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

[shannn]

That is one adorable kitty! It looks like Lauren has fallen in love.

 

[All7OfUs]

Unfortunately it is pretty slow in athletic standards and for some reason, here in Germany running a 10k is something mainly only true athletes do. So I expect to arrive as one of the last 50 of the 3000 people running...

Really?? That surprises me that more ordinary folks aren't getting out to do those "short" runs just as a casual form of exercise!! For me JUST FINISHING it- in ANY place- would be truly gratifying!!

You will be surprised how easy it is to take up running again, once you "learned" how to do it!

It should be- I"m not thinking it will be too hard; but do want to start out slow. I'd hate to get any injury after I"ve come so far.

Great plan! Zumba and swimming ought be really good cross training for your imagined arm-flab-issue

I"m hoping so!! And at the same time I can IMAGINE I'm enjoying all of them.

We have this register system as well (but only for real residents, not for visitors). It can be very useful, especially from a law-enforcement point of view.

So every time you leave a city for more than 5 days, you have to register with the local office?? Every time we even crossed our state border, we had to tell the local migration office we were leaving- it was such a massive pain!!!

That's a shame, I hope you can find something better, soon! Perhaps there are calling cards that offer good rates?

I tried to talk to our former teammate last night skype to skype, and it worked like a charm. I guess it's only going to be from skype to phone that will be difficult.

How sad. It must be hard for these young men to be aware of the danger they are in on a daily basis once they get out of university. I am not sure I could deal with that.

Me neither!! I talked to him today, and he says his unit will be standing guard at the memorial service on Thursday. I wonder what kinds of thoughts will be running through those kids' minds while they watch and think.

You'll have to show me some time, maybe next year I can come out and you can show me the canning process. Your life really took a turn for the busier! I'm impressed by your ability to just jump in and start up where you left off (so to speak) AND THEN SOME!

Anytime!!! It's really very easy, just a bit time-consuming! But so much healthier, and so yummy!!

It did. It was something I was really fearing- and I realy have to resist that urge to "make up for lost time" all in one week, or even semester!!! Taekwondo starts tonight. Bek started class last night, Zach starts school tom. etc.... DIS time is toast these days.

I considered doing a Zumba class after hearing about it from Cythia in her PTR, then I watched the videos of people doing it and decided I would skip it and get a video to do at home.....there comes a point in one's life when you start realizing there are only so many embarassing moments your willing to live out, for me this was not one of them! This isn't to say that it's silly to see others doing it, just me!

I admit, I felt rather like a moron most of the class. keeping up, I guess, will take some time of learning the steps, and rhythms. Whatever. My heart rate was up, and that's what matters.

Good Morning All !!

Why, good morning, Rosie!!!

Hi Liesa! We just got home last night. I see that I have a LOT of catching up to do on your TR!

It was nice meeting you at Epcot!!

It was awesome meeting you, too!! Wish we could have spent more time, but after your hard day/ arrival, I understand!! Hope the rest of the trip was super spectacular!!

Oh...and if a college student wants to move in and help her take care of her house and family - she would pay their room and board. (That part, I don't think she was kidding about....)

She was cracking me up this morning.

Glad she's maitaining a GREAT sense of humor!! Hmmm.... a college student to move in? Maybe in a year or two I will have a college-aged student who would actually consider that.

Leisa, I am very sorry to read of the death of the young man. Have they offered counseling at school? Many schools have grief counselors on hand when something like this happens.

My thoughts and heartfelt prayer are with his family and friends. Nothing can soften the shock and pain of the death of ones child except time...and that only softens the reality.

Andrew didn't actually know him, but is in the same place he was 2 years ago. Certainly makes him think about what he's gotten himself into. He seems to be doing fine; I asked if the "mood" of the unit was changed, and he said not a ton. I think, come Thursday, he'll be singing a different tune.

Dude! I'm classy? Wait until I tell my husband.

He may laugh, but we all know the truth.

Leisa, I have NO idea what you are talking about with cliffhangers.

Oh, Dearie... I think you do...

