The Battle For My Wallet V: Beyond the Number IV (Chapter Eighteen, p.75, 5/18)

[CampbellScot]

beautiful as usual!

I always find myself weeping after reading your posts. In a good way...in a nostalgic way...in a way that is so happy that your daughters will always have their daddy in their life every day, teaching them and guiding them the way a daddy is supposed to do...teaching them that rudeness is NEVER appropriate...and I love love LOVE that you called Enrique out for his totally UN-DISNEY behavior! You SHAMED him so effectively, he probably could even complain about you later to other rude CM's...b/c you were right. And he knows it.



Your ZZUBY is a girl to be proud of...the kind of girl I hope to have someday...when I get over that fear of giving birth thing...which is neither here nor there...but you know what I mean...right? Teaching children to be grateful is something a lot of people just don't bother to do anymore. It's a tough thing in this entitled world. You are making good citizens!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful family with us!

and for not having any barf pictures in this post...cuz I've got the flu and that would have sent me clean over the edge!

 

[CJsMom]

Ok so why is it #82??

Yes, inquiring minds need to know!

And the part about feeling most like an adult when you brought your little girls to DW brought some tears to my eyes. I felt the same way. Because (on a smaller scale) my Dad surprised us one day with a trip to an amusement park. I still remember looking out the car window, seeing the roller coaster in the distance, and finally realizing that's where we were going. That's what made me decide to surprise my boys with a trip to Disney World. When we took that trip in December, I truly felt like a parent. Because, as you said, that's what parents do. They surprise their kids with trips to Disney World, and create memories that last a lifetime. I only hope that someday they will do the same for their kids.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

Oh my goodness, we got to see ZZUB's feet! LOL

Another great installment!

 

[nicolemarie]

Am I right?

Of course I'm right. I'm a Disney geek.

A month after I graduated from Alabama my Dad was “downsized.” After paying four years of out of state tuition and room and board for his over-privileged son, my Dad lost his job of twenty two years because he didn’t have the education he just finished giving his son. The irony was so cruel that when he told me what happened, for the first time in my life, I cried for my Dad.

And the next day I drove 45 miles back to Tuscaloosa to the Registrar’s office to order a duplicate diploma. Which I gave my Dad. Not that it could do him any good. But it was the only way at the time I could show him that his sacrifice for me was not in vain. My diploma couldn’t get him his job back, but mailing him his own copy said, “Dad, you’ve taught me to be a man of gratitude. I appreciate the sacrifice you made for me.”

I don't even know what to say to this. Except that you honor your Dad with the words you write about him. And I'm sure that's a pattern that will continue with your girls.

It would be five years before we returned to EPCOT in 1987. I was interviewing for a position at Disney World and Dad came with me and we went to EPCOT instead of the Magic Kingdom.

You're gonna give us that little tidbit and then leave us hanging? I'm thinking you didn't get the job, though. Because there is NO WAY that in five Battle TRs, we wouldn't have been told you had worked for Disney.

But did you feel a connection during the interview?

The rage which had been building because of the bedspread stain not of our own making, the three visits to the front desk to get it removed, the Roaring Fork CM who couldn’t find a more polite way to tell me they were out of bagels, the boats that stopped running an hour before the park closed and the idiot parking lot cast members who were less bright than the orange cones, finally came to a head.

You forgot the rainy MGM day when the snarky CM at Little Mermaid gave you some lip.

It's ZZUB! We've actually seen ZZUB!

Then there's this: my wife had the girls with her in the grocery store the other day. ZZUBY noticed a nearby woman in camos. Clearly she was a soldier. ZZUBY said to my wife, "Mommy, that woman fights for our country!" My wife said, "Yes, she does. Do you want to tell her thank you?" ZZUBY nodded her head and then turned to the woman in camos and said, "Thank you."

Wow, ZZUB. That's a really sweet story. I can tell you've got a precious little girl on your hands.

Thanks for another great installment. Although I never went to Disney as a child, I hope that my children take their kids back there one day, and think with fondness and appreciation back to the fun times we've spent there as a family.

And then I hope they turn around and ask me "Who's gonna run and get the Fastpasses for Soarin' while you get the stroller for the grandbabies?"

Oh yes, good times indeed.

 

[ZZUB]

You may or may not remember from my response to one of your previous TR's, yours is the only one we read aloud as a family.

