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

[javamom]

Zzub, thank you again for giving us witty glimpses of, not only, your trips but also your heart.

"Gawd forbid a million times," that this be the last. However, I know that God will set and keep you on the past that He has chosen. Should He decide to mosey it back this direction, we will be doubly blessed.


Thanks!

I may have to post the Zzub-signal from time to time, just for old time's sake though...

 

[ZZUB]

Zzub, I've lurked through all of your reports, and enjoyed them very much. Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your faith and your family with us. You are an inspiration to me. God bless!Carole

May God bless you as well. Thank you for coming out of lurkdom to share that with me.

I haven't read the entire report, I just finished Chapter 3. But I have to tell you that I've been going through a rough time, and praying all morning for an answer. And as I finished reading your chapter, I noticed the quote in your signature, and it gave me the answer I was waiting for. Isn't God awesome, that he could have you put a quote in there just to speak to me today when I needed it? Thanks for writing for us.

That is pretty cool that God directed your eyes to a verse in my signature line. God has spoken that verse to me through many times of confusion.

CJsMom: Thank you for reading along. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the stuff that falls out of my head.

Too bad that if you do write the Great American Novel, we will not know to buy it

Backstage: thank you for reading along these several years. I reckon if I ever do publish a book, I'll have to let you know somehow.

Though these things (WDW) are temporal, God intends for us to enjoy His blessings here as well. I needed that reminder at just the time you wrote it. God bless you!

I couldn't have put that any better than you did. May God bless you as well.

I always feel uplifted and closer to God after reading your posts.

I appreciate knowing that anything I do draws others closer to God. I don't take any credit for it; I'm just grateful to be the jar of clay He has chosen to use to edify you.

Sleeping*Beauty: I want to thank you for posting to my TR.

Zzub, thank you again for giving us witty glimpses of, not only, your trips but also your heart. "Gawd forbid a million times," that this be the last. However, I know that God will set and keep you on the past that He has chosen. Should He decide to mosey it back this direction, we will be doubly blessed. Thanks! I may have to post the Zzub-signal from time to time, just for old time's sake though...

Javamom! You are one of the sweetest, most gracious people I have ever quasi-met. Your posts always bless me in part b/c I think about when I first "got to know you." I appreciate the joy of the Lord you reveal in your posts. And thanks again for not only the cool avatar but the ZZUB-signal. That kills me DED.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Your trip reports have always been so much more than just a report on your activities. You have shared your family, your hopes, your humour, your extensive vocabulary, your insights and ultimately your soul.

Thank you.

 

[lisalonglash]

Thank you for sharing your vacations with us all, ZZub. I have giggled, chortled, shed a tear, guffawed and mused. Yep, He shines through in this entire thread Thanks for sharing "this little light" of yours.

 

[DVCTiff]

A million thanks, as everyone has mentioned, but most of all for reminding me that though we are so very different there is something we can have so strongly in common. If that's not a fitting tribute to Walt's place, I don't know what is.

Take the best of care of you and your family. I know you will.

 

[LISAMWDW]

Thank you for sharing your trips with us. It has been wonderful sharing that part of your life with you. We have indeed cried, prayed, laughed w/you, really, with you not at you! hehe

If you decide to write another trip report, we'll be here! If not, a part of you and your family will always be with us and we'll all meet one day! We won't forget you and your wonderful family!

God Bless!

 

[beckanoah]

I refuse to believe this will be the last trippie!

but good job on this one

 

[OhMari]

Thanks for finishing up. I always feel bad posting, since we started out sort of on bad terms, but ....

I hope HappyHaunt comes in and posts so we can close up and send you to the completed board.


I'm betting that you will be back!!

 

[AshClan]

Why does this sound like a wake?! I will not accept that you are not going to write another Battle, Z. Okay, I will accept it if you choose to go that way, but personally, I feel that you won’t be able to stay away. It’s too much fun, even if it is hard work. And it allows you to continue the witticisms, political comments, WW, ND, and Seinfeld references, raging, and just plain old bantering that I know you enjoy. Without taking a tremendous amount of time away from your family.

