The Fixer and The Cookmaster:major pixie dust*IT'S FINISHED*EPILOGUE UP!!#389

[jamal]

Thanks Kimmie! I have a reader here now, too. He loves the smilies and is not afraid to use them in an open Dis-window! Good thing the Dis gave us an edit feature...

 

[HaleyB]

I heard a rumor that this TR was going to have a new chapter soon.

 

[brandt79]

C'mon Jami, hop to it!!!

 

[sheridac]

ATTENTION!!!!!

Nutwing Commander to Nutwing # 4!!!!!!!!

Someone is slacking.

Slightly.

 

[Minnie_Moo]

Bumpety-bump. Got caught up again on your fabulous TR, Jami, and am piping in with my encouragement on getting the next chapter posted.

 

[Grammyof2]

Just checking to see if we had anything new. The race is on to finish cause the countdown is on

 

[jamal]

Chapter 23, last day (10)
Before we proceed I have an admission of sorts. My camera is not the Canon, but it does have IS. SONY Cybershot-twin-competitor-of the Canon S2-IS. I just had to clear that up. Reason? Credibility. Never mind! You are here to read about our trip to Disney…

The next part of the plan was to attend the Sword in the Stone ceremony. Guess what? It was on the Times Guide BUT was not happening that day. I guess it was being refurbished for our future enjoyment. Maybe Merlin had salmonella. Maybe he knew my mighty men were showing up to show that sword who’s boss. No sword miracle that day; it remained welded in the stone.

Starved!!!!!!!!! We were (not) so we raced to Tony’s Town Square for our (last) ADR. We like Tony’s for the parade view (not this day), park location, small crowd, and OK bulk Italian. A is a pizza and spaghetti man so he chose it for (one day before) birthday lunch.

The staff knew it was a birthday so they made sure the table was dressed for celebration!! We are HUGE Shiny-Mickey Confetti fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those things stick to ANYTHING,

even a husband’s nose.

OK, he may lose his job for these. He’s just lost ALL credibility with you. Don’t tell him I posted them.

After another enormous gorgefest, we knew the Time had come. We needed to leave MK, get back to the Poly, go to Downtown Disney, and get on a plane. Soooo….

We did it. We exited the park. Mickey was there greeting people—the giddy new arrivals. He stopped hand-pumping to thank us for the addition to his Main Street condo. We waved goodbye….and jumped back on that sleek transportation in the sky..

Ring! Shrek’s phone wriggled in his pocket. Now, before you start getting all confuzzled when I tell you the pilot called, remember back at the beginning of this tale that we were able to travel to Disney by private jet. Yes, it’s ridiculous and I will remind you again of the unreasonable amount of pixie dust that made this happen for this trip. We do NOT live like this…not that there’s anything (AT ALL!) wrong with it.

Ooohhhh tragedy. Bad weather has delayed the plane. Boo hoo. Could we leave later that evening? Could we have four or five more hours at the Poly and Downtown Disney???????????? What do you think???? Yeah, yeah, we need to teach Sunday school and will get home about midnight. It will be FINE. Woo hoo we yelled as we skipped back to the Poly lounge!! Let’s hang here for a bit then head to DTD!

And that’s exactly what we did. Almost…

To be continued. Tomorrow. On my mother’s eyesight.

 

[sheridac]

Could we have four or five more hours at the Poly and Downtown Disney???????????? What do you think????

SCOOORE!!!!!!!!

 

[Grammyof2]

Love, Love Confetti!!
All kinds. Major confession ahead. When I go to a party or anywhere they have confetti, I take a some home, put it in a jar, and save it. It is a collection, of sorts. All my friends know this about me, that I collect confetti, in jars. Actually I have several quart jars, filled with the stuff. All occassions known to man, just mixed up there in my confetti jars. Reminders of good times. Someday when I have a major celebration I am breaking out my confetti collection to use for decoration. I think a mix of holidays, birthdays, showers, weddings, anniversarys, retirements, graduations, christenings, etc, etc will make for interesting conversation. Or I am a pack rat, which is also a possibility

Tell Shrek not to worry about his reputation. As a collector of confetti, it is a well known fact, that it sticks everywhere. What fun is confetti if you can't stick it all over your face.

