The ABC's of Trip Reporting- PLEASE JOIN US ON THE NEW THREAD!

[Captain_Oblivious]

I thought she was talking about Mark.... but that title can fit for you too Glen since you did win the contest and all!!

Now that the two have met, and apparently share the same taste in shirts, they can probably just co-share the Movie Quoter title.

Nah, Glenn won that one fair and square. I had actually googled the quote (sorry, not good with chick flicks) but then thought I should leave it for Glenn, given his title and all.

Now here's something interesting!!!!! NEWSFLASH!!

Mike was offered a job last night in Vista, California. He has an interview up here in Oregon, but an hour and a half from Salem (one way!), too. soooooooooooooo, this whole move we're doing now, is certainly tenuous! If you hear I have been checked into the nuthouse, you'll know why.

Well, a job offer is a good thing! I hope it plays into more closer to home!


Catching up on "D": what a fun update! Loved your theme!

I just hope that when you do get around to eating, you give 'em the full diva treatment. Order something that's not on the menu, request it at a specific temperature, and send it back at least 3 times.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Sure you don't want to venture out this way in march or April for the PNW DISMeet??

Girl, don't I wish!

My trip notes were in iTunes...so I still have those! And my pictures are safe and sound, too!! So...back to writing...D is next!

Hmmm, how are your notes in iTunes? I don't know how to do that.

Congrats on the Mac - we are thinking of getting one too. After my horrific computer crash of '10, I said no more PCs for me. But, then I fixed it and decided to save the money. But we did say, next one we buy it WILL be a Mac.

Glad you'd backed up your pics!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi guys! I am working on uploading those pix of our new house right now! I should have that up soon!

 

[All7OfUs]

Love your tie-dyed shirt!

Your new "digs" sound awesome! We've been looking at some places in "the country" with some land, but nothing has worked out yet. Good luck settling in.

I got my T from a well-loved DISer, and I can give you more info. if you'd like her name- PM me if so.

I've been following your house hunt somewhat on FB- I know how hard and emotionally draining finding that perfect place can be. Hang in there- it will all work out when it is supposed to. And it will be PERFECT for you!!

We liked that too. P&tF was a bit too "spooky" for our tastes. I'd love to see Tangled become a classic with something in the parks aside from the meet & greet...but time will tell!

spooky is a a good word for it. I don't know why, but each one that comes out, seems to be more and more dark! I just really don't want my kids to see that. Tangled was good old fashioned Disney to me- a blast from the past, so to speak.

I really don't want to quote it, it scared me every time I saw it: Rosie's bus picture!! Since I use public transportation daily and we don't have airconditioning on busses in Germany, I am too familiar with this yucky feeling of accidentally touching someones sweatly skin. And this is like the worst nightmare version of it!!!!

Ewwww!! but I have to ask- do they allow people to ride them shirtless?? Would anyone really do that??

I loved your pics of DHS, you captured so many details, which make this park so beautiful. I remember that before your trip you really were not so keen on DHS. I wonder wether this has changed? I am looking forward to read more about your thoughts on this park in the coming TR!

It does grow on me every time I go- I think it's one of those parks, that the more you know, and the more you see and do, the better it gets. More on this later...

I am glad that you got the move behind you and hope that your DH will soon find a work that fits his qualifications and your family's needs! I was sorry to hear that Mikki still finds her new life difficult, hopefully the start of spring will cheer her up a bit.

I think the major healing balm for her will be getting a dog to love and care for.

I'm sure just the right job will come along; it will just take some time

 

[All7OfUs]

Okay, clueless me strikes again. I didn't know that you actually moved, either. I hope everything turns out well, I truly do.

Thanks so much!!! Every well-wish is so VERY welcome!! Our family has had a mondo stressful year- and we are all just hoping that we can find rest for a while in one place for a while! (Now to just get that jacuzzi fixed!)

What a great day at DHW, Liesa (and what a fun update). You look so happy!

I hope that things work out on the job front, so you can start to feel settled...even just thinking about all that moving makes me stressed out!

I was totally in my solo-touring element!! LOVED it!! The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and well, you get the picture!! LOL!

I knwo it will work out! May take a while, but the right job will come along eventually. If it means moving again, so be it.

