The Mominator Vs. The Kinder Gentler Me...Go Read the TR!!!

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

What's going on here??? You were on page 2 along with Tracy????

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Ooooohhhh..... let's name the zones, the zones, the zones. Let's name the zones of deep blue sea!

Anyone?

 

[Lauralee131]

Thanks for the bump girls!!

I'm off to clean out the spare room and make room for packing...Long story...I'll be back on later with more!!!

LY/MI!!!

 

[DisneyJo]

We like long stories

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I'll be back on later with more!!!
LY/MI!!!

Later? Like later when? Later today, later this weekend, later this month????

 

[princessjv]

I'm off to clean out the spare room and make room for packing...Long story...I'll be back on later with more!!!

LY/MI!!!

We like long stories

Later? Like later when? Later today, later this weekend, later this month????

Will you ever return? Or is just a tease?

 

[DisneyJo]

LL oh LL where are you we're all waiting

 

[PrincessV]

Hi... it's "later"

 

[Lauralee131]

OMG - I'm soooo sorry!! The last couple of days have just totally gotten away from me!! I may not have mentioned this but when I say I'm going to do something around the house...well, it turns into an episode of "Short Attention Span Theatre"...

I cleanout out closets...for a bit...
I started going through stuff to pack...for a bit...
I started making ADR's for January...well, just a couple...
I changed some plans for August...well, just a bit...

I didn't actually FINISH anything! Including my update!!! I will try and get some done tonight...promise! Pinky swear!!

Jo...I'm getting worried...where are you??? I left your phone number at home darn it, but if I don't see you on line tonight I'm calling you tomorrow!!!

 

[jcc0621]

We will wait patiently

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

OMG - I'm soooo sorry!! The last couple of days have just totally gotten away from me!! I may not have mentioned this but when I say I'm going to do something around the house...well, it turns into an episode of "Short Attention Span Theatre"...

OMG! You're just like my mother! We call her "side tracked Sally"! She'll start something and then get side tracked to something else, and then get side tracked to something else. Before you know it she's got like 6 things going at once!

Jo...I'm getting worried...where are you??? I left your phone number at home darn it, but if I don't see you on line tonight I'm calling you tomorrow!!!

Yes, please call her and then call me or I'll call you or PM me and let me know everything a'ight.

 

[DisneyJo]

I cleanout out closets...for a bit...
I started going through stuff to pack...for a bit...
I started making ADR's for January...well, just a couple...
I changed some plans for August...well, just a bit...

OMG that sounds a bit like me but I then get sidetracked by the DIS and that's the end of everything

Jo...I'm getting worried...where are you??? I left your phone number at home darn it, but if I don't see you on line tonight I'm calling you tomorrow!!!

I'm here don't worry Just been out all day and reading HP!

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Is this another episode of Short Attention Span Theater??? Where'd ya go? Back on page 2

LL, you are down to a month...SURELY you have things to tell us.

 

[Lauralee131]

So here we are – less than a month to go! Wooo Hoooo!!!

Lots to be done, lots to be done…I’ve got quite a few busy weeks behind me now…and a few more ahead before I can get on that South-bound flight!

You’ve all heard – or read – that I’ve been wrestling with my conscience over my Boma reservation…with all the rumors going around that the animals have been upset by construction and some have been moved to the park, and that the hotel will be partially closed…well, that got me to thinking. I made this ADR at Boma for a couple of different reasons…One being that we love the Lodge. I made my ADR for 8pm so we’d have time to wander around before dinner…see the animals and talk to the wonderful CM’s from Africa, maybe catch a story at the Fire Pit…

If there’s not going to be many animals out, why go? Heck, if there’s not going to be a Lodge full of other happy vacationers that we would end up meeting and chatting with, why go? Ok, well, there’s the Zebra Domes… always worth the trip, IMHO! Well, the majority of folks told me not to cancel. I’d made up my mind. I was NOT going to cancel. If anything, the place would be less crowded, right?

