.

So you're using company equipment (and time) then. I approve.

That's what it's there for, no?

It's about as anxiety-inducing as say... a Nursing School Exam.

Whoa.

Sorry to leave you standing there. Legs cramping yet?

Nah. I sat down.

What is that braying I hear in the background?

That's not braying. That's the weird noises my dog makes.

 

[Steppesister]

@pkondz,

More later... headed to bed, but feel better! Hoping that Tylenol kicks in and does what it's supposed to and you can get your beauty rest.

 

[pkondz]

@pkondz,

More later... headed to bed, but feel better! Hoping that Tylenol kicks in and does what it's supposed to and you can get your beauty rest.

Tylenol kicked in so I was able to get a good 2 1/2-3 hours, thanks!

 

[mom3sonstt]

Well, for now he's mostly helping me navigate the FiP+ choices. But we do have a few of the group things planned.

My Graduation Dinner at FF on the 14th at 6:30; Trader Sam's at 3:30 on the 15th (Saturday); Sunday at EPCOT 3:00 F&W, VN for dinner and The Ditch afterwards. Probably other stuff to, but this is a start.[/QU[/QUOTE


oooo where's the sign up sheet??

Seriously, though, are you doing head count of party crashers for the reservations or are we doing our own or.....?

 

[Steppesister]

@mom3sonstt

WAHOOOOOTY!!! YES! I'm taking sign-ups! LOL! I can add you to any ressie/ADR you'd like. Just let me know which ones. But I need to know pretty soon, like by the 12, cuz Brook is calling our ADRs on the 13th. I"m headed out the door, but will PM you later tonight. Pray for me.... I have a tough (emotionally) day ahead of me. I'll share details later tonight as I'm in a time crunch leaving.

Meantime, let's get this party started!!

 

[mom3sonstt]

@mom3sonstt

WAHOOOOOTY!!! YES! I'm taking sign-ups! LOL! I can add you to any ressie/ADR you'd like. Just let me know which ones. But I need to know pretty soon, like by the 12, cuz Brook is calling our ADRs on the 13th. I"m headed out the door, but will PM you later tonight. Pray for me.... I have a tough (emotionally) day ahead of me. I'll share details later tonight as I'm in a time crunch leaving.

Meantime, let's get this party started!!

Yikes - prayers are flyin'!

I will probably tag along for FF and VN and the Ditch. Haven't been to any of them. Will probably pass on Trader Sam's though. Boardwalk will be my home that week so I won't have too far to go to make it to either place.

FF is closed now for refurbishment - I'm curious to see if the menu changes much when the re-open

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in . At work and dealing with a drop down seizure and waiting for RN to call me .

 

[pkondz]

@mom3sonstt

WAHOOOOOTY!!! YES! I'm taking sign-ups! LOL! I can add you to any ressie/ADR you'd like. Just let me know which ones. But I need to know pretty soon, like by the 12, cuz Brook is calling our ADRs on the 13th. I"m headed out the door, but will PM you later tonight. Pray for me.... I have a tough (emotionally) day ahead of me. I'll share details later tonight as I'm in a time crunch leaving.

Meantime, let's get this party started!!

What date is that exactly, Liesa?

 

[Steppesister]

D is for Definitive Dining Plans and Travel Developments
​

It's been awhile since I've had some real substantive news that's trip-related. But I'm here to present to you today some noteworthy news on that front. Imagine getting a full new set of candidates for the election. That'd be about as exciting as...


an ADR Day in 6 days!! It's coming!!!!! And I'm ready. Been ready for about 6 months, but I'm really, really ready for this.

I called Brook a couple of days ago and explained my predicament of being scheduled to be on a night shift when I'd need to be online with My Dismal Experience. So she happily took the task of getting everything we want. I mean that's how it's supposed to work, right? I put the plan into a spreadsheet, worked for literally months on that "picture perfect itinerary", laid awake at night fretting and stewing over each little detail... so I should naturally be entitled to each one- you know, like as if I had a private premium deluxe package or something. Afterall, some people get transportation packages that seem to be tailor-made just for them. And I am paying something right around the national debt to pull this gig off. Seems legit.

So what is it that they should grant my every wish to? Let's take a look, shall we??

Monday; 10/10- Raglan Rd; 6:00

Tuesday; 10/11; NO ADR

Wed; 10/12; NO ADR, but may try the Wave as a walk up OR just go to Market Place

Thursday; 10/13; Getting an ADR at Coral Reef, but may cancel this so we can eat more at F&W (any time Brook can get)

Friday; 10/14; Flying Fish; 6:30 (This is my Graduation Dinner!! Whoever is planning on joining us needs to let me or Marv or Pat (@GoofyFan1515 or @Poolrat) know ASAP!!!! Maybe we can link ressies or just make an ADR for the big group. So far, it's us, Marv, Pat, Tanya (and others?), and possibly Rosie and her Gang.

