The only way to have a friend is to be one." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

Ashley- I don't mind little lizards, but big lizards, NO WAY!!! How long was he?

Lyzziesmom- Your teacher sounds like my travel teacher. She would go off topic alot too! It was very annoying. She would go to her office during tests and then everyone would start cheating. She once said she didn't care if we cheated, just as long as she wasn't in the room!!! But then she would say that she could always tell who cheated. Stay in the classroom then! Someone said the bird was a black bird.

Amber- I'm so jealous that you booked LTT!


Thanks everyone! I'm excited but I'm trying to not get my hopes up too much.

 

[lyzziesmom]

Lyzzie got safely off to camp this morning. It was weird dropping her off at the bus and not even seeing the camp & getting her settled in. I got on the bus to take one last picture and called her name so she would look at me -- she hid behind her hand and sunk down in her seat. She was thrilled because both her "old" best friend and her new BFF (who have never met each other) are going to the same camp and they all got along right off the bat and found seats together on the bus. It was very HOT outside even early in the morning, I feel for her being without a/c all week and out in the woods.

I took Emma to Krispy Kreme after we dropped Lyzzie off, it was so yummy.

Ashley, I was thinking the Express Pass might be cheaper than the extra cost of staying on property. I have never stayed onsite at Universal, I just can't bring myself to pay that much for a hotel. I still think $99 is too much, it floors me how much even "cheap" things are these days. I'm going to be like my grandma who says, "I remember when milk was a nickel at the mechanical cow!" (read that in your best old lady voice, it's much funnier. ) Here's an idea: try picturing yourself standing in line at each park. Would you be saying, "Dang, I wish I went to _________ instead?" Whichever one you don't think you'd say that at, that's the right choice! (Apologies for the horrible grammar.)

He would then give them to use to write down (he never did tell us why he wouldn't just make more copies).

I know I learn best when I write something down. I did my homework for this week -- yes I FINALLY got it done! -- on the computer and it just doesn't seem to "sink in" as much as when I physically write things down. (Doesn't stop me from wanting a laptop though.) I make lists and then don't even have to look at them, it's just the act of writing that helps me to remember things. If I was given a photocopied sheet of notes, I would most likely not even look at it or just skim it at most and would remember nothing.

I like your way of making decisions! Now I know where to go when I need help choosing something.

Ashley- I don't mind little lizards, but big lizards, NO WAY!!! How long was he?

I was wondering too, it doesn't look that big from the picture but it's hard to tell. Lizards don't bother me, snakes don't bother me, furry things don't bother me, but anything with more than 4 legs and I am outta there!!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Lyzziesmom, I am sure Lyzzie will have a fantastic time (after she gets over the embarrassment of having you dare to get on the bus and say her name ).

I learn best if I repeat it. I use to give "lectures" to my youngest brother so I could study (he was an infant and couldn't tell me to shut up).

I am much better at make decisions for other people than myself.


My mom called and told me my grandmother is now scheduled for surgery. They found that she has arthritis on her spine and that is causing some if her issues. So, hopefully, the surgery goes well and she makes a great recovery.

 

[hellokitty86]

Ashley, I was thinking the Express Pass might be cheaper than the extra cost of staying on property.

I went on Universal's website and it said it was much much expensive than I thought- then I realized I was looking at the wrong thing! It still would be slighty more if I'm doing calculations right for either option! I will have to get my accountant husband to do the math for me when he gets home! Apparently now there are 2 different types of express passes- (which is why I was getting confused) one where you pay and it lets you skip the lines once per ride, and one thats unlimited 'skipping'.

I was wondering too, it doesn't look that big from the picture but it's hard to tell. Lizards don't bother me, snakes don't bother me, furry things don't bother me, but anything with more than 4 legs and I am outta there!!

That isn't my pic, just one I found online. I tried to take a picture but then it went behind the planks of the fence where I couldn't see it (remind me never to stuck my hand in there. )

I'm horrible with dimensions but I want to say it was about 7 or 8 inches (with tail). What struck me about it was it had the same slender head as the little lizards that are always around, (not the same type of head as an iguana) but it was much longer and fatter looking and a different color!!Next time I see it I will try to get a better picture!

We also have a possum outside that comes in our yard at night, it is pretty big and I think I would probably have a heart attack if it came into my house!!! scared1: )

 

[hellokitty86]

My mom called and told me my grandmother is now scheduled for surgery. They found that she has arthritis on her spine and that is causing some if her issues. So, hopefully, the surgery goes well and she makes a great recovery.

I'm so glad they've found out what is causing some of your Grandma's issues and they are trying to help her! Hopefully this surgery helps the problem and she will be feeling better soon.

Glad you got an ADR for your birthday! I've always wanted to try LTT too. Now I actually can since it's not a character meal anymore.

I love the online system too! You can actually confirm other ADRs that you haven't made online too. I put in my other confirmation #'s and they came right up (except for one- and for some reason the lady was acting dumb when she was making it over the phone but I was able to get the same restaurant at another time online that same day so I'm not worrying about it!) You can also cancel them online- which is REALLY cool- I canceled my 8:55pm 'Ohana ADR since I have the one I want now!

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

Amber, Good luck to your grandma! I hope the surgery fixes everything.

I had a automated phone interview with JetBlue today. I think I did okay on it other than one question. It said that I needed to have open availablility because I might be working different shifts. I said that I have open availability now, but that once school starts I have one class to take. I thought for a moment about not mentioning school, but figured I needed to be honest upfront. I really hope that didn't ruin my chances.

ETA- If I were to get the job, guess where I would have to go for training- Orlando!!!!!

 

[lyzziesmom]

Nicole, that open availability thing sounds like the "interview" I just went on. I hope JetBlue is better about it than that place I went to, they were horrible. Training in Orlando would be amazing -- hmmm I wonder where you'd be spending your free time?

Amber, I hope the surgery helps your grandma. I can sympathize, my back issues are due to arthritis also but because of the location, surgery isn't really an option.

Ashley, I was just reading comments on FB and I'm thinking Universal sounds good. An 8 on touring plans is insanely busy!!

Ok I think that lizard was a green anole. The little ones that run around are brown anoles (regardless of their actual color, those are their names). They are very similar, but the greens can get bigger and more "waxy" looking -- and usually.... bright green! Usually you don't see too many of the bigger ones, because they are not too smart about outrunning things like cats. They sell anoles in pet shops here, never fails to crack me up. The little ones (browns) sell for about $7-8 each, and the bigger ones (greens) are about $12-15. I've also seen the geckos that live in FL (the clear-ish lizards with suction-cuppy toes) for sale at pet stores here.

Green anole:

Brown anole:

House gecko:

(not my personal photos)


Yeah... I'm kinda bored this morning.

 

[hellokitty86]

Lyzziesmom, I think you are right about the lizard! I think it was a green anole. I just haven't seen one that big. Lizards don't usually last long in our backyard/porch area because Lily always hunts them!

I think we've decided to go to Universal. After reading about the insane crowds, I think it would be alittle too much for me! So getting the FOTL access seems the smart way to go for the holiday weekend! Now hopefully the room (and same rate) will be available when we go to book on Friday!

 

[lyzziesmom]

I think you all have seen my short version of Today's Critter Story on facebook but here's the whole story. Be warned: it contains scary photos.

So I was getting ready to go to the dentist and Emma was being a rotten kidder the entire time we were getting ready to go -- things like I asked her to go get her hairbrush and she came back with random items, saying, "I didn't bring the hairbrush, but I brought this pencil!" So I was halfway through putting my makeup on (this will be important later) when Emma comes in and says, "Uhhh, Mommy? I think Jonas has a real snake." Thinking she was still kidding around, I said, "Oh? Why do you think so?" "Because it didn't feel like a toy and I saw it stick out its tongue."

I ran out of the bathroom and found THIS in the middle of my house:

GAH! Emma laughed her fool head off at me while I ran around for a few moments yelling things like, "Snake!" and "Holy crap, sorry Emma I meant holy poop, there's a SNAKE! In my HOUSE! Good boy Jonas. Don't touch it! Snake!!" I finally got my wits about me, realized it wasn't that big and wasn't moving very much, and just went for it.

(This is the part where it's important that I was only halfway through putting my makeