The Maelstromers... a FASTPASS!

[paslea_pooh]

Is it just me or do you see ZZUB on the Maelstrom line?

 

[sheridac]

A Little Back Story

As I told you all last week, I am a diser. I love WDW. We all know that magical somethin’ somethin’ they pipe in the air there. The way you feel happy and carefree, your kids never argue with you or each other, the eternal fountain of youth. Package that up Disney, you’d make a fortune. Oh wait, I guess they did. It’s called parfum de WDW, DL, Tokyo, Paris…..

The first time I went to Disney World I was 19 years old and newly married. DH and I were just finishing school when we got married so we put off a “real” honeymoon and went to WDW in the fall. I didn’t know anything about anything. Since it was October, I’m sure there was free dining but where was the DIS when a girl needs it?

There was only MK and EC then, but I was hooked. Who wouldn’t be? It’s the happiest place on earth for cryin’ out loud. Where not only do they wish you a magical day, but where you actually have one. Every day. Until the last day that is.

After that, there was no stopping me ( I mean us). My parents wintered in Florida every year so for us not-moving- upwardly-mobile-quick-enough folks, it was a godsend. Especially after our kids came along – twins just before our third anniversary and my baby a year and a half later. We went out with a bang on our last trip when the kids were still kids. Two weeks at the Polynesian during Easter week. Every member of our family still talks about that trip to this day.

For some strange reason, after that trip we didn’t go back. Could have had something to do with having said 3 kids and owning a home our not-moving- upwardly-mobile-quick-enough incomes quite could handle. Mostly it had to do with my baby. She discovered the world that is competitive Irish dancing when she was 7. And she was good. Really good. She qualified to compete in the World Championships by the time she was 10. No looking back then. The next ten years were filled with all kinds of travel. The Nationals rotate from region to region every year. Toronto, Nashville, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago. Overseas too. Told you she was good. England, Ireland, Spain even. Looking back, I wonder how we ever we able to do it. Probably because we drove our cars until they wheezed that death wheeze. I worked a second job that was just for dancing. Because folks, if you think that the travel was the expensive part of this little hobby, let me enlighten you. There are lessons, 2-3 times a week. Then there are private lessons. Special socks, shoes. Costumes theses days start around 1800. Dollars. A-ha. I knew there was a reason we didn’t get back to Disney. It’s all coming back to me now. But I don’t regret it and I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, I did change my living room furniture last fall when my baby finally hung up her shoes as she started college and retired at the ripe old age of 18. I get teary just thinking about it.

Fast forward to last January. Knowing I wouldn’t be spending 8K on that money-pit that is Irish dancing, I planned a surprise trip to WDW for my fam for Christmas. Could we recapture that magical time that was frozen in our hearts and minds forever? Is that realistic, even possible? For all those that ask yourselves that same question, the answer is, emphatically yes. We had the best time. Saw and experienced things so differently with the kids being grown. If you think it’s magical when your kids are babies, try it again when they’re adults. Or maybe it’s that somethin’ somethin’ they pipe in. But I don’t think so.

But back to the present. I (I mean we) decided to go again this year. Just DH and me since the kids won’t be able to take time off. WDW during the Christmas holidays is unbelievable. I encourage everyone to try it at least once. Wait, no, I mean it’s bad, really bad. Crowded too. You would not want to be there. Phew, narrowly averted a stormin’ of the castle at my special time. Think I’m in the clear though.

As I said last week, DH is no diser. Love him anyway, but it’s a bit frustrating when I ask for an opinion and he doesn’t have one. Or I get that lame, you do such a good job with the planning and you seem to enjoy it sooooo much line. So I asked for help from you Maelstormers, my brethren. Cause you get what it is to be a diser. And you share that pre-pre-pre planning excitement. True to form you all jumped on board and told me to bring it on.

And so, is born…..

The Maelstrom Report

Day minus 223 (yes, I did actually count then and no, I do not guarantee accuracy. Those who know me know that math is not my friend)…. The Count is ON

Ponderances for this week. Well ok, these are really past ponderances that I haven’t quite laid to rest yet and hence am re-pondering.

1) My hotel – did I choose wisely Master? I chose to return to the scene of the crime – the tropical wonder that is the Polynesian. But did I choose wisely Master? With no children in tow would it be better to stay at the Yacht Club, Beach Club or BW? Walking distance to both the Studios and Epicot.

2) Airfare – did I choose wisely Master? I watched and waited and watched and waited some more. I booked. $338 RT pp, Syracuse to MCO. I had hoped for $200 – 250. We lucked out last year and got $198. But it seemed like fares were going higher and I was scared. Would they go lower? Or would they go higher? It was Thanksgiving weekend. Was that the reason? But did I choose wisely Master?

Bring it on Maelstromers!

 

[kpk89]

Top three right now are:

Alfredo's in Italy
Rose & Crown in England
Le Cellier in Canada (been before)

What would you pick? One of those or a different one? It could even be out of the park as we have APs.

Thanks everyone!

Hi Minnie,
The only one of those I've been to YET is Alfredo's. I have to say I was a little disappointed. I got the orignal alfredo and it was sort of a sticky, gluey blob. The atmosphere was pretty noisy. The drinks were good though!

Last year they had some sort of special brunch/luncheon thing for Mother's Day -- maybe you could check and see if that's happening again?
It was at Epcot, in a garden area.

 

[kpk89]

A Little Back Story

And so, is born…..

The Maelstrom Report

Day minus 223 (yes, I did actually count then and no, I do not guarantee accuracy. Those who know me know that math is not my friend)…. The Count is ON

Ponderances for this week. Well ok, these are really past ponderances that I haven’t quite laid to rest yet and hence am re-pondering.

1) My hotel – did I choose wisely Master? I chose to return to the scene of the crime – the tropical wonder that is the Polynesian. But did I choose wisely Master? With no children in tow would it be better to stay at the Yacht Club, Beach Club or BW? Walking distance to both the Studios and Epicot.

2) Airfare – did I choose wisely Master? I watched and waited and watched and waited some more. I booked. $338 RT pp, Syracuse to MCO. I had hoped for $200 – 250. We lucked out last year and got $198. But it seemed like fares were going higher and I was scared. Would they go lower? Or would they go higher? It was Thanksgiving weekend. Was that the reason? But did I choose wisely Master?

Bring it on Maelstromers!

Wow, who knew how expensive the Irish dancing was? Not me! Our Piper is into gymnastics, and I was smugly (I'll admit it, though I'm not proud of it) feeling like we dodged a bullet by putting her in gym instead of dance, because the costumes are so expensive. Well, then I found out that gym not so cheap either, when you figure practices/lessons 2-3 days a week for 2 hrs and then Saturday mornings too. For 7 yr olds. Sheepers.

Now she wants to ride horses! So far I've staved her off with one lesson. Last fall. She still talks about it.

Anyway, Sheri, I like this Maelstrom report thing you're doing! I won't be any help on your pondering, because I've never stayed at the Poly and probably never will unless they add DVC there. (that would be sooooo cool! A monorail DVC!) And airfare. .. I think you're good. No sense waiting and having it go higher.

 

[smilie]

Ok Maelstromers, I need your help. I need to know how you make jello shooters. Everything from flavors that are good, down to what kind and how much liquor to use. If there's any group here that knows how to do this, I know you all do!

 

[Minnie]

Hi Minnie,
The only one of those I've been to YET is Alfredo's. I have to say I was a little disappointed. I got the orignal alfredo and it was sort of a sticky, gluey blob. The atmosphere was pretty noisy. The drinks were good though!

Last year they had some sort of special brunch/luncheon thing for Mother's Day -- maybe you could check and see if that's happening again?
It was at Epcot, in a garden area.

I'd considered this as they are still having it however here it the rub:

My DS (12) is going along with my mother and I and he eats like a bird and no I do not mean Seseme Street Big Bird I mean a tiny little ol sparrow. There is no way that I could take paying $45 for him to eat a donut or a chicken finger and a glass of milk

Hmmm what to do what to do......

Maelstrom

 

[Minnie]

Ok Maelstromers, I need your help. I need to know how you make jello shooters. Everything from flavors that are good, down to what kind and how much liquor to use. If there's any group here that knows how to do this, I know you all do!

I have a recipe for this. I'll try and post it this evening.

 

[paslea_pooh]

Ok Maelstromers, I need your help. I need to know how you make jello shooters. Everything from flavors that are good, down to what kind and how much liquor to use. If there's any group here that knows how to do this, I know you all do!

Hi Smilie, here's a smilie for ya...

Okay, I've never made these, but have had one or two.... .....K, I've had more than two.


Here's a link to a buttload of recipes.

http://www.oz.net/~angiebb/fun/jello.htm

Have fun !

 

[paslea_pooh]

My trip to WDW is now only 26 days away! I have not made an PSs or ADRs or whatever the heck they call those dining reservations now. I need to at least make one so my mom can have a nice meal on Mother's Day.

Top three right now are:

Alfredo's in Italy
Rose & Crown in England
Le Cellier in Canada (been before)

What would you pick? One of those or a different one? It could even be out of the park as we have APs.

Thanks everyone!

We've done Alfredo's a few times and have always enjoyed ourselves there. Le Cellier, we adore. We're trying Rose and Crown in Oct. I think Alfredo's would be lovely for Mother's Day.

 

[HaleyB]

Um, I think I am in trouble now...


So I just figured out that I can fly Ryan down for the weekend when we go to WDW in Sept/Oct. He has no Friday classes, so he could leave Th and go home Sun. Jet Blue flies out of Rochester, I think American and Delta do too (anyone live near there and know? I guess I can check the airports website...).

So I need to add his airfare and admission to the budget. But it is so much better to buy a 7 day no expire (per day about $40) than a 3 or 4 day ticket ($60 or $50 a day)...

AND do I move us to POR so we are legal like with the 5 in the room, or do we sneak him? It would be about $400 to upgrade to POR and it is going to be about $520 for his flight and ticket already. Wait. I could do a second room at Pop for 3 nights for less... still close to the $400 though, $379 with tax, no rather be at POR for the whole stay... only Mr. Silly is going to ax this trip if I am not careful.

Hang on, I better go price it out at POR. BE right back...

 

[horsegirl]

A Little Back Story

As I told you all last week, I am a diser. I love WDW. We all know that magical somethin’ somethin’ they pipe in the air there. The way you feel happy and carefree, your kids never argue with you or each other, the eternal fountain of youth. Package that up Disney, you’d make a fortune. Oh wait, I guess they did. It’s called parfum de WDW, DL, Tokyo, Paris…..

The first time I went to Disney World I was 19 years old and newly married. DH and I were just finishing school when we got married so we put off a “real” honeymoon and went to WDW in the fall. I didn’t know anything about anything. Since it was October, I’m sure there was free dining but where was the DIS when a girl needs it?

There was only MK and EC then, but I was hooked. Who wouldn’t be? It’s the happiest place on earth for cryin’ out loud. Where not only do they wish you a magical day, but where you actually have one. Every day. Until the last day that is.

After that, there was no stopping me ( I mean us). My parents wintered in Florida every year so for us not-moving- upwardly-mobile-quick-enough folks, it was a godsend. Especially after our kids came along – twins just before our third anniversary and my baby a year and a half later. We went out with a bang on our last trip when the kids were still kids. Two weeks at the Polynesian during Easter week. Every member of our family still talks about that trip to this day.

For some strange reason, after that trip we didn’t go back. Could have had something to do with having said 3 kids and owning a home our not-moving- upwardly-mobile-quick-enough incomes quite could handle. Mostly it had to do with my baby. She discovered the world that is competitive Irish dancing when she was 7. And she was good. Really good. She qualified to compete in the World Championships by the time she was 10. No looking back then. The next ten years were filled with all kinds of travel. The Nationals rotate from region to region every year. Toronto, Nashville, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago. Overseas too. Told you she was good. England, Ireland, Spain even. Looking back, I wonder how we ever we able to do it. Probably because we drove our cars until they wheezed that death wheeze. I worked a second job that was just for dancing. Because folks, if you think that the travel was the expensive part of this little hobby, let me enlighten you. There are lessons, 2-3 times a week. Then there are private lessons. Special socks, shoes. Costumes theses days start around 1800. Dollars. A-ha. I knew there was a reason we didn’t get back to Disney. It’s all coming back to me now. But I don’t regret it and I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, I did change my living room furniture last fall when my baby finally hung up her shoes as she started college and retired at the ripe old age of 18. I get teary just thinking about it.

Fast forward to last January. Knowing I wouldn’t be spending 8K on that money-pit that is Irish dancing, I planned a surprise trip to WDW for my fam for Christmas. Could we recapture that magical time that was frozen in our hearts and minds forever? Is that realistic, even possible? For all those that ask yourselves that same question, the answer is, emphatically yes. We had the best time. Saw and experienced things so differently with the kids being grown. If you think it’s magical when your kids are babies, try it again when they’re adults. Or maybe it’s that somethin’ somethin’ they pipe in. But I don’t think so.

But back to the present. I (I mean we) decided to go again this year. Just DH and me since the kids won’t be able to take time off. WDW during the Christmas holidays is unbelievable. I encourage everyone to try it at least once. Wait, no, I mean it’s bad, really bad. Crowded too. You would not want to be there. Phew, narrowly averted a stormin’ of the castle at my special time. Think I’m in the clear though.

As I said last week, DH is no diser. Love him anyway, but it’s a bit frustrating when I ask for an opinion and he doesn’t have one. Or I get that lame, you do such a good job with the planning and you seem to enjoy it sooooo much line. So I asked for help from you Maelstormers, my brethren. Cause you get what it is to be a diser. And you share that pre-pre-pre planning excitement. True to form you all jumped on board and told me to bring it on.

And so, is born…..

The Maelstrom Report

Day minus 223 (yes, I did actually count then and no, I do not guarantee accuracy. Those who know me know that math is not my friend)…. The Count is ON

Ponderances for this week. Well ok, these are really past ponderances that I haven’t quite laid to rest yet and hence am re-pondering.

1) My hotel – did I choose wisely Master? I chose to return to the scene of the crime – the tropical wonder that is the Polynesian. But did I choose wisely Master? With no children in tow would it be better to stay at the Yacht Club, Beach Club or BW? Walking distance to both the Studios and Epicot.

2) Airfare – did I choose wisely Master? I watched and waited and watched and waited some more. I booked. $338 RT pp, Syracuse to MCO. I had hoped for $200 – 250. We lucked out last year and got $198. But it seemed like fares were going higher and I was scared. Would they go lower? Or would they go higher? It was Thanksgiving weekend. Was that the reason? But did I choose wisely Master?

Bring it on Maelstromers!

Dear Sher- I am no master, but your choices sound great!

So do not doubt yourself, young lady! I think fares are going up, as gas prices certainly are, in the northeast at least....Maybe they would credit you if they perchance go down.

Poly. Dreamy lil' place all full of wonders for a romantic vaca. I certainly prefer it to the epicot resorts. But others would have a different view. Epicot is just the monorail away- and lots of the great places to dine nearby. Ohana, kona, california grill, yada yada yada.

Thanks for your sweet story about that gal of yours. I picked the CR for our upcoming trip for sentimental reasons too!

My Dh isn't a diser either, and I get the same lackluster response to my exuberance whilst planning! We'll listen and give appropriate emotives, okay?!

ANd OMG 50 LBS- Can you please come and help me? I have never had to diet and need to lost 30.... ick. I am gonna hate it. You go girl, that is awesome.

 

[horsegirl]

Wow, that is a great deal for the 5 of you, for a full week!! It is soooo hard to leave them. I know that we'll miss them when we go in October. I'm feeling a little bit quesy about it. I don't think we'll go to MK at all. I'd be crying the whole time!

Abby and DD Erin went to an egg hunt, it was adoreable. We went to Grandma's house for the day... it was nice and the weather was beautiful.

BTW, After reading in your TR, why you go to Disney as a family, I wrote my reasons down too, only, I did it on paper. I don't know if I have the guts to write it here. It's very emotional, but after reading yours and Momofmnm, it gave me reason to ponder as to why I LOVE Disney sooooo much. I actually couldn't figure out why a grown woman is madly in love with a castle and a Mouse. Thanks, for being gutsy enough and sharing that. Maybe if I get a bit gutsy too, I'll share mine.

My my young lady, you've been a busy diser today! That melon pic was too funny@!!!!!!

Please write whatever you are feeling. You will do a great job, and there is lots of support here, even from non-maelstrommers!You are funny, sensitive and sweet, so whenever you are ready, do it!

I think it is great you are going for your own little getaway. We are all in different spots. Doesn't mean one is better than another, right!? I can't wait to hear what adults do without kids! And you will have fun!!!!!!

Gotta go do baths, and start the evening nesting ritual. Catch ya'll later!

Georgia- We're a little indulgent. Hawaii is a go, and now a week at CR. Within 3 months of one another! I gotta catch up with you. Those pix of all your sweeties was too cute!!!!!