Will you stand beside me for the whole trip???? cause for the love of pixie dust, you got it raining on you. Could a girl get any luckier??????????

 

[jamal]

Grammy!!!!!! How did I not know this about you? You are the most fun Prom Queen I know. You have pixie dust coming out of your pores on a daily basis.

Will you stand beside me for the whole trip????

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm afraid you wil be disappointed in my daily fare of luck, but I'll have it in buckets because I'll with you

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Jami ~ I loved this episode. Really. Probably b/c of the confetti.

Because that is fun. And funny. And Shrek would probably die if he knew you posted it.


Amy

 

[jamal]

I know. He will die. The man does not embarrass easily but this may do it!!!

Besides, only the Dis would appreciate a man with Mickey confetti on his nose!!!!!!!!

 

[jamal]

Chapter 23 (Why Am I counting??????)

The Poly Concierge lounge is an excellent place to rest. We decided we should rest a bit before heading over to DTD. Translated: Shrek needed his nap. We settled in with our beverages of choice (two Diet Cokes, one water, one milk) and let the kids watch TV. Because. Of course watching Toon Disney every waking hotel room moment is MUCH different than watching Toon Disney at home, which they never (choose to) do. Shrek had his book, I had mine, and A was all about The Imagineering Way. A couple hours of that and we powered back up to go to DTD.

Our favorite part of DTD is the LEGO store. A is a LEGO nut. He has made dozens and dozens of sets over the years, and his room is a shrine to Harry Potter, Star Wars, castles, cars, and the train…all LEGO. E has jumped on the hobby, too, but not at the expense of his 100,000 other interests. Anyway, A likes to spend some time there in study and research, with me as the consultant. E likes to make cars on that outside track and race other kids—like his father. So A made his decision and we summoned Shrek to work his magic on a cup-o-LEGOs to go. He can fit millions of those guys in a 20 oz cup! I knew his mechanical engineering degree would pay off…in spades!

The dreaded E-hasn’t-spent-all-his-money-and-really-wants-one-more-thing-but-what? virus descended on us in World of Disney. I saw Shrek losing his usual calm demeanor , so I sent him to the Art Store with A. They love that place and bought two more sketches.

I took a deep breath and went in. I finally got him to the new pirate area, where I was sure we’d have a quick sale. When, when will I learn that NOTHING is quick with this kid? My sweet boy wants it all and is not in any sort of hurry whatsoever. He had a tight budget, too (no life size monorail!!) which made him all the more cantankerous. For the love of all that is fun and right about childhood, it’s ALL fun!! It’s ALL temporary!!!!!! It’s all….GOING TO FESTER IN THE BACK OF YOUR CLOSET!!!!!!!!!

Finally, finally, after a brief enter-to-glare from Shrek, my baby made his choice. He proceeded to the register and took his adorable time counting out his money (from the Buzz Lightyear wallet from two trips ago) and holding up the line…only a little.

Of course, he put it on right away. I got to smile and skip through the rest of DTD…with one baaaaad looking PIRATE!!

Back to the Poly.

About this time, Shrek was almost dead (by my hand) as I realized we had 18 snack credits left. Once again, I asked how he had been funding all those water bottles and ice cream bars. He ducked his head, cowered, and mumbled ‘cash.’ CASH!!! Again? I thought we had been over this!!!! The poor man just…I don’t know what. I have no logical explanation for this lapse of intelligence. He says Disney is a break from work and thinking; what could provide that better than presenting the same little yellow card for every transaction?