Well, then I mentioned it to my DH – this whole quandary of mine – and he immediately said “CANCEL”. He didn’t care that the restaurants would still be open. If the Lodge wasn’t fully functional and bustling with shiny, happy people, he wasn’t havin’ it! Done. The Master has spoken. Silently I was a little relieved…even though I’d made up my mind, the subject was still gnawing at me. Why I don’t know. But all of you know that once you’re thinking of changing an ADR for ANY reason, you don’t feel “right” until it’s done. Are you with me?

So I called and booked Marrakesh for 7pm on that night instead and cancelled Boma. Let it be written. Let it be done. Hmmm….Biergarten would be good too though…ARGH!! See????? This is what happens to me!

Aha…I know! I’ll leave things as they are and add Biergarten to my January ADR’s! Phew…ok, crisis averted!

I think I’m finally at peace with my ADR’s. For the time being…

But park choices…now there’s a bit of a gnawing in my head about those…Mainly on the 22nd and the 24th. I’m wondering if I shouldn’t schedule some AK time in there somewhere…especially since we’re not going to the Lodge now for our animal fix. Michael’s big draw to the park is the safari ride – so I thought I’d be able to avoid it all together with a visit to the Lodge. Uh oh…now what do I do? I have decided to do what any mother with a child of “short attention span” does…when he brings it up, I’ll point to something just out of his line of sight and say “WOW look at that bird!” Works every time. Of course I alternate between birds, butterflies and, depending on where we are, cars and trucks.

I think we’ll go to Animal Kingdom in January when it’s cooler. Sound good? Like a plan? Good. It’s done then.

Speaking of January, I’ve been spending some of my time, although admittedly not enough, on January’s trip since my ADR window opened. I of course changed my hotel a few times. Which may change again…I don’t feel quite settled in that decision yet. As of today though, we’re at Boardwalk Villas. Tomorrow we may be staying at the Beach Club. Who knows…

I did finally manage to score an ADR at LeCellier though! I can finally see what all the hype is about. Now, I didn’t book a whole week’s worth of ADR’s. Why? Hmmm…lack of focus I suppose. I’ve had a lot going on the last couple of weeks and just couldn’t focus on the January trip. Besides…I think it kinda takes the sport out of the planning if you nail all of your ADR’s at 180 and then have nothing left to do. I like to sweat the small stuff. Some people don’t. I thrive on it. So the only TWO, yes 2, ADR’s I made were for LeCellier and then one for Narcoosee’s. That’s it.

And then there’s the packing…I’m slowly getting my things together. How un-Mominator of me. Usually I’d be packed by now. Completely. Including my ME tags on the bags, Mousekeeping envelopes printed, stuffed and packed inside my carry-on all ready to go. By 3-plus weeks before our trip, there’s nothing to do but agonize over the days ticking by way too slowly.

But that was before.

Before we moved to North Carolina.

Where we wear our “summer-slash-vacation” clothes all year long. This is a predicament. I love a challenge though…and have been shopping accordingly! And in getting ready for shopping, I spent a few days cleaning out Michael’s clothes and getting some Ebay auctions up and on line. Vacation money, baby!! Now I was quite surprised when I undertook this mission…here’s an example of why…I cleaned out Michael’s shorts drawer in his dresser…18…yes, I said EIGHTEEN pairs of shorts no longer fit. Only 4 pairs still fit. Although this finally answered my burning question as to why in the H-E-double hockey sticks am I constantly doing laundry and can never find shorts for him that fit…DUH, LL…that’s cause only FOUR pairs actually fit!

So this isn’t good…I need a “biggest sale of them all” at JC Penney. STAT! Good thing they hold them weekly!

So if all my auctions sell, which I’m not sure they will this time of year as I do better in the winter time for some reason, but if they all sell I’d have a minimum of close to $350 for vacation. YEP…THAT’s HOW MUCH CLOTHES DO NOT FIT! All of a sudden too, it seems.


So now that I’ve got the Ebay stuff all packed up in boxes, ready to go, I have room to start packing for vacation!