Remember, anything this weekend is a free-for-all for anyone who wants to join in. We'll be doing the Ditch on Sunday, parks, Trader Sam's, etc... just let me know what you'd want to do with us. You have all been SO great in helping me get through the last 2 years, I want you with me!

Saturday; 10/15; The Edison (I am hoping it's open by then!) at Disney Springs; 1:00 Lunch AND (this one's NOT included in the 8 other mentioned ADRs since I don't know how it works yet) Dinner at Vic and Al's. *****I am still looking for a Dinner Partner(s) for this once in a lifetime event.*****

Sunday; 10/16; Via Napoli; 6:30

Monday; 10/17; Sanaa; 12:30 Lunch

Tuesday; 10/18; BOG; 1:00 Lunch AND Artist Point Dinner for 2 at 7:00

Wednesday; 10/19; None

Thursday; Travel- none


That's 8 ADRs that should already have my name reserved. We'll see if they got things right when she calls. Wanna take guesses on how Disney's stats stack up next to mine??

A) 8/8 would be 100%- This is where it should be having extracted the worth of the Crown Jewels from the Super Secret Disney Vacation Account. (We can all pretend that account might someday have that kind of money in it, can't we?)
B) 7/8 would be 88%- Same old, same old
C) 6/8 would be 75%- barely passing Nursing School, or in this case Customer Service 101
D) 5/8 would be 63%- Nope. Not ok. Let's get it right, People!
E) 4/8 would be 50%- a dismal failure on their part.

Give it your best shot! Pick a letter (this IS the ABCs of Trip Planning, remember?) A correct answer gives you 10 points. Bonus points will be added for exact (or closest to) the times she actually gets for us. So, if you want to up your game, add in times for each one. Each correct time gives you 5 points. I'll keep track of points for reals and will keep a running tally of them for future installments of The ABCs of Trip Report Games. There will be surprizes for the Wiener. Maybe even a chicken deener. Surprizes to be given/mailed sometime prior to October 10th. Unless you want something cooler and can wait until after the trip. Sorry, I'm all out of whips.


Noteworthy newsbit #2:

Today I went back and re-checked our airline tickets and flight itineraries. It was a $#!@Fest. I'm not sure what I was thinking or if I was just in a Nursing School Daze wherein any distraction was better than studying cardiac meds or pathphysiology of Crohn's Disease. But here's how the piece of fun went down...

Apparently, when I made the reservations, I made one for Mike flying out on the same day. I've known for like EVER that he wasn't going to be going with us on the first bunch of the trip, so what was I thinking?! Was there a brief time where it looked like he was going to travel with us? I just don't know, but there he was. Departing with us on the 10th. Nope, nope, and just NOPE! That's no way Jose the BFP!

So for about as much as I have earned on the Chase VISA that I'm putting towards noshing my way through Disney , I had to pony up to CheapoAir (definitely NOT so Cheapo now) to change his travel date/ticket. $188. Down the outhouse. Ask me what a shoe down the outhouse looks like. I retrieved that shoe. I probably won't be retrieving that $188. Disney's coffers are deeper than a Crapistani loo.

After an hour of phone time (easily doubling my monetary penalty in hassle factor), I'm happy to report that Mike is now a bonafide ticketed passenger on a 6:40 AM flight out of Portland, arriving at MCO at 5:55 PM on Sunday, the 16th. He should be able to get to EPCOT just in time to party in The Ditch with the Gang. I am SERIOUSLY doubting he'll actually do that, but you never know. And I'm not even sure I'd want him to use a day's ticket for that. Come to think of it. Yeah, probably not. Which actually means he'll have an extra day on his ticket that I'm not sure what to do with. His 4th day was free, but still. Turn it into a non-expiring option? Probably not worth it. That'll give him Monday-Wednesday to do parks. Luckily, I have all 4 parks on the BFP, so he'll get a nice variety. Not that a Hater really cares.

On the backend of the trip, Zach and Naripoopaloo are heading back to Portland by themselves on a 1:45 flight- from what I understand The Depress leaves 3 hours before departure. True? If so, that puts them on the bus at 10:45. Time still for a quick swim, and a nice breakfast. Which makes me SERIOUSLY wonder if I should add a Boma Buffet to our Thursday morning. Extra bonus points (5): Do I e-mail Brook tonight and have her add it?

Left to hammer out...

Like I've already said, I made a MAJOR planning faux pas by putting Mike in charge of planning the Keys Portion of this vacation. So far, not ONE thing has happened. Not one. No transportation plan, no restaurant reservations, no diving excursions booked. Nothing.