Hi! I lurked (a bit) on the PTR for this trip. Liesa, I love your writing...your updates are so engaging I sailed through most of this TR pretty quickly. Granted I skipped all the chatter. Looks like your Disney vacation got off to a pretty spectacular start.

WELCOME!! WELCOME!!!! Thanks for your kind comments- I have so much fun writing and sharing! Yes, the TR itself isn't really so hard to keep up with- but really, it's all just starting!! So, so much more to come! Please do join in the chatter- we have such fun together- and LOVE more folks to join in!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Well, a job offer is a good thing! I hope it plays into more closer to home!


Catching up on "D": what a fun update! Loved your theme!

I just hope that when you do get around to eating, you give 'em the full diva treatment. Order something that's not on the menu, request it at a specific temperature, and send it back at least 3 times.

A job offer IS a good thing! And if it means moving, then well, we'll move. Need anymore hydro- or engineering- geologists our your way??! He worked for the OR Dept. of Trans. for years before we went overseas.

E should be up soon after Mary does her D!!!

As for Diva Dining... Well, you'll just have to see how far I took it! (geez, I hope I find those trip notes soon!!)

Girl, don't I wish!

I know you'd come out if you could!! No free miles that are burnin' a hole in your wallet??

 

[All7OfUs]

Well, so many of you asked to see our new place on the Willamette River just outside of Salem, OR, I have indulged you and uploaded a few pictures. Please excuse the messy appearance, as we haven't really put things away or unpacked yet!:

Here's the front as you drive up from the street:

And the back from looking up from the river:

Looking out of our living room window to the Japanese Garden:

From that window, in fact. But this time the drapes are closed:

Here's the hideous wallpaper I have to live with, but the view from the dining area more than makes up for it:

We wake up and start the wood stove each morning in the dining/ day use area:

Right after I wake up to THIS view. I literally wake up and see this:

The kitchen as seen from the dining area:

Mike's office (I have a separate sewing room too, but didn't take a picture of it):

And lastly, the 2 views of the deck- left and right- as seen from our backside:

 

[tinacaplan]

Your house looks beautiful. I actually like the wallpaper (there is clearly something wrong with me...), but it does seem a bit much when there's that amazing view out the window! Wow. I can't get over how lush and green it is out there. We're dealing with a ton of snow and now ice out here.

 

[glennbo123]

I had actually googled the quote (sorry, not good with chick flicks) but then thought I should leave it for Glenn, given his title and all.

To preserve my reputation I should note that I had to "research" it as well.


Beautiful house Liesa. Hey, didn't we see this Japanese Garden during your PTR days?

Looking out of our living room window to the Japanese Garden:

Also, glad to see that Mike keeps some beef jerky and a beer stein in his office.

<pounds chest and grunts>

 

[MEK]

Ewwwww....I don't know why it took me this long to see the bus man, but that would be enough to send me over the edge. I don't like someone else's long hair touching me, let alone someone's hairy stomach.

Loved your HS photo shoot and your pink crocs. Not sure what Stacy and Clinton would say about those, but I think they might make an exception for Disney world (I have to stop watching that show on my lunch break).

Glad the move is going well and the internet service is up and running. Your house is very pretty and the views are stellar. Hey - its only wall paper - you can change that! Very, very nice!

Maroo...congrats on the mac. Once you go mac you never go back!

 

[reelmom]

I love your house. And the views are beautiful.

 

[PirateKate]

I'm all caught up! What a great TR!

Liesa, your house is beautiful! I bet you've got some great views between the garden and the river.

The shrimp chow mein looked very good. It's on my list of things to try at Pop Century, along with the tie dye cheesecake. I hope your fifty dollar toothbrush at least had Mickey on it.

Maroo, for some reason your post sort of reminded me of that Veggie Tales song about the hairbrush... Shocked and slightly embarrassed at the sight of Larry in a towel...Shocked and slightly embarassed at the sight of Liesa without a shirt...

 

[All7OfUs]

Your house looks beautiful. I actually like the wallpaper (there is clearly something wrong with me...), but it does seem a bit much when there's that amazing view out the window! Wow. I can't get over how lush and green it is out there. We're dealing with a ton of snow and now ice out here.

I think I can decorate aruond it by going "Colonial" or "Federalist". My aunt is an interior decorator genius, and I may actually pay for a ticket for her to come up and help me with ideas. I guess it's just a bit "bold" for my taste. The living room is only the knotty pine and linen wallpaper (on one wall), and I will likely (if we stay here long term) go with Mission or Arts and Crafts style in there.