 

[maroo]

Liesa - love the photos you added to your last update and love the Sound of Music reference!

Maroo - That Buster is about the cutest thing ever!!! Poor Muffin getting dethroned! Lauren and her family always amaze me with their strength in the face of adversity.

I have no idea how I missed your post earlier! Sorry!!

They are one strong bunch of people.

Mary- That video of lauren is amazing. That little puffball chasing the pencil is too funny!

I'm not a cat lover but that little guy is cute.


Love the new TR title! B is for Buster!! Lol

I am allergic to cats, actually. *sniff* *sniff* lol I am here right now in Lauren's room and am all stuffy. lol

I will try to get some more video for us in the near future of Lolo.

Liesa came up with the TR idea...the title will change with each update...which is cool, but I keep missing it. A.B.C. How hard can that be?

See, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up!

Oh my goodness the cliffhanger! I hope everything worked out! That must have been super scary!

Maroo, the kitten is too cute and I love the video of him batting at Lauren's Pencil! So cute! I'm glad he found a good home!

You are doing a great job keeping up!!

Liesa -- Wow. Leaving Kazakhstan after so many years must have been unfathomably intense. My fingers are crossed that the missing stamp didn't cause too much hassle!

Mary -- That picture of Lauren sleeping with the kitten is beautiful! (Though personally, I could never turn down a dog who wanted to snuggle for a cat -- no matter how cute the cat was!)

Yeah...I am with you...I take a dog over a cat any day of the week...But Buster is pretty cute!

Lauren and Buster make the perfect pair. I don't think anyone could have told them no.

Very true.

WOOHOO!

I MADE IT IN ON PAGE 19 BABY!

Now that's what I'm talking about!



Welcome Home Liesa!

I can't wait to hear all about your trip! Of course that goes without saying I suppose. Otherwise, I wouldn't log into a Disney World Discussion Forum and comment on a Trip Report. I've wandered. Ah, yes, the TR. Excellent start so far. Love the cliffhanger.

Caught some of the banter and it’s as entertaining as always.

Oh and Hi Maroo! Good to see you your installments too. Love the dual perspective thing. Sorry to hear your trip began stressfully, but happy to learn that it earned a coveted “Best Ever” award.

Well, settling in and ready to enjoy the show.

We are going to do dual perspective the whole time...and try to match up with each other in letter, but not necessarily in topic. Some topics I am sure we will match up...but this is going to be a different TR for sure!

That is one adorable kitty! It looks like Lauren has fallen in love.

Lauren has definitely fallen in love!

 

[All7OfUs]

Love the new TR title! B is for Buster!! Lol

I think it should have been B is for "BUSTED"!

See, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up!

Oh my goodness the cliffhanger! I hope everything worked out! That must have been super scary!


me!

You're doing great!! Next is written, and should be up tonight sometime. Keep a lookout!

Liesa -- Wow. Leaving Kazakhstan after so many years must have been unfathomably intense. My fingers are crossed that the missing stamp didn't cause too much hassle!

It was intense, in every range of emotion, from relief to sadness to confusion.

WOOHOO!

I MADE IT IN ON PAGE 19 BABY!

Now that's what I'm talking about!



Welcome Home Liesa!

I can't wait to hear all about your trip! Of course that goes without saying I suppose. Otherwise, I wouldn't log into a Disney World Discussion Forum and comment on a Trip Report. I've wandered. Ah, yes, the TR. Excellent start so far. Love the cliffhanger.

Caught some of the banter and it’s as entertaining as always.

Oh and Hi Maroo! Good to see you your installments too. Love the dual perspective thing. Sorry to hear your trip began stressfully, but happy to learn that it earned a coveted “Best Ever” award.

Well, settling in and ready to enjoy the show.

Well, NOW we can finally get rolling- the GB has arrived!!! And on pg. 19, no less!!

Ummm... yes, this IS the DIS, I'd guess you want to hear all about what went down in the House of Mouse. I'll do my best, brother.