If it were up to me (and I'm starting to wonder if I should just take the reins here and at least book some transportation) I would fly us from Orlando to Key Largo. It's showing less than $100 pp. We can rent a car down there. I'll certainly be giving updates as I know more. We'll turn the car in at Miami, likely, and fly home from there.

Anyway, slowly, sloooooooooooooooowly, things are falling into place and on Wednesday, after I wake up in the afternoon, I can let you all know where things stand. And your points. Speaking of points, an extra 5 points to whomever adds a 'D' photo to their guesses. (Only 1 bonus allowed for photos, but add as many as you'd like.)

As for now, it's time to put some finishing touches on some studying for tomorrow's exam. LAST ONE in the Nursing School Program. Ever. (NOT including the Kaplan NCLEX practice exam worth 10% of our grade or the actual NCLEX Nursing Board Exam that I'll take sometime in late June or early July) I'm also about to make that dreaded switch from a Day Dweller to a Night Crawler.

​

A lot of us have been there and done it (or are still doing it), and I'm sure I'll get through it. I met my Preceptor yesterday and he's super chill. I think we're going to get along fine. If not, it's only 12 shifts. Anyone can do that, right. ​

Right?

Also, in some personal news, as I mentioned to Tanya a bit earlier. We found out that my husband's aunt is in her last month or so of lung cancer (never a smoker, but breast cancer survivor from 30 years ago) that was diagnosed around Christmas. It is a very aggressive form that's metted out and she was only given 4 months at that time. I took my FIL (his sister) to visit her today and she's already on Hospice and on oxygen and pretty weak. I fear that may be one of the last, if not last, times we will see her. We are an extremely close family, even the in-laws, and while we do very well at being very open, honest, and supportive through tough things, this is a tough thing.

She's 88, and was until Thanksgiving a super avid traveller who has visited more countries than most people will ever get to see. She was a Professor of Microbiology at Oregon Health Sciences University (the biggest major teaching hospital in Oregon) for many years and is one of my biggest cheerleaders and encouragers. I'll be losing an amazing woman in my life all too soon.

We all need people like her in our lives. If you have one, go and thank them today. Don't wait.

Alright, you have your assignment. Get to it!

Steppe

 

[Steppesister]

Yikes - prayers are flyin'!

Thanks, Tanya. I've explained a bit more in the update.

I will probably tag along for FF and VN and the Ditch. Haven't been to any of them. Will probably pass on Trader Sam's though. Boardwalk will be my home that week so I won't have too far to go to make it to either place.

Ok, then, I will call Brook tomorrow afternoon and see how adding folks works. Haven't done this before. Is it just you?? Or others as well? Lucky you! Beach Club was booked, but in the end AKL won out. I'm thinking we're gonna have us a fair bit of fun wherever we go.

FF is closed now for refurbishment - I'm curious to see if the menu changes much when the re-open

Me too! I'm hoping the quality I keep reading about remains intact, and it lives up to all it's cracked up to be. My mouth is watering for what I've been seeing on reviews.

Just checking in . At work and dealing with a drop down seizure and waiting for RN to call me .

UH OH!!! Stat tx with a benzo! Hope your client is ok, Rosie! Were they transported?

What date is that exactly, Liesa?

Funny you should ask that. (see above post) It's like you read my mind or something as I was typing.

Friday the 14th; 6:30 PM

 

[cinderkelly]

Friday; 10/14; Flying Fish; 6:30 (This is my Graduation Dinner!! Whoever is planning on joining us needs to let me or Marv or Pat (@GoofyFan1515 or @Poolrat) know ASAP!!!! Maybe we can link ressies or just make an ADR for the big group. So far, it's us, Marv, Pat, Tanya (and others?), and possibly Rosie and her Gang.

Will be back to comment more later but I had read on another website Flying Fish is due do be closed for refurb through November 2016. Do you have a backup in case this is the case? I wanted to do an ADR for our trip also but it is showing unavailable at least through 10/6.

 

[Steppesister]

Will be back to comment more later but I had read on another website Flying Fish is due do be closed for refurb through November 2016. Do you have a backup in case this is the case? I wanted to do an ADR for our trip also but it is showing unavailable at least through 10/6.

Well, craptastic. I thought it'd be open before the trip. So yeah. Needs me a 2nd choice.

My gut tells me that a Cali Grill is in order. Something for everyone, no one will HAVE to use a Park ticket if they don't want to, and it's the Cali Grill. Love me some flatbreads. And cheese flights.

OH!!! and I almost forgot... I need to go back and add my Vic and Al's Dinner. Still looking for a dinner partner for that.