 

[paslea_pooh]

A Little Back Story

As I told you all last week, I am a diser. I love WDW. We all know that magical somethin’ somethin’ they pipe in the air there. The way you feel happy and carefree, your kids never argue with you or each other, the eternal fountain of youth. Package that up Disney, you’d make a fortune. Oh wait, I guess they did. It’s called parfum de WDW, DL, Tokyo, Paris…..

The first time I went to Disney World I was 19 years old and newly married. DH and I were just finishing school when we got married so we put off a “real” honeymoon and went to WDW in the fall. I didn’t know anything about anything. Since it was October, I’m sure there was free dining but where was the DIS when a girl needs it?

There was only MK and EC then, but I was hooked. Who wouldn’t be? It’s the happiest place on earth for cryin’ out loud. Where not only do they wish you a magical day, but where you actually have one. Every day. Until the last day that is.

After that, there was no stopping me ( I mean us). My parents wintered in Florida every year so for us not-moving- upwardly-mobile-quick-enough folks, it was a godsend. Especially after our kids came along – twins just before our third anniversary and my baby a year and a half later. We went out with a bang on our last trip when the kids were still kids. Two weeks at the Polynesian during Easter week. Every member of our family still talks about that trip to this day.

For some strange reason, after that trip we didn’t go back. Could have had something to do with having said 3 kids and owning a home our not-moving- upwardly-mobile-quick-enough incomes quite could handle. Mostly it had to do with my baby. She discovered the world that is competitive Irish dancing when she was 7. And she was good. Really good. She qualified to compete in the World Championships by the time she was 10. No looking back then. The next ten years were filled with all kinds of travel. The Nationals rotate from region to region every year. Toronto, Nashville, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago. Overseas too. Told you she was good. England, Ireland, Spain even. Looking back, I wonder how we ever we able to do it. Probably because we drove our cars until they wheezed that death wheeze. I worked a second job that was just for dancing. Because folks, if you think that the travel was the expensive part of this little hobby, let me enlighten you. There are lessons, 2-3 times a week. Then there are private lessons. Special socks, shoes. Costumes theses days start around 1800. Dollars. A-ha. I knew there was a reason we didn’t get back to Disney. It’s all coming back to me now. But I don’t regret it and I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, I did change my living room furniture last fall when my baby finally hung up her shoes as she started college and retired at the ripe old age of 18. I get teary just thinking about it.

Fast forward to last January. Knowing I wouldn’t be spending 8K on that money-pit that is Irish dancing, I planned a surprise trip to WDW for my fam for Christmas. Could we recapture that magical time that was frozen in our hearts and minds forever? Is that realistic, even possible? For all those that ask yourselves that same question, the answer is, emphatically yes. We had the best time. Saw and experienced things so differently with the kids being grown. If you think it’s magical when your kids are babies, try it again when they’re adults. Or maybe it’s that somethin’ somethin’ they pipe in. But I don’t think so.

But back to the present. I (I mean we) decided to go again this year. Just DH and me since the kids won’t be able to take time off. WDW during the Christmas holidays is unbelievable. I encourage everyone to try it at least once. Wait, no, I mean it’s bad, really bad. Crowded too. You would not want to be there. Phew, narrowly averted a stormin’ of the castle at my special time. Think I’m in the clear though.

As I said last week, DH is no diser. Love him anyway, but it’s a bit frustrating when I ask for an opinion and he doesn’t have one. Or I get that lame, you do such a good job with the planning and you seem to enjoy it sooooo much line. So I asked for help from you Maelstormers, my brethren. Cause you get what it is to be a diser. And you share that pre-pre-pre planning excitement. True to form you all jumped on board and told me to bring it on.

And so, is born…..

The Maelstrom Report

Day minus 223 (yes, I did actually count then and no, I do not guarantee accuracy. Those who know me know that math is not my friend)…. The Count is ON

Ponderances for this week. Well ok, these are really past ponderances that I haven’t quite laid to rest yet and hence am re-pondering.

1) My hotel – did I choose wisely Master? I chose to return to the scene of the crime – the tropical wonder that is the Polynesian. But did I choose wisely Master? With no children in tow would it be better to stay at the Yacht Club, Beach Club or BW? Walking distance to both the Studios and Epicot.

2) Airfare – did I choose wisely Master? I watched and waited and watched and waited some more. I booked. $338 RT pp, Syracuse to MCO. I had hoped for $200 – 250. We lucked out last year and got $198. But it seemed like fares were going higher and I was scared. Would they go lower? Or would they go higher? It was Thanksgiving weekend. Was that the reason? But did I choose wisely Master?

Bring it on Maelstromers!

sheri, sheri, bo berri, fa fe fi fo ferri, go sheri... (Ok, I was a cheerleader , sorry, I got carried away)


I'm loving the Maelstromer Report, keep it coming.

I have never stayed at the Poly(sorry Jen)...So I can't speak Intelligently about it, actually I can't speak Intelligently about anything period,

No seriously, I think you did good with the airfare. We bought our airfare about a month ago and the same tickets are now $80 more per ticket. With gas the way it is, I think you did good.


Horseypoohgirl I Have been busy dising today. My kids spent almost all day outside with their friends...tomorrow it's back to school. I haven't gotten much of anything done today, but I'm not worried....tomorrow I'll be in commando cleaning mode!


Kim,Kimmie,Kimmiepooh....I'm having a glass of

for ya!

 

[HaleyB]

Ok Maelstromers, I need your help. I need to know how you make jello shooters. Everything from flavors that are good, down to what kind and how much liquor to use. If there's any group here that knows how to do this, I know you all do!

OK, first off- what to make them in. You know this tiny plastic cups with lids on them you sometimes get with to go food? Think salsa or sour cream, maybe. Around here I know Taco Cabana uses them. They hold about 4 oz and have lids. These are KEY. I buy mine at Costco in the food service section (with all the paper plates and such).

Do not heat the alcohol!!!!
I use the Jello that calls for 2 cups of water total, I think there is another size.
Boil 3/4 c of water and dissolve jello into it, stir. It should be perfectly clear with no grains at the bottom. If not add a little more water.
Next (after it cools a bit) add another cup of fluid total, with sugar free jello I find I can add 1/4 c ice water and 3/4 vodka. For some reason I need more water and less vodka with the regular jello. 1/2 and 1/2 works too but makes a weak jello shot.
If a batch will not set up right it has too much vodka/not enough water in it, but I have a friend that swears she uses 1/2 cup water (total) and 1 1/2 c vodka.
The higher the proof the less you can use, so just get the regular stuff.
Pour into the above little cups with lids. Stack them in your fridge or freezer (frezeer is faster). That is why the lids are key, you can stack them and fit in lots of jello shots that way

Alternate flavor, use rum and tropical flavors of jello. Not my favorite, I am a straight up jello shot girl.

OK, no Costco and you can't find them anywhere else... use little dixie cups. Put one layer on the bottom of the freezer, place a cookie sheet on top, and add another layer... some people use ice cube trays but I find them hard to serve.

I prefer the green lime jello but orange is good too. The lemon is also ok. Do not get the nasty blue stuff. Grape and Cherry taste like cold medicine to me.

Do I sound like a lush???

 

[HaleyB]

Update. We are not going up to the POR. Ryan will have to sleep outside The Pop is all we can afford.

New plan is I need to talk someone into going for the weekend. And then gift them a child for a few nights. I have a cousin in FL, or there are always the Grandparents. We have 3 sets of them. Or my sister could go. She will book a room just for he kids no matter what, so he could bunk with them (really I would send another child, not Ryan, he would hate that- Max is easy going though...).

Just to be safe I am going to book a 2nd room at POP which is several $100 cheaper than going to POR... because I am worried it will book up before I can talk someone into going.

 

[horsegirl]

Hey Haley! You are disciplined! Keep to your budget, and it sounds like you've got some solutions that are brewing.....schemes, enticing others to assist in bunking your big guy. Good luck! Let us know how this goes......

Oh BTW, I love jello shots too. I made them eons ago for a NYE party. The hosting family had kept their kiddos up and one of the wee ones got at least one! Not good. We were not invited back! It was the dullest new years' ever spent, much more dull than those spent alone or just chillin at home! I think DJ and I were the only ones who did the jello shots! It was a very uptight group of collegey types-bleeach!

Hey, thanks to all the well wishers for Sky. She is better, but still not herself.

 

[sheridac]

HaleyB - here's my thoughts. If you can find someone else for him to bunk in with, great. But don't stress over it. He's only coming for a couple of days, right? I may get some flames for saying this but I'd have him bunk in with you, sleep on the floor. Are you going when there's a MVMCP? You could save a few bucks if you scheduled that during the time he is there 'cause that ticket is less than an admission ticket price for the day. They let you in so early, it's like a whole day anyway.

JetBlue is definitely out of Rochester. AA and United too. Check into Northwest though. They usually have better rates than the others. AirTran might be out of Rochester too, I'm not sure. Let us know.

BTW - I was just thinking this same thing today. Bring the kids down for a long weekend while we're there.

 

[tink38]

Hey, did y'all know - Maelstrom is a FASTPASS!

It's good to check back in after a few days. My parents were in town over the weekend for Easter. We took them to see the house and they LOVED it.

My dad found out that the contractor is only sodding the front and side yards, so he's paying for the back yard.

And get this - the way the fireplace is set up is weird. It's a gas fireplace (forced heat - fake logs) so they wired the cable for the TV to go on top of the fireplace. Well, I'll be darned if I'm going to have all the electronics that go with the TV (DVD, VCR, stereo) hanging out on the side of the TV in my new house, so I asked dad what he would do. He said I should buy a big screen TV with the DVD and VCR built in. Then he stopped for a minute and said, "I want to buy it for you. Let's go to Sam's right now." (!!!!!!!)

Have I told y'all how much I LOVE my dad? Anyway, we went and it was closed because of Easter. We grilled steak, so we had some time to kill. Don't judge.

And yes, Mark, we went to mass. A very EVENTFULL mass, I might add. One of our parishoners fainted during the processional entrance and we had to call 911. This took about a half hour from the call until he was wheeled away in a stretcher by the paramedics. Oh, well. My 1st trip to church in over a year was bound to be exciting, right? This is the church that DH's cousins go to and it is not in our future parish. We have a church right down the road from our new house. I hope the pastor there is better than this one was. I kept thinking of Ferris Bueller's Day Off during the sermon. (anyone? anyone?) At any rate, pat yourself on the back. You convinced a lapsed Catholic to go to mass. You should be proud of yourself. I plan to continue to do so in my new parish.

Oh, hmmn. I just rememembered something. Parish is not a term that is used outside Louisiana - is it??? It refers to a geographical region. It's kind of like a county - only religion is involved. Google it, people.

I was supposed to have the house to myself tonight because DH was taking DS to see a baseball game. Then we found out he has a report due Wednesday. Well, I almost killed him after the LAST project that he procrastinated on, so we nixed the game. There was yelling. There were tears. No one was injured. The project is done. Except for the printing of photos. OF UTAH. Lovely.

My best friend from New Jersey and her 2 DDs are arriving tomorrow. The oldest (15) has requested Elvis and Crawfish. I found a guy who sells them live here so we will have a boil this weekend.

The Southaven Spring Fest is this weekend and BO BICE is playing! Needless to say, we will be there.

LaLA- I finally finished your TR. It was Great! Mai Tai say that you are SOME TAN, honey!

Pongo - We went August 20th for a week on the honeymoon. The crowds were nil but it WAS hot. Nothing that we couldn't handle - we ARE from New Orleans, after all.

Mel - sorry I am going to miss you. My company will be here until Monday the 24th. I'll try to check in!

Everyone else - I'm on strike tonight. I was not planning on cooking b/c they were supposed to be at the game. A night of DISing - yeah!
I will not cook dinner. I will not do dishes. I will not do laundry. So THERE.

 

[sheridac]

ANd OMG 50 LBS- Can you please come and help me? I have never had to diet and need to lost 30.... ick. I am gonna hate it. You go girl, that is awesome.

I won't lie - it's not fun. I will never be one of those people that loves to exercise. I have to make myself work-out every day. But, if you can stick with it, the end game is sooo worth it. I fully support anyone in that fight. Also, I am a carb addict. I have no self control when it comes to chips. I literally have to avoid them because, as the Lay's commercial said, you can't just stop after one. And I can't.

 

[Chapter 11]

Do I sound like a lush???

No, just a very discriminating jello shot drinking ... um, shooting ... no wait, slurping, yeah, slurping, that's it ... person. One thought on your Pop dilemma, I thought I read somewhere that Pop or maybe one of the AS resorts was putting in something they called "family suites". I have no clue what those are, but my guess is that they are cheaper than two rooms. Then again, maybe not.