Now, we need your special touch on the banter part. Let the good times roll!!

wow you have been busy here over the weekend, hope im excited for the next chapter to see what happens with the stamp

Not as much as NOT on the weekend- seems to really slow down on Saturdays and Sundays around here.

Stamp? Did someone say I needed a stamp??

 

[All7OfUs]

Ok, I THINK that catches me up to responses for now. I have a visitor coming now, and then need to get my kiddos to TKD. BUT with MIKE gone until Sunday, I have LOTS of time to hang around. Well, more than when he's here, anyway. I do have the next part written on paper, and will try to get it up tonight. BUT, I also think I"ve missed many of your TR's lately. Some like have started and I don't even know it!!!! So, I want to spend my evening hunting around for those.

See you later, alligators!

 

[maroo]

I think it should have been B is for "BUSTED"!

I totally came THIS close to naming it that!

You think more people would have tuned in. lol

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Liesa came up with the TR idea...the title will change with each update...which is cool, but I keep missing it. A.B.C. How hard can that be?

Why do I suddenly hear the Jackson 5?

We are going to do dual perspective the whole time...and try to match up with each other in letter, but not necessarily in topic. Some topics I am sure we will match up...but this is going to be a different TR for sure!

Awesome concept! I love it when folks change up the format a bit.

I think it should have been B is for "BUSTED"!

Given where this group has delved in the past, (NoJoggingIncidents) perhaps "BUSTED" is a bit too dangerous a word to be breaking out.

Well, NOW we can finally get rolling- the GB has arrived!!! And on pg. 19, no less!!

I like to think of it as fashionably late.

 

[maroo]

Why do I suddenly hear the Jackson 5?

Awesome concept! I love it when folks change up the format a bit.


Given where this group has delved in the past, (NoJoggingIncidents) perhaps "BUSTED" is a bit too dangerous a word to be breaking out.

I like to think of it as fashionably late.

The Jackson 5?!?!?!?

ha!!

Busted...I am already busted enough.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Liesa came up with the TR idea...the title will change with each update...which is cool, but I keep missing it. A.B.C. How hard can that be?

Why do I suddenly hear the Jackson 5?

.

The Jackson 5?!?!?!?

...it's as easy as 1 - 2 - 3.....

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Well, I've managed to drag the thread into the gutter and plant a 70's Mowtown song in the minds of it's readers.

My work here is done.

 

[maroo]

 

[Poolrat]

Mary - What a cute kitten. Buster is pretty cute.

GB-great to have you in the house.

 

[All7OfUs]

I totally came THIS close to naming it that!

You think more people would have tuned in. lol

I thought you might have..... I know you too well now.

Why do I suddenly hear the Jackson 5?

Because you're as old as the rest of us?

Awesome concept! I love it when folks change up the format a bit.

I hope it will be pretty fun!

Given where this group has delved in the past, (NoJoggingIncidents) perhaps "BUSTED" is a bit too dangerous a word to be breaking out.

Should I repost that? (NO, it'd take me 3 months to find it, but somehow this was etched into my mind forever) Pretty sure it was you and Tim having some fun with said topic.

I like to think of it as fashionably late.

All in the semantics ain't it?

The Jackson 5?!?!?!?

ha!!

Busted...I am already busted enough.

...it's as easy as 1 - 2 - 3.....

Just like that.

Well, I've managed to drag the thread into the gutter and plant a 70's Mowtown song in the minds of it's readers.

My work here is done.

It had to start somewhere. Thanks!

And there's far worse things than motown in the minds of our readers. Well, ok, maybe not.

 

[that's nice]

Because you're as old as the rest of us?

Speak for yourselves!

Should I repost that? (NO, it'd take me 3 months to find it, but somehow this was etched into my mind forever) Pretty sure it was you and Tim having some fun with said topic.

There might of been a few others joining in too.

And there's far worse things than motown in the minds of our readers. Well, ok, maybe not.

I think your first sentence is true.... second, not as true!

 

[All7OfUs]

Speak for yourselves!


There might of been a few others joining in too.


I think your first sentence is true.... second, not as true!

Yes, that's right, there's yung'uns in the crowd.