All this time the pilot had been phoning to give us an estimated departure time. He was getting there faster than he thought now, so we needed to step it up back at the Poly.

I offered supper (CS credits left!!!!!!!!!) but no one was hungry. Too bad! This IS your dinner, so the next meal WILL be breakfast at home sweet home. They reluctantly ate a bit.

I was too busy scheming to eat.

Must. Use. Snack. Credits. I thought I was pretty clever to decide to use them for Mickey Rice Krispy treats. Now I know every Dis-ser does that. I was all excited as the sweet Cap’n Cook’s staff put 24 of those guys (CS credits too, ya know) in a box for me. Yes, that is the beauty of small aircraft travel. No problem bringing an extra box of sugar home. I was giddy at the idea of inviting the neighborhood kids over for treats the next afternoon.

By now Shrek and the bellman had our VAST collection of luggage, bags, totes, and boxes (boxes??) waiting for us at the front of the Resort. GCH. I was busy hugging and kissing the Concierge staff and promising we would be back if they would let us back in.
Those ladies and gentlemen are real pros. We are HUGE CM fans, as I want to remind you that, except for Grumpy Petra at the Crystal Palace, we had extraordinarily charming princes and princesses serve us for ten days. I have a special shout out (WOO HOO!!!!!) for Allison in the Poly Concierge for….well….. a little something (sumpin’ sumpin’ LaLa) I’ll tell you about in the next chapter, later today.

I sniffed the air as I made my way to the GCH. Shrek and the limo driver were berating our load. I reminded both they were paid help and to stuff her in. Not really.

It’s not much fun to fly home from Disney, even if it is in a private plane. We cozied into the small space and relived the trip all the way home. The hum of the engine put the boys to sleep. We had too much joy and satisfaction to lament returning to our home and the life we love here. It takes more than a few days, though, to get that feeling of satiation at Disney. Oh, we could have stayed longer, MUCH longer, and never tired of it. But we were grateful and knew we had truly relaxed. It felt like a true holiday from the busy EMOTIONAL pace we keep here.

Ten days. Ten days of bliss with my family in our favorite place on Earth. More, even, because we had the over-the-top joy of being with our dear friends the first six days! We adore The Gatelatches and see them all the time. I call Cledus regularly and rat out his alter-ego name. We laughed at the pool all summer. He even wants to go back to Disney, but I think he’s had enough gleeping. A and their DS12 are better friends than ever and even share several seventh grade classes this year. That boy is a keeper and I could not ask God to provide my son with a better friend and influence as they enter their teens.

My sweet comic book artist, author of The Fixer, their ten year old, presented me with another comic book this summer. This time, The Fixer had to set the pool management company straight. I gave HIM a copy of the Wishes Soundtrack for his birthday. He says he can’t even listen to it without crying. I love that kid.

My precious CookMaster and I are up to our old tricks. We share any job either of us is handed because it’s a pleasure to serve. She makes me laugh all day every day. She gets it ALL and loves me anyway. The friends she worked with 20+ years ago still love and admire her enough that they arranged miracles for her on our trip. She, in turn, made sure all eight of us were included in every piece of magic. Our traveling partners were a match made in Heaven!!!

The embarrassment of riches hasn’t ended for The Fixers, for we are blessed in all the things that matter. There’s one more part to the tale, an epilogue of sorts, then the story will be dark.

I’ll try to get it up later this afternoon, tomorrow at the latest.

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! I'm crying too!!!!!

Jami,

I am truly looking forward to the fact that you will have another tale to write in just ONE MONTH. (And still looking forward to the epilogue.)

You're wonderful. A gem. A joy. My friend!

Amy

 

[Jennifer48]

BRAVO!

You have a warm heart Jami and I'm glad you shared your trip report. Thank you so much.

 

[Grammyof2]

The Poly Concierge lounge is an excellent place to rest.