It is SOOOO green here. Our grass is VERY green all year round, and a pain to mow from April to October!

Boo, to snow and ice!! NO FUN!

To preserve my reputation I should note that I had to "research" it as well.


Beautiful house Liesa. Hey, didn't we see this Japanese Garden during your PTR days?



Also, glad to see that Mike keeps some beef jerky and a beer stein in his office.

<pounds chest and grunts>

Researching is allowed.... as long as I get to also on any future games or calls for info.

Yes, that is the garden I had posted earlier. During the spring-Fall, we have the fountain cleaned and running, and if there weren't so many cats and raccoons we'd have koi, but then our BB guns would be way too busy.

I may trade out the grass over there for raked gravel at some point for sake of ease.

both of those were Christmas gifts; the jerky, I'm certain, has a VERY limited life span. And believe it or not, Mike actually drank a beer from the stein in his man cave the other night. He loves it in there!

Ewwwww....I don't know why it took me this long to see the bus man, but that would be enough to send me over the edge. I don't like someone else's long hair touching me, let alone someone's hairy stomach.

Loved your HS photo shoot and your pink crocs. Not sure what Stacy and Clinton would say about those, but I think they might make an exception for Disney world (I have to stop watching that show on my lunch break).

Glad the move is going well and the internet service is up and running. Your house is very pretty and the views are stellar. Hey - its only wall paper - you can change that! Very, very nice!

That was a pretty darned heinous sight!

The Crocs were very comfy! I'm not sure I know who Stacy and Clinton are, but most EVERY exception can be made while in Disney!

I"m not sure WHY it's such a pain to get phone service hooked up! They say a week, maybe more... Blah, blah, blah...

I actually do plan to change out the wallpaper, but that is WAY down the road- after we know about the job situation.

I love your house. And the views are beautiful.

Thanks- we really love this house, mostly because Mike's grandparents build it as a one room cabin in the 40s. It was added onto slowly and has become really a nice rural place to be. But not so rural that Safeway isn't accessible.

I'm all caught up! What a great TR!

Liesa, your house is beautiful! I bet you've got some great views between the garden and the river.

The shrimp chow mein looked very good. It's on my list of things to try at Pop Century, along with the tie dye cheesecake. I hope your fifty dollar toothbrush at least had Mickey on it.

Maroo, for some reason your post sort of reminded me of that Veggie Tales song about the hairbrush... Shocked and slightly embarrassed at the sight of Larry in a towel...Shocked and slightly embarassed at the sight of Liesa without a shirt...

I haven't updated the TR nearly as often as I'd like, but I do have fun writing the installments.

I never had anything bad from the POP! YUMMO!! No, sadly no Mickey on my new toothbrush. Only the Kookie pen.

Oh wherrrrrrrrrrrrrrre is my toothbrush? Oh, wherrrrrrrrrrrrre is my toothbrush? Oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where.... is my toothbrush??

 

[maroo]

Maroo, for some reason your post sort of reminded me of that Veggie Tales song about the hairbrush... Shocked and slightly embarrassed at the sight of Larry in a towel...Shocked and slightly embarassed at the sight of Liesa without a shirt...

love that song!!! LOVE Veggie Tales!!!

Oh wherrrrrrrrrrrrrrre is my toothbrush? Oh, wherrrrrrrrrrrrre is my toothbrush? Oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where.... is my toothbrush??

Oh wherrrrrrrrrrrrrre is my tshirt? Oh, wherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre is my tshirt? Oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where, oh wheeeeeerrrrrreeeee.... is my tshirt?!?!?!


lol

 

[maroo]

Most of you guys already know that I found the DIS while planning a wish trip for Lauren. Lauren and her family are so special to me!

The DIS has been a source of information for planning nine trips since I joined in Oct of 08. I have spent hours on the DIS - days probably - maybe even weeks if you string all the hours together. Most of my time is spent helping Wish Families plan trips - a way for me to give back a fraction of what I have received.

And I have met many amazing people and families…a few of them in real life!

There is one family that I have met twice…once when their beautiful boy was alive…and again after they had let him go. Meeting them both times was so special to me.