Anyway, since everyone else is talking to you as if you are going to be gone forever, I will jump in and say this. I suppose it’s obvious that I enjoy your reports. Even when you gross me out or insult my politics. The back and forth is fun and you never fail to make me laugh. No other TR writer has been quoted more to my darling husband. Mel’s posts are sometimes read by my kids for giggles, and I often share La’s gems with my girlfriends, but your sense of humor is one I love to share with Jay. I also enjoy challenging myself to give back to you what you dish out when I’m up for it. All that to say, I would miss you if you went away.

I feel like I’ve “known” you for a long time. And you are a part of my history here, of which I have some very fond memories. Although you haven’t become a close personal friend as have some of the others in that group, and I don’t even know your real name or what you look like, I do feel like I’ve gotten to know a lot about the important parts of you over the years. You can be challenging. You can be cranky and rage-y and gassy. You have an inflated image of your guns. Your political views are diametrically opposed to mine. HOWEVER, and more importantly, you are a loving dad, husband and son. You’re a man of tremendous faith who is happy to share that publicly. You are very smart and witty. You like Disney World. And you love cake. All (well, most) of these things combine to make you someone who I’m glad to call my friend. Albeit a friend with whom I can’t make contact other than through this silly, not-as-fun-as-it-used-to-be message board. So, I will say, keep in touch. Pop in from time to time, if only to let us know that you’re still alive and kicking. Oh, and be sure to tell us the title of your new book and where to find it, k?

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Zzub - I've only posted enough on each trip report to keep me subscribed. I want to thank you for sharing your trips and your lives with us.

A couple trip reports back I wrote that when I picture you, I see John Grisham..I take that back - you are better.

Please write that novel and make it a legal thriller, John Grishmam Brad Meltzer and ZZub.

Thanks again

 

[brandt79]

Z - I know I don't post much (if at all ) but that doesn't mean that I don't read and enjoy every word. You never cease to make me pause and thank God for my blessings while at the same time dreaming of my next Disney trip.

I, for one, can't imagine you going to your happy place and not writing about it - so I sincerely hope this isn't your last. Because I've laughed, cried, cringed, and thrown up in my mouth a little while reading your trip reports and I'd hate to stop now!

 

[nicolemarie]

You're right, Ash! This IS sounding like a wake.

I'm glad ZZUB's not DED.

Ash said it well. ZZUB, you are a part of my "history" here on the DIS. (As sad as it is that I have a "history" on a public message board about Disney World.) I Googled "Disney information," found the DIS, and somehow, one of the first threads I opened was the Battle III. Gosh. That was a long time ago.

You may or may not know this, but as a result of the "Maelstrom is a Fastpass" stuff, and Mel's thread opening on the CB, many REAL friendships have evolved. Folks have met in real life, and keep in touch daily with one another. You were a HUGE part of that.

If you don't have another TR in you, we will sadly understand. But oh, how you've blessed me time and time again by your writing. Whether it be humor, spiritual encouragement, good Disney tips, or just a time to sit with a cup of Starbucks and have a good read, I've loved every minute. I will miss your writing tremendously.

I know the Lord has used you in tremendous ways to bless your readers. You have certainly blessed me. Thank you for taking the time to entertain, encourage and inform us. We'll miss you tons, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of you.

That's what I want to believe, anyway.

God Bless, ZZUB.

 

[kathymc]

Wow - I cant believe its over

Thanks for sharing as much as you always have. I, just like everyone else here, feels like we know you and yours some how and wish you nothing but happiness in the future.

But through all your funny stories, your touching memories, witty edits and even a dog quote or two I never realized something.....

I never knew you had a beard

Take care

 

[taylor4fam]

Zzub, I have read all of your trip reports. I have laughed, cried and shared the wonders of a God sent Disney sunrise. They are beautiful indeed.

Your family is truly blessed to have such an humble yet funny as all get out man of God to lead them.

I hope this isn't the last we hear from the Zzub family!

ROLL TIDE!

Maybe some crisp Fall afternoon our families will cross paths at THE CAPSTONE.

 

[HaleyB]

Zzub I know that you know that I know that you will write another trippie. It is as sure a thing in my mind as the fact that I will never properly finish one. Well, maybe someday I will.

You have poured yourself into all the TRs. Thank you for that. I am not sure you fully understand how, by giving of yourself in this way, you touch other people. You give us something to look forward to, remind us of what is really most important, and you share your wit and bodily function stories freely. Thank you for that. Without knowing your name, I am sure that I know you. You are good people. Thank you for that.