I do remember reading that a family read my Trip Report out loud. I sure appreciate that you and your family think enough of my writing to want to read it together. I started reading your TR this morning. Your husband looks mighty pleased to be reminded that ZZUB is amused by the page for Mr. Morrow. It's precisely what my expression would be if my wife reminded me that some guy I'd never met was amused by something so lame.

I also did a trip to Epcot with MY dad a few years ago. So the park has some very special memories for me, too.

My guess is there are a lot of people who have very special memories of Disney parks. I don't imagine my experiences are alone. Indeed, I write about them, in part, because I think other people can relate to the similar sense of connecting with their parents, with their spouses, with their kids and even with themselves.

Sounds like your daughter is one special child.

I think she's special, but I want to be quick to point out that although ZZUBY has my sense of humor, she's her Mamma. My wife has done an excellent job raising our little girl. I just make her laugh.

Ah, yes, just what I want to see when eating my breakfast on a President's Day morning. A picture of ZZUB's hairy legs!!

When you consider the alternative, seeing my legs with hair sure beats the tar out of seeing them naked. Or seeing a steaming pile of puke for that matter.

You have the day off? You must work for the government.

I was at EPCOT in 1987 too. But I wasn't with my dad. I was with my husband. It was our 2nd wedding anniversary. Thanks for making me feel old.

If you were on your 2d wedding anniversary in 1987, you are old. But if my memory is correct, Grammy was on her 2d hip replacement by that year. So it's all relative.

Thank you for raising a wonderful little girl.

As I said above, all of the credit for ZZUBY goes to my wife.

Ok so why is it #82??

It's the year EPCOT opened, 1982.

Your ZZUBY is a girl to be proud of...the kind of girl I hope to have someday...when I get over that fear of giving birth thing...which is neither here nor there...but you know what I mean...right? Teaching children to be grateful is something a lot of people just don't bother to do anymore. It's a tough thing in this entitled world. You are making good citizens!

Again, Mrs. Z gets the credit. As for being afraid to give birth, piece of cake!From where I stood it looked very easy. Don't believe any of the lies about child birth being painful or scary.

Oh my goodness, we got to see ZZUB's feet!

Technically, you just got to see my legs and running shoes.

I don't even know what to say to this. Except that you honor your Dad with the words you write about him. And I'm sure that's a pattern that will continue with your girls.

Thanks, NM. I appreciate that and I hope like heck that you're right.

You forgot the rainy MGM day when the snarky CM at Little Mermaid gave you some lip.

I didn't forget, but since those sins had all been remedied by the free day's pass, they weren't bubbling up inside me like a ginger soaked piece of steak just looking for a Canadian bathroom to escape to.

Too much?

 

[lucky978]

I explained to her why the address on the mailbox was #82.

Ok. I'm stumped.
Could someone please enlighten me?

 

[ukwildcat]

It’s probably a natural tendency for a son to measure himself against his dad. I’ll be 40 in a few weeks. I find myself thinking about what my Dad had done by the time he turned 40. I don’t feel as old as my Dad seemed to me when he was the age I am now. He seemed mature, wise. Settled. I feel exactly none of those things. I swear, in my mind I’m still 21. It’s only when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror that I remember I’m not a kid anymore.

I wanted to say something witty, but I couldn't get by this paragraph. I asked one of my patients, a spritely 92 year old, at what age he began to feel like an adult. He replied that most days he doesn't feel, in his mind, older than 20. His words made me feel better, as did yours Zzub. Thanks.

 

[Mrs Banks]

We are going in April and can only go to the World 2 days Epcot and MGM (i refuse to use the new name HATE IT) Anywho, I will go to straight to Soarin' and I will ask for the front row. Just because we can.

You have a wonderful way of telling a story You daughter sounds real special. You must be proud but we can already tell you are.

Looking forward to the rest of this tale.

 

[LouDisney]

Beautiful entry ZZUB.

 

[AshClan]

If you were on your 2d wedding anniversary in 1987, you are old. But if my memory is correct, Grammy was on her 2d hip replacement by that year. So it's all relative.

I was a child bride. Seriously. I am only 7 years older than you (actually, more like 6 1/2, as my b-day is late in the year). But that's a big diff when you're talking 19 vs 26.

And were you referring to your Grammy or our Grammy, aka Grammyof2 (now Grammyof3, TFI)? Cuz if it was the latter, you may be surprised. She's not as old as her screenname might lead you to believe.....

 

[Frickles]

Seriously, you bring the leg shot and Mel isn't here? I thought for sure that would bring her out.

We've seen, well some of us have seen, your arms and your legs and I am amazed that you are balding. Amazed.

Beautiful lil chapter Zzub. That a way to stick it to Enrique. That same sort of thing happened to me at Chuck E Cheeses. BUT, I felt like I needed a police escort when I left after I complained.

Loved hearing about your trips to Epcot with your dad, who sounds like a sweet soul.

Not sure when the big day is, but happy 40th buddy! Just think, in a few more years you will qualify for the Senior's discount!

 

[LaLa]

As I sit here on this day in the cool night air of winter, I hearken back to that morning in EPCOT and the first thing I recall is that blessed warm morning sun. And what it felt like to walk under the Monorail track up to the front of the park and catch my first glimpse of Spaceship Earth as it used to be. As it was again. As it should be. For a brief moment it was 1982 again.

This paragraph is just one of many shining examples of your uncanny ability to transport people to another place through mere words. When I read this, I wasn't sitting in my chair in front of my computer, I was walking into Epicot and catching my first glimpse of a naked Spaceship Earth. I was hearing the monorail whizz by overhead and feeling the heat of the moment. Shone in your eyes. Or, more accurately, reflected in your words. So thanks for that, ZZUB. Thanks for sharing your gift with us.

With that being said, I have to tell you this was an awesome installment. The respect and appreciation you have for your father is evident, and I'm sure he'd be happy to know the time you spent together in the World all those years ago has never left you. And I feel quite certain that circle will continue with your sweet little daughters one day as they begin to raise families of their own.

My Dad’s a ferocious reader with an impressive vocabulary and the most eclectic musical tastes you can imagine.

Sounds like someone we know.

I swear, in my mind I’m still 21. It’s only when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror that I remember I’m not a kid anymore.

I can totally relate to this, except that I feel more 25ish. Unless I've been out on a run, and then I feel more 52-ish. Obviously I'm more mature than you. Because I'm a girl. The line about you looking in the mirror and realizing you're not a kid made me laugh. I don't know why either. I'm just imagining you being startled as you strut past the hallway mirror on your way to Arnold's. Not that you have a hallway mirror. Or actually live on the Happy Days set. I'm just saying.

When Puddy tells the poor-man’s George Costanza he’ll also have to remove “these little beauties,” I fell out laughing. Which made my daughter exasperated, “Daaaaaaaady!”

We LOVE this part. In fact, our son looks forward to this part and will spend the rest of the day throwing out the line "and these little beauties" every chance he gets.

Here we are getting ready for take off.

DED!

Again, this was an awesome chapter, ZZUB. And I agree with everyone else. Both you and your wife are doing an awesome job raising your daughter to have a heart of gratitude. And teaching her the way she should go. You've got a pretty special little girl on your hands, ZZUB.

Oh, and I, too, want to know what job you applied for. And why didn't you get it. Or did you??

Judging from the hairy legs, I'm gonna have to go with Tinkerbill. He applied for the Tinkerbill position. I'm also gonna go out on a limb and predict he did NOT receive a call back because he brought Joanie along on the interview and wore a bandana around his leg.

Either that or he went in with his shirt unbuttoned, exposing massive amounts of chest hair caught up in a 50 lb. gold herringbone chain.

It was 1987, right?

 

[ZZUB]

We are going in April and can only go to the World 2 days Epcot and MGM (i refuse to use the new name HATE IT)

Only two days and you're wasting one of them in the Studios? You must be planning to spend most of that day in the pool.

Load lightened. Thank you.

I'm not sure what load I lightened for you, but I'm glad to know I did.

I can totally relate to this, except that I feel more 25ish.

Funny. I wouldn't have pegged you for that old in your mind.

Judging from the hairy legs, I'm gonna have to go with Tinkerbill.
Either that or he went in with his shirt unbuttoned, exposing massive amounts of chest hair caught up in a 50 lb. gold herringbone chain. It was 1987, right?

It was 1987, but I wasn't a 60 year old man looking for a good time. NOAshclan. Anyway, you're back on ignore.

 

[UtahMama]

Great chapter, ZZUB!

A little sentimental, a lot of funny, a ZZUB knee, trivia (#82...I knew!), political metaphors, snarky Enrique, and melting butter. Loved it!

Why did I picture you as wearing tube socks with dual colored stripes I apologize.

 

[samc]

I'm speechless........but not numb!! That was a beeeeuuutiful installment!!!! made me get more than little misty-eyed

 

[LaLa]

Why did I picture you as wearing tube socks with dual colored stripes I apologize.

That's funny. Because I pictured him wearing dark socks with a pair of comfy britches. AKA: '82 era running shorts. The kind with the stripes and the slits on the side. The kind that shows just a little too much thigh. And as far as I'm concerned, he owes ME an apology for that.

It was 1987, but I wasn't a 60 year old man looking for a good time. NOAshclan. Anyway, you're back on ignore.

Funny. I wouldn't have pegged you to be that witty. But I suppose stranger things have happened.

Psst. Hey ZZUB. Ignore this.

 

[JKMJ441724]

Living again in air you can feel.

Ah. The South. Land of one season.

For a brief moment it was 1982 again.

Ah. Parachute pants.

Although my Palm Treo still melts my butter.

My microwave melts mine.

ZZUB had a plan. A well-considered, well-thought out plan.

I would expect nothing less from a man thick of hair, slim of waist, with massive upper body strength.

I’d had enough.

We're not talking about potato(e) salad are we. NODANQUAYLE.

When Puddy tells the poor-man’s George Costanza he’ll also have to remove “these little beauties,” I fell out laughing. Which made my daughter exasperated, “Daaaaaaaady!”

Embarrassing our children. Not a job requirement but one of the perks.

I’d blame Enrique but I think we all know whose fault this is.
George Bush.
That crafty devil.

To (mis)quote the famous Jimmy Buffet "it's usually some man's fault."

What must they be thinking?

Arby's?


Another GREAT installment. Thanks for bringing us all along.

 

[Frickles]

I'm not sure what load I lightened for you, but I'm glad to know I did.

At least this time it wasn't because you made me puke.

Found this little tidbit of info in a newsletter & I thought I would post it for you.....

Unfortunately this may be a temporary treasure. Behind Club Cool
there is an area devoted to the history of Epcot. In this area
you can see models of many of the original Epcot pavilions, a
promotion video for the opening of Epcot, and some exhibits of
pavilions past and present. It is an extremely pleasant and
nostalgic look at the beginning of Epcot and my fear is that
this treasure will not be around for long. If you are a fan of
Epcot and especially a former Epcot attraction known as
Horizons, this treasure is for you.

Hopefully you will make it back before they do away with it.

 

[Mrs Banks]

Only two days and you're wasting one of them in the Studios? You must be planning to spend most of that day in the pool.


We love the studios and will be there during vaction week, so I really do not want to deal with the crowds at the Magic Kingdom. According to TGM this will be the best park for the day we can go and yes I want to go early get out early and then hang by the pool.

 

[rastephens]

It’s probably a natural tendency for a son to measure himself against his dad. I’ll be 40 in a few weeks. I find myself thinking about what my Dad had done by the time he turned 40. I don’t feel as old as my Dad seemed to me when he was the age I am now. He seemed mature, wise. Settled. I feel exactly none of those things. I swear, in my mind I’m still 21. It’s only when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror that I remember I’m not a kid anymore.

The most grown up I ever feel is not when I’m trying a case, or meeting with a client or even out to dinner with my wife. The most grown up I ever feel is when we’re at Disney World. How’s that for irony?

The first time I felt like a grown up, like a man, wasn’t the day we got married or the day I passed the bar, or even the first time I tried a case on my own. It wasn’t even seeing my daughter born. The first time I felt like an adult was sitting with my daughter at lunch in the All Star Movies Food Court back in 2003. Because I was a dad with his little girl and that’s what dads do: they take their families to Disney World.


___

This is EXACTLY the way I felt about my family's first trip this past December. I could not possibly have stated it any more eloquently. WDW was a HUGH part of my childhood, and even up through college, but I'd only been back one time since college (last trip in 1986) before this past December. I've never felt like more of a Dad than I did in December, sharing with my four kids something that was so special to me and my family when I was a kid.

I was talking to my dad on the phone one night while we were down there, and he asked me who was having the most fun. My answer, "Honestly, I think I am."

I can't wait to go back! (Jan-Feb '09)