I'm sure there were! I can surmise who they were....

You are probably right about that too.

 

[TrayRene]

Hi Friends,

I just got back from the hospital - my step-father went in to have his pacemaker battery changed. He had been out of breath the last few days but we thought it was because he needed the new battery. They were going to send him home today but he still was not breathing well and I insisted they bring in a pulmonary team. They discovered he has fluid on his lungs and said he has congestive heart failure. He has emphysema which doesn't help matters. I will know more tomorrow when I talk to the team, but I was given the news by a Resident who seemd to make things sound somewhat dire. But I know people can live with congestive heart failure, right? I'm sorry I'm writing a novel here but I've come home to an empty house and I'm ridden with fear. My mom just passed away in February and my father passed away last Easter. I just can't bear to lose someone else.

Could you please say a prayer that my father gets better? Thanks.

 

[All7OfUs]

We last left off with us being informed that in order to avoid “problems” when we tried to leave, we had to get the All-Powerful Oz to stamp our little white registration paper. A little dab of ink in a certain shape was that “coveted ticket to home”, bringing the same amount of magically-taking-us-home as a pair of glittery red pumps.

Panic- stricken, we went into warp-thinking mode. What could we do? A marvel of modern science is the cell phone- and as fast as Western Kentucky can become last in its football division, Mike got on it. Within 2 minutes, he was talking to our office manager, and explained the problem. She is also a quick thinker, and pretty astute at how to work the system. She is also quite aggressive when she needs to be- which means she’s not afraid to sock it to someone if warranted. Where we come from raising one’s voice is the only way to really get your point across, and she was exactly who we needed for this sort of crisis!

Are you ready for a series of miracles?? Let’s line them up, and watch them roll home, one by one. Office Manager immediately calls Immigration. Did I mention this was a SUNDAY??!! That becomes important right about now. On a random SUNDAY, EXACTLY the guy whose biff up this was answered the phone. A SUNDAY, People! The Kazakh’s ONE day off. To our knowledge this was NOT a holiday- however, there were fireworks the night before that we watched one last time, but we still have zero clue about the reason for the fireworks, or why government employees were working on a Sunday. (#1)

So, “Inept Employee” answers the phone (#2), and gets an earful, we are sure. Assured that we would pay the taxi, this guy says he’ll come out to the airport (35 minutes away) with his stamp (#3) , BUT we are slated to depart in 30 minutes!!! We went back downstairs to talk to the gate agents, and they seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, as Mike is arranging with the gate agent who seemed most sympathetic to look out for the Immigration Guy, and giving him our passports so he could get the stamps while we go upstairs to wait to be called to board, the Airport Immigration guy comes over to “help us out”. Remember, this is the guy who told us originally that there was going to be a problem. GET THIS… he actually stood there and, with a poker straight face, gave us a tutorial on how to take an egg, get it slightly moist, roll it over an old stamp, and give ourselves the stamp we needed!!! “Simple as that!” he says. Too bad I hadn’t packed any eggs… we did have an old registration paper with us.

Now, with the gate agent holding our passports, and looking out for the Immigration Guy who was supposedly rushing out with the All Powerful, egg-shaped stamp, it was simply a race against the clock. We wait, biting our nails (Remember confessions of Soldier #1 way back last year?), and make an occasional call to the office manager to update her.

10 minutes.


Tick-tock.


15 minutes.


Tick-tock, Tick-tock.


Oops! Time to board. We sadly trudged downstairs with the other 50 passengers, and boarded the bus that drove us the 200 yards out to the Fokker 50 waiting for us.




At this point, we could actually SEE the parking lot,


(One more shot of the parking lot- just to the right of here about 15 yards is the iron fence mentioned in a sec.)

and could join the look-out for Mr. Immigration. 25 minutes- nope. Everyone seated, luggage stowed in the overhead bins, seatbacks in their upright and locked positions…

Mike went into hyper-panic mode, and goes back up to the front of the plane to talk to the steward, pilot and gate agent, who by now had come out to the plane to give us back our passports- sans stamp. “Sorry! Too late”, he says. Huh-uh, that won’t do! We HAD to have that stamp. “PLEASE, give us 5 minutes!”, Mike pleaded. Did I also mention that they had us boarded and ready to take off 15 minutes early!?? You can be sure that he mentioned that in his begging. Miraculously, (#4) the pilot and gate agent agreed to delay taking off for 5 minutes- NO MORE!