First order of business…the “shower bag”. It’s as it should be. I can always throw clothes in at the last minute, but you gotta have a well-packed, well-prepared “shower bag” or it can ruin your vacation! Am I right, Ladies??

So I’ve been bagging and tagging the basics so far…shampoo, conditioner, razors, yada yada yada…making a list, checking it twice…making note of what I have to buy, which luckily, isn’t too much. I travel a lot for work so I keep a “shower bag” packed at all times. Actually, I don’t travel for this job as much as for the one they just sent me here from, so the sacred bag is in top shape. Fully loaded. Then once the basics are nailed, I focus on the good stuff…the hair product, the makeup…

And this bag holds a TON of stuff…it’s LL Bean’s extra large bag and it’s awesome. Lots of little compartments and holders. It works well.

Can I just once again say how much I hate terrorism? Well, of course we ALL do, but it really has made air travel a hassle. Usually I check suitcases, but the shower bag never leaves my side. I can buy clothes at my destination of my luggage gets lost, but the shower bag? Forget about it. I would prefer to carry all that stuff in one of those “Get Smart” silver briefcases handcuffed to my wrist.

I shudder with fear at the idea of checking this bag. It should be handled gently…lovingly. Not become the ball in some kind of airport baggage handling game. It’s just not right. I know we all have the same issues. I’m just airing mine here. If you’ve read this far then you’re stuck with me and my useless drivel of opinions.

Soooo…I have decided to get one big suitcase to carry the shower bag, the makeup box and maybe some shoes/bags…And yes, I said makeup BOX. I have my makeup in this tackle box-like contraption with removable trays.

I think I’m going to bring it with me. Right now anyway. That could change, but it’s just so darn handy. I normally keep extra makeup in the bottom (Bare Minerals regular-delivery customer here!) but I can empty it out and keep other things in the bottom…straightening iron, etc…

I’ve been checking off my standard packing list, but it’ll be juiced up a bit for the hot weather (I’m totally NUTS for going in August…I am not a big fan of Florida in the summertime. It’s a good thing I love you guys…and you know who you are!! ) Maybe it won’t be so bad going to FL from NC in the summer. I’m still packing extras that may sound, or worse yet – make me LOOK – dorky, like a few washcloths and some gallon sized Ziploc bags. I figure I can put some ice cubes in the bag with the washcloths and as the ice melts the washcloths will be nice and cool when we need them. Dork? You decide? I’ve ordered Body Glide as everyone recommends it although I’m NOT QUITE SURE whether I’ll use it…See? I’m a sucker. Misty Mates and now Body Glide. Where will the madness end?

I’m going to bring hats this trip too…at least for Michael. Ok, and probably a sassy little straw hat for me as well. Who am I kidding? We shopped together and he loved hats on me. Michael is a kiss---…well, you know what I mean…Whereas Maddie will look Tracy in the eye and say “You can’t pull that off”…MY child will lie like Casanova to a rich OLD widow with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel. There’s been a few times where he’ll tell me “You’re having a bad hair day”, but usually he’ll tell me I look nice, I smell nice, that outfit looks beautiful on you, your eyes look pretty today, Mommy…it’s a shame that sweetness will go away when he gets married …he’d make a great husband!

Let’s see…I got lost along the way there…

Oh yeah…I’ve got to finalize my Garden Grocer order and get that out of the way. I ordered all breakfast stuff (bacon, eggs, English Muffins, some snacks, drinks, juice boxes, etc.) The only things I’m bringing with me are my Weight Watchers smoothie mixes, coffee, filters and my fat free creamer.

Well, and my good buddy Jack of course!

So, that’s where I am with packing…I’ve got an idea of what clothes of mine I’ll be bringing, but really can’t pack too much yet. And it’s killing me…It’s unacceptable. Really. So I’ll have to figure out some way to get around this without spending ALL of my vacation money on clothes…same thing goes for bathing suits and shoes…Hmmm…this is going to be tougher than I thought…

Let’s see…did I mention that my MistyMate’s have arrived - but I haven’t yet opened the box. I bought them direct from them at a price of 2/$25.00. Walgreen’s was sold out – in the stores and on line. And I’m not sure how I feel about these things, but we’ll give ‘em a try.