But enough, you are going to get a fat head. Plus I just made myself throw up in my mouth a little.

Where is Mel?

 

[ZZUB]

First, a general comment: I am not leaving the Disboards! I love Disney and reading about Disney stuff too much to stop haunting this place. NOMelHappyHat. And b/c I enjoy reading TRs, you will find me here, on the TR board.
Secondly, I'm not shutting the door on a Battle VI. I just have no clear leading right now and as I was finishing up this TR, it seemed to me I had said all there was to say about this subject. And b/c I like tidyness, I wanted to wrap everything up. I didn't want to conclude this Battle and leave people thinking there would be another one come Fall. More likely than not there won't be another one from me in the near future.

But, I don't intend to go away. You'll find me here, trading barbs with my friends and enjoying other people's TRs.

Diamondintheruff: Thank you for your compliment. I pretty much write the kind of stuff I want to read. I have a hard time getting next to picture-perfect Brady Bunch families. That's just not my experience. I much more enjoy reading a candid account of someone's vacation written in a voice I can relate to.

Thank you for sharing your vacations with us all, ZZub. I have giggled, chortled, shed a tear, guffawed and mused. Yep, He shines through in this entire thread Thanks for sharing "this little light" of yours.

Hey Lisalonglash, thanks very much for that. I'm grateful God is glorified through me.

Take the best of care of you and your family. I know you will.

I sure do appreciate that. Have a great time in Disney World this week. If you need a good place to take a nap, check out the 4th floor alcove above the main entrance.

LISAMWDW: Thank you for reading along. I will look forward to meeting you someday as well.

Thanks for finishing up. I always feel bad posting, since we started out sort of on bad terms, but ....

You shouldn't feel bad, OhMari! That was a crazy time and you were trying to do your job and we were trying to figure out what the rules were. I know we didn't make it easy on your or the other moderators who devote a lot of time to this without any compensation. I don't know if I did or wrote anything that offended or hurt you. If I did, then I want to publicly apologize to you: I am sorry.

But you can't close down this Trip Report until Sneezie gets a chance to post. Gawd forbid a million times she can't regale us with one more funny cake story!

Even when you gross me out or insult my politics.

Your politics are simply insulting. I just underline them for you.

The back and forth is fun and you never fail to make me laugh. No other TR writer has been quoted more to my darling husband. Mel’s posts are sometimes read by my kids for giggles, and I often share La’s gems with my girlfriends, but your sense of humor is one I love to share with Jay. I also enjoy challenging myself to give back to you what you dish out when I’m up for it. All that to say, I would miss you if you went away.

That made me smile. The idea that you and your equally leftist husband enjoy my sense of humor. Wait! That means there's something wrong with me!! Oy vey.

Obviously, I enjoy a good verbal tennis match. But I'm not going away Ashclan. In fact, I'll be the guest speaker at your 45 year college reunion this weekend.

Although you haven’t become a close personal friend as have some of the others in that group

What a strange way to kick a guy.

You have an inflated image of your guns.

And another. Why would you insult the guns?

Your political views are diametrically opposed to mine.

Finally, a compliment.

Cindy's Mom: Better than Grisham? I doubt that. But thanks just the same.

You never cease to make me pause and thank God for my blessings while at the same time dreaming of my next Disney trip.

That's pretty much why I write. As I said above, I write the things I want to read, and I like reading stuff that makes me pause and thank God and dream about our last and next Disney trip.

ZZUB, you are a part of my "history" here on the DIS. (As sad as it is that I have a "history" on a public message board about Disney World.) I Googled "Disney information," found the DIS, and somehow, one of the first threads I opened was the Battle III. Gosh. That was a long time ago.

Wow. That does seem like an eternity ago. You've made me wonder how I landed on the Disboards and now I can't recall.

If you don't have another TR in you, we will sadly understand. But oh, how you've blessed me time and time again by your writing. Whether it be humor, spiritual encouragement, good Disney tips, or just a time to sit with a cup of Starbucks and have a good read, I've loved every minute. I will miss your writing tremendously. I know the Lord has used you in tremendous ways to bless your readers. You have certainly blessed me. Thank you for taking the time to entertain, encourage and inform us. We'll miss you tons, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of you.