One minute.


Nope.


Two minutes.


Wait! A car pulled into the lot!! Nope, not him.



3 minutes. Hey! Another car! A man got out, and this time, instead of heading to the front door of the tiny little airport, he gets out and sprints toward the iron fence separating the apron from the parking lot! YES!!! (#5) He’s waving his stamp like a rodeo clown, brandishing his wares as if he was holding the fate of 6 helpless ex-pats in the palm of his hands. What’s that you say? He was??

The gate agent spied him from the cabin door, and realized that the Force was with us that day. He bounded down the aluminum stairs to meet the All-Powerful, egg-shaped, stamp-bearing buffoon to exchange imprints for cash (yep, ‘til the very last flippin’ minute, they managed to extort $$ from us). The whole exchange took less than 30 seconds, plane door to plane door. For once, I thanked God for teensy-weensy, bass-ackwards airports in the middle of nowhere on the wide open steppe.

Unable to contain my exhilaration, I unbuckled (as if a buckle is really going to help anyone going down), and dashed to the front of the plane to meet my newest Mr. Wonderful. I’m pretty sure everyone on the plane knew what was going on, so I lifted them in the air and gave a great big, “Yippee!” No one did the happy dance with me, but I so totally didn’t care, I wasn’t going to be seeing any Kazakh jail time any time soon!!!


And now you know the end of this story. But stay tuned for how the beginning of the end came to be; and until then,

Have a Magical Day!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Friends,

I just got back from the hospital - my step-father went in to have his pacemaker battery changed. He had been out of breath the last few days but we thought it was because he needed the new battery. They were going to send him home today but he still was not breathing well and I insisted they bring in a pulmonary team. They discovered he has fluid on his lungs and said he has congestive heart failure. He has emphysema which doesn't help matters. I will know more tomorrow when I talk to the team, but I was given the news by a Resident who seemd to make things sound somewhat dire. But I know people can live with congestive heart failure, right? I'm sorry I'm writing a novel here but I've come home to an empty house and I'm ridden with fear. My mom just passed away in February and my father passed away last Easter. I just can't bear to lose someone else.

Could you please say a prayer that my father gets better? Thanks.

ON NO! Tracy, do you want to talk?? PMing you my phone # right now!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Hi Friends,

I just got back from the hospital - my step-father went in to have his pacemaker battery changed. He had been out of breath the last few days but we thought it was because he needed the new battery. They were going to send him home today but he still was not breathing well and I insisted they bring in a pulmonary team. They discovered he has fluid on his lungs and said he has congestive heart failure. He has emphysema which doesn't help matters. I will know more tomorrow when I talk to the team, but I was given the news by a Resident who seemd to make things sound somewhat dire. But I know people can live with congestive heart failure, right? I'm sorry I'm writing a novel here but I've come home to an empty house and I'm ridden with fear. My mom just passed away in February and my father passed away last Easter. I just can't bear to lose someone else.

Could you please say a prayer that my father gets better? Thanks.

Lifting your step father and you up

 

[Flossbolna]

Wow, this was really an amazing event that you managed to get your stamps in the last second! How funny (but also a bit sad) that the government official was telling you all about the egg...

I will be thinking of Andrew tomorrow when he will be going through the ceremony.

So every time you leave a city for more than 5 days, you have to register with the local office?? Every time we even crossed our state border, we had to tell the local migration office we were leaving- it was such a massive pain!!!

No, not in that way, you only have to register at the town where your permanent residence is and once you move your permanent residence to another town you have to tell the previous town that you are leaving. So much less crazy!!

Hi Friends,

Could you please say a prayer that my father gets better? Thanks.

I will be praying for him and you and your family!