I still need to get another pair of Crocs for the little guy. DH won’t wear ‘em, though he lives in his Crocs flips…and of course, since I’m going to buy one pair, I may as well get one for myself, right?

I have yet to shrink, laminate and “ring” my stuff too…I think I’m ready to laminate. I think all changes have been done…any park changes – or “let’s get on the first bus that shows up” moments – well, those can be a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of thing.

I’ve gone ahead and liberated another dozen or so LGMH’s from Home Depot…effectively emptying their stock. I have some ideas on how to “pretty up” my calling cards and hope to work on those in the next couple of weeks.

Michael has swimming lessons every day at 6pm for the next 2 weeks, which really screws up my evenings, but hey, think of how fast the time will go by!!

Well, I've been working on this update all day and it's time to put this baby to bed...hope it was worth the waiting...sounds like babble to me!!

Oh - and hopefully you'll be able to see the couple of pictures I've put in...as I'm typing this, they're only showing up as "x"'s on my screen...

 

[Lauralee131]

Is this another episode of Short Attention Span Theater??? Where'd ya go? Back on page 2

LL, you are down to a month...SURELY you have things to tell us.

Ask and ye shall receive my friend!!

 

[jcc0621]

Hey LL,

Great update Don't feel bad I haven't started packing yet either....We leave in 20 days (In FDM that's yesterday I think )
I do have a big pile of stuff on the bed in the mddle room, does this count?

For the 22nd, why don't you plan doing EPCOT, DL Mama and I are going to stalk Jo on that day

You have your tix for the P & P Party for the 21st right, maybe will run into each other there.

Janet

 

[Goofyluver]

I hated the zebra domes...go figure!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

So I called and booked Marrakesh for 7pm on that night instead and cancelled Boma. Let it be written. Let it be done. Hmmm….Biergarten would be good too though…ARGH!! See????? This is what happens to me!

Wait... what night is that? S'late and I both have Marrakesh at 7pm on the 29th.

But park choices…now there’s a bit of a gnawing in my head about those…Mainly on the 22nd and the 24th. I’m wondering if I shouldn’t schedule some AK time in there somewhere…especially since we’re not going to the Lodge now for our animal fix.

As I pull out my handy dandy planner...... Let's see... I'll be at AK on the 24th. Just sayin.

Can I just once again say how much I hate terrorism? Well, of course we ALL do, but it really has made air travel a hassle. Usually I check suitcases, but the shower bag never leaves my side. I can buy clothes at my destination of my luggage gets lost, but the shower bag? Forget about it. I would prefer to carry all that stuff in one of those “Get Smart” silver briefcases handcuffed to my wrist. [/COLOR]

I hear ya, sister!

I’ve been checking off my standard packing list, but it’ll be juiced up a bit for the hot weather (I’m totally NUTS for going in August…I am not a big fan of Florida in the summertime. It’s a good thing I love you guys…and you know who you are!! ) Maybe it won’t be so bad going to FL from NC in the summer.

And you know we love your for it, baybee!!

I’m still packing extras that may sound, or worse yet – make me LOOK – dorky, like a few washcloths and some gallon sized Ziploc bags. I figure I can put some ice cubes in the bag with the washcloths and as the ice melts the washcloths will be nice and cool when we need them. Dork? You decide? I’ve ordered Body Glide as everyone recommends it although I’m NOT QUITE SURE whether I’ll use it…See? I’m a sucker. Misty Mates and now Body Glide. Where will the madness end?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Dork unite! I'm doing the EXACT same thing with the wash cloths!! I did find the MistyMates at Walgreens, but didn't buy Body Glide. Yet.

Ok, and probably a sassy little straw hat for me as well. Who am I kidding? We shopped together and he loved hats on me. Michael is a kiss---…well, you know what I mean…Whereas Maddie will look Tracy in the eye and say “You can’t pull that off”…MY child will lie like Casanova to a rich OLD widow with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel. There’s been a few times where he’ll tell me “You’re having a bad hair day”, but usually he’ll tell me I look nice, I smell nice, that outfit looks beautiful on you, your eyes look pretty today, Mommy…it’s a shame that sweetness will go away when he gets married …he’d make a great husband! [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

Boys are sooooo different.