Someday, I am going to a concierge lounge, and will stay till they throw me out, cause I don't think I will ever be able to stay there. But when I sneak in, I know just how to act Thanks Jami

Our favorite part of DTD is the LEGO store. A is a LEGO nut. He has made dozens and dozens of sets over the years, and his room is a shrine to Harry Potter, Star Wars, castles, cars, and the train…all LEGO. E has jumped on the hobby, too, but not at the expense of his 100,000 other interests.

My baby boy, 23, had every Lego I think they made at the time. You could not walk in my house without stepping on one of those critters. They are part of my collections of stuff

Finally, finally, after a brief enter-to-glare from Shrek, my baby made his choice. He proceeded to the register and took his adorable time counting out his money (from the Buzz Lightyear wallet from two trips ago) and holding up the line…only a little.

This is sooooooooooo cute when they spend their OWN money. Takes hours and to many choices.

About this time, Shrek was almost dead (by my hand) as I realized we had 18 snack credits left. Once again, I asked how he had been funding all those water bottles and ice cream bars. He ducked his head, cowered, and mumbled ‘cash.’ CASH!!! Again? I thought we had been over this!!!! The poor man just…I don’t know what. I have no logical explanation for this lapse of intelligence. He says Disney is a break from work and thinking; what could provide that better than presenting the same little yellow card for every transaction? .

I was too busy scheming to eat.

Must. Use. Snack. Credits. I thought I was pretty clever to decide to use them for Mickey Rice Krispy treats. Now I know every Dis-ser does that. I was all excited as the sweet Cap’n Cook’s staff put 24 of those guys (CS credits too, ya know) in a box for me.

Last August we used exactly 4 snack credits. 4, that is it. And we seemed to be eating always. Mickey Treats went home with us too

I sniffed the air as I made my way to the GCH. Shrek and the limo driver were berating our load. I reminded both they were paid help and to stuff her in. Not really.

1st I can smell the Poly, right now. And I LOVE the smell. 2nd,

My precious CookMaster and I are up to our old tricks. We share any job either of us is handed because it’s a pleasure to serve. She makes me laugh all day every day. She gets it ALL and loves me anyway. The friends she worked with 20+ years ago still love and admire her enough that they arranged miracles for her on our trip. She, in turn, made sure all eight of us were included in every piece of magic. Our traveling partners were a match made in Heaven!!!

Someday, Jami, maybe in a different lifetime, I see this as us

There’s one more part to the tale, an epilogue of sorts, then the story will be dark.

And this makes me said, very very said

 

[Beana9802]

There’s one more part to the tale, an epilogue of sorts, then the story will be dark.

Say it aint so! I'll miss ya Jam! I feel like we've all gotten to know you so well with this trippie! Hair advice, shoe advice, trip advice, travel advice, poly advice. What haven't we learned... that it's over, but that it was there!

 

[Mic_n_Min]

What an awesome trip report- thank you so much for sharing it with us!!

 

[sheridac]

About this time, Shrek was almost dead (by my hand) as I realized we had 18 snack credits left. Once again, I asked how he had been funding all those water bottles and ice cream bars. He ducked his head, cowered, and mumbled ‘cash.’ CASH!!! Again? I thought we had been over this!!!! The poor man just…I don’t know what. I have no logical explanation for this lapse of intelligence. He says Disney is a break from work and thinking; what could provide that better than presenting the same little yellow card for every transaction?

WHAT???!!!!!!!!!!!

I sniffed the air as I made my way to the GCH.

Oh Sweetie!!!! I know that smell. The Smell of All Smells.

 

[TwinkieMama]

Well, number one fixer gal-
I have been Waiting all summer to read this trippie in all it's completed glory with only ocassional peeks.... I *really* wanted to know all about the backstage magic and zesty hair. Thank you. You did not disappoint. Thank you for sharing your wonderful family with us... I think that is why I read trip reports- it is so refreshing to hear about families that really like being together.....
your fan,
Twinkiemama