 

[cinderkelly]

Well, craptastic. I thought it'd be open before the trip. So yeah. Needs me a 2nd choice.

My gut tells me that a Cali Grill is in order. Something for everyone, no one will HAVE to use a Park ticket if they don't want to, and it's the Cali Grill. Love me some flatbreads. And cheese flights.

OH!!! and I almost forgot... I need to go back and add my Vic and Al's Dinner. Still looking for a dinner partner for that.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I think Cali Grill is a good alternative, awesome views and special for your grad. Dinner. Oh man I so wish we were still there when you were there, I'd totally be your dining partner for V & A! My DH has no interest in going somewhere that dressy, but I think it looks fantastic.

 

[Steppesister]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I think Cali Grill is a good alternative, awesome views and special for your grad. Dinner. Oh man I so wish we were still there when you were there, I'd totally be your dining partner for V & A! My DH has no interest in going somewhere that dressy, but I think it looks fantastic.

And you totally know I do too!! You'd be the perfect dinner mate- we could dine the night away and go home with a red rose too.

 

[afwdwfan]

Imagine getting a full new set of candidates for the election. That'd be about as exciting as...


an ADR Day in 6 days!!

I'm not sure which would be more exciting!

That's 8 ADRs that should already have my name reserved. We'll see if they got things right when she calls. Wanna take guesses on how Disney's stats stack up next to mine??

Hmmm... I think you should be able to get what you want. Aside from Flying Fish if it is going to be closed. So I guess that means I'll need to say B.

Sorry, I'm all out of whips.

Where's Timmy?????

Apparently, when I made the reservations, I made one for Mike flying out on the same day. I've known for like EVER that he wasn't going to be going with us on the first bunch of the trip, so what was I thinking?!

Clearly, you weren't.

So for about as much as I have earned on the Chase VISA that I'm putting towards noshing my way through Disney , I had to pony up to CheapoAir (definitely NOT so Cheapo now) to change his travel date/ticket. $188. Down the outhouse.

That sucks.

Ask me what a shoe down the outhouse looks like. I retrieved that shoe.

Nope. No way. No shoe is worth that.

Turn it into a non-expiring option?

I don't think that's an option anymore. I believe they've done away with the non-expiring option. And even if they hadn't it probably wouldn't be worth it. He might as well just burn a day on the ticket to join you for drinks in EPCOT if he feels so inclined after traveling.

Like I've already said, I made a MAJOR planning faux pas by putting Mike in charge of planning the Keys Portion of this vacation. So far, not ONE thing has happened. Not one. No transportation plan, no restaurant reservations, no diving excursions booked. Nothing.

Well, I'm sure you can find a tent and some water wings at Walmart if it comes down to it.

Also, in some personal news, as I mentioned to Tanya a bit earlier. We found out that my husband's aunt is in her last month or so of lung cancer (never a smoker, but breast cancer survivor from 30 years ago) that was diagnosed around Christmas. It is a very aggressive form that's metted out and she was only given 4 months at that time. I took my FIL (his sister) to visit her today and she's already on Hospice and on oxygen and pretty weak. I fear that may be one of the last, if not last, times we will see her. We are an extremely close family, even the in-laws, and while we do very well at being very open, honest, and supportive through tough things, this is a tough thing.

I'm sorry to hear this. We'll be keeping your family in our prayers through this difficult time.


And a picture of a Dragon

 

[KathyM2]

Great update!! So first off...yeah I'd be frustrated that after all that planning not being the one to actually BOOK the ADR's. Though you are lucky to have a trusted someone who is vested and ready to do it for you. Hopefully..you get everything that you want. It's funny because it makes me think of getting tickets for my DD's dance recital...those good seats are almost as hard to come by as O'hana during fireworks ADR's....and every time it seems I am not able to be online at the moment they go on sale and have to rely on someone else...sigh. Crossing fingers that it all works out for you.

Your trip pics are awesome...what incredible scenery...and rock climbing...so cool! And I had to laugh because I'd totally be the same way about the "wanting to take over the reigns" for the keys portion of your trip. Ugh. I know I would not be able to relax either until it's done. The only thing I can say that might hopefully make you feel better...the keys is VERY relaxed...I was there a few weeks ago in Key Largo in the height of tourist season in March break with my DS and it is super chill. We had no trouble getting last minute reservations for anything we wanted to do or just walking into the most recommended restaurants and getting a table without waiting long. So if it's any consolation...even if you do nothing you will probably be fine! But I know that not having it planned would be killing me too. Hang in there though!!

 

[Steppesister]

Hmmm... I think you should be able to get what you want. Aside from Flying Fish if it is going to be closed. So I guess that means I'll need to say B.

More later (I'm off to the Exam) but not going for any bonus points with times??