This is their child, Noah…

I took this picture of Noah and his Mom on the carousel at Give Kids the World (where Make a Wish kids stay on wish trips!). He was one of the happiest children I have ever met.

The first time I met them, Nichole (his Mom), Kailyn (his big sister) and Joshua (his big brother) and I had a great time playing on the playground at Give Kids the World. His Daddy was at the Give Kids the World orientation during all of this, so he missed it.

Kailyn and Joshua got along so well! They were so sweet to each other and to Noah - extra special, honestly. It would be sooooo easy for siblings of a very sick child to be spoiled, stressed or just quiet…but these two kids were such a blast to hang around with!

Noah was just laughing and laughing!

This day, back in Feb of 2009, was one of the best days of my life - I loved being at GKTW with this family. We had a great time!

Noah passed away in July of 2009.

When I found out his family would be in Disney at the same time I would during this trip…it was a no brainer that we would just HAVE to meet up!

So we did!!!


I met them at the Magic Kingdom. On the way there, I did call my friend Sarah back - since I had basically hung up on her after the shirt incident. She was feeling much better about her situation already. It is always difficult to have real life hit you when you are in Disney!

I just love the fall decorations at the MK!!

This will be my first OOPS of the trip…Yeah…I didn't bring my camera! So I don't have any pictures of US playing! But I do have the notes of what we did. (SHRUG)

We went to the Bakery on Main Street for supper. I had a yummy ham sandwich…which I am pretty sure had about a pound of meat on it!

Then we went on Splash Mountain! It took a while to get through the line. This was one of the times where using the wheelchair for my foot was a bummer…I think we waited about 40 minutes for a ride with a 5 min wait? Oh well. We had a good time just talking and catching up.

We also did Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! We had to ride this twice to get back where my wheels were - which was pretty cool!

We spent several hours together, which was really cool! It was different without Noah - and I know they miss him so very, very much - but it was a sweet time.

When we parted ways, I was trying to decide whether to hang out at the MK a little longer or go back to the room. The decision was made for me, though, because my wheels were very low on juice! In fact, I received a call from Apple Scooters making sure I received the wheelchair in good condition and I mentioned that my battery was almost dead. I didn't expect them to really do anything about it….because it was late in the day and I was headed back to the room…but they were so kind! They told me they were delivering a new, freshly charged chair, to the POP so that I could have a full charge for tomorrow! Very kind and great service!



.

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm so glad you got to meet up with Noah's family!! I know you really connected with them the first time you met them, and how special they are to you! Noah was such a bundle of sweetness, and of course they must miss him so much!

I remember you mentioning that the charge wasn't holding at first, so they sent a new one! Good thing- you really didn't have any more problems after that.

 

[mrsksomeday]

It was a VERY beautiful day, Tracy! The sun was shining, the park wasn't that packed (at all!), and I did everything I wanted to and so, so ,so much more!!

That lo mein filled me up to the tippy top and last all the way until dinner- at a particular favorite place of yours!!! In fact, my dinner was completely inspired by YOU, so I think it's very Providential that you happened to post again!!!!!

I can't wait to read about this dinner, you have me intrigued.

Is that a river at the back of your house? I pray you aren't near that flooding going on in Oregon right now .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maroo, so sweet of you to meet up with that Wish family again. I am glad you had a good time and it was great to see the good customer service from Apple.

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

Liesa, I am LOVING your house! I bet the sound of that river is GREAT to sleep by!!!

 

[norybell]

Liesa, your house is beautiful! What a view!

 

[All7OfUs]

I can't wait to read about this dinner, you have me intrigued.

Is that a river at the back of your house? I pray you aren't near that flooding going on in Oregon right now .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maroo, so sweet of you to meet up with that Wish family again. I am glad you had a good time and it was great to see the good customer service from Apple.

Yes, that was the dinner inspired by YOU!! It'll be up in just a couple more installments!

No, although our river is quite high, it is not flooding our house. Our neighbor on the other hand, is lower than us, and her lawn is totally under water.

Liesa, I am LOVING your house! I bet the sound of that river is GREAT to sleep by!!!

We sure love it too! It is big enough for us all to spread out in!

We hear the river more in summer, when the water goes over some rocks just upstream from us.

Liesa, your house is beautiful! What a view!

Thanks, we are enjoying being here a lot. The view is so much better in winter when the trees don't have any leaves.