Thank you very much, NM. Man, that humbles me. I've "met" so many really excellent people on here. People who love their families, love God and love Disney. And people who make me laugh until it hurts. You're one of those people, NM. You strike me as good people.

Unlike Ashclan who just strikes me.

But through all your funny stories, your touching memories, witty edits and even a dog quote or two I never realized something.....I never knew you had a beard.

I don't. It's a goatee. Beards are for old men.

And Bella Absug.

Maybe some crisp Fall afternoon our families will cross paths at THE CAPSTONE.

Would love to run into a fellow Bama fan/Disney fan. But how will you know it's me? I know, look for a guy wearing a Bama cap shouting "Roll Tide!"

Zzub I know that you know that I know that you will write another trippie. It is as sure a thing in my mind as the fact that I will never properly finish one. Well, maybe someday I will.

Well, maybe someday I will as well. Write another one that is. Maybe I should try my hand at finishing yours?

You have poured yourself into all the TRs. Thank you for that. I am not sure you fully understand how, by giving of yourself in this way, you touch other people. You give us something to look forward to, remind us of what is really most important, and you share your wit and bodily function stories freely. Thank you for that. Without knowing your name, I am sure that I know you. You are good people. Thank you for that.

Thank you for that. That was an awfully nice thing for you to write.

 

[Tanya90210]

Zzub... thank you as always for a fabulous report ... Your words are always inspirational to me and I hope one day... maybe not this year or the next you'll be back to give us another Battle ... Until then... See ya round the Trip reports board

 

[stinkerbell007]

Yay!!!

That was totally fun. Thanks for sharing. I'll be off myself, to a multi-family gathering in a matter of days now....

It's kinda nice to have one of my subscribed trippies wrap itself up neatly. With a big old Bama bow. Right before I go.

Thanks.

Be seein' ya. On the boards....

...or in the World. Ya nevah know...

Gawd forbid a million times!!!

 

[BratTink]

ZZUB, I'm coming out of lurking one last time to say thank you. I know its been said before but I've enjoyed all your trip reports and will read if there are more. If not it was a good ride.

 

[LaLa]

NO MORE ZZUB TRIP REPORTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE?!!!!!


If that ain't a kick in the teeth, I don't know what is.

Well I, for one, hope that's an idea that comes and goes faster than ginger in your system. A new keyboard on my desk after I've overindulged in the grapes. An unclaimed slab of Butter Grilled Poundcake when ZZUB's in the room.

Simply put, I can't imagine not reading about Family ZZUB and their funny and touching adventures in the World anymore.

Like many people here, I discovered your trip reports long ago and have spent many hours over the years laughing (both with you and at you), crying (sometimes accompanied by the laughing) and just downright enjoying the heck out of strolling around the World in my mind. With you as the guide. I don't think I need to tell you how much I've enjoyed it. But I will anyway. I loved every minute of it, ZZUB. The invisible stroller, the frenzied character breakfast at the Crystal Palace, the POR coffee walks, the DMVC, the Waterslide Olympics (of which I won gold), the union ducks, the hilarious race to the front of the park with Wishes in the background and your wife in the wheelchair, Soarin Lorenson, the duckbilled platypus, the Miami Vice(ish) boat ride, the Canadian bathroom Incident (who could EVER forget that?!), the cheesesteaks, Tonga Toast, and last but not least, Butter Grilled Poundcake. Thanks for sharing all of that and so much more with us. The glimpses that you've given us all have been both hilarious and touching and the banter with you over the years has been SO MUCH DANG FUN. Even though you stink (even criminally so), jump at every opportunity to smear my good name in the dirt and I don't like you at all, I suppose you're a pretty cool guy. Just look at all these posts. Your words and your witness have touched so many people, ZZUB.

Chief among them being me.

And that's a pretty cool thing, in my book.

Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your sweet as all get out family with us over the years, ZZUB. I've thoroughly enjoyed "watching" your family grow and seeing God's hand at work in your lives. I don't think this is the end of that though. I hope to be reading more of whatever falls out of your head soon.

As long as whatever it is that falls out of your head doesn't require RID-X and a pair of gloves. Although I wouldn't be surprised if it did.

The second half of our vacation had begun.

If indeed you meant this the way I think you meant it, I pray your "second half of vacation" is even better than the first.

God bless you, my friend.