I still need to get another pair of Crocs for the little guy. DH won’t wear ‘em, though he lives in his Crocs flips…and of course, since I’m going to buy one pair, I may as well get one for myself, right? [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

Would that be Fuzzy Disney Shopping?

Well, I've been working on this update all day and it's time to put this baby to bed...hope it was worth the waiting...sounds like babble to me!!

Yeah, well.... it's a good thing we love you! I'm glad I'm not the only one with all these loose ends. I'm like you... I love organized chaos!

Oh - and hopefully you'll be able to see the couple of pictures I've put in...as I'm typing this, they're only showing up as "x"'s on my screen... [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

Pictures???? Of what??? We need pictures!!!

 

[Lauralee131]

Hey LL,

Great update Don't feel bad I haven't started packing yet either....We leave in 20 days (In FDM that's yesterday I think )
I do have a big pile of stuff on the bed in the mddle room, does this count?

For the 22nd, why don't you plan doing EPCOT, DL Mama and I are going to stalk Jo on that day

You have your tix for the P & P Party for the 21st right, maybe will run into each other there.

Janet

Yes, I think that a big pile of stuff definitely counts...I've got quite the pile going myself!

I'm at Epcot on the 22nd - I already planned on being there in the morning but since I've got Marrakesh now I guess we'll be there all day.

Mental packing list note - Remember stalker glasses LY Jo!!!

And yep - we're at P & P on the 21st...FINALLY someone else I "know" is going...

Mental packing list note #2 - Remember pirate hat and stalker eye patch - all the better to see you with my dear

I hated the zebra domes...go figure!

No way! Really? I initially didn't think I was going to like them - just because of the way they look, but it was love at first bite

 

[Lauralee131]

Wait... what night is that? S'late and I both have Marrakesh at 7pm on the 29th.

Oh bummer...it's the night of the 22nd...

As I pull out my handy dandy planner...... Let's see... I'll be at AK on the 24th. Just sayin.

Hmmm....AM or PM? I have to double check, but I think on the 24th I've got dinner at Cape May...so I'll be over by Epcot...Could EASILY be at AK though and go to CMC after AK closes...

I hear ya, sister!

It's ridiculous...I was even considering shipping the stuff down by itself, but I know that UPS would beat the "shower bag" up as bad as the airlines will

And you know we love your for it, baybee!!

You better...I think it's YOUR fault to begin with And I realized that the last time I did WDW in the summer was - GULP - 1982...Epcot was even open yet when we last went during the -days of summer. Am I right on the year?

Dork unite! I'm doing the EXACT same thing with the wash cloths!! I did find the MistyMates at Walgreens, but didn't buy Body Glide. Yet.

Well, I don't know if I'll even use the BG...if I've never used it before on my thunder thighs I may not need it! May come in handy for SOMETHING...who knows...OR it could turn out to be like my Baggalini...I bought it 'cause a whole bunch of people loved it and now it remains in my spare room...mocking me

Hmmm....maybe I'll list THAT on Ebay!

Boys are sooooo different.

You got that right...

Would that be Fuzzy Disney Shopping?

Hmmm...I believe it could be!

Yeah, well.... it's a good thing we love you! I'm glad I'm not the only one with all these loose ends. I'm like you... I love organized chaos!

That's a perfect description - organized chaos...

I am The Mominator...Queen of Chaos and Disarray!!

Pictures???? Of what??? We need pictures!!!

I had pictures of my little makeup tackle box, the giant shower bag...little stuff..nothing major, but when I put in my pictures as normal, they showed up as a little X in a box and then when I posted my report they came up as links in the report. I checked 'em and they worked, but it went directly to my Photobucket account. I'll have to play around with it some more...I can't imagine anyone would want to have to weed through 450 pictures of carp to see a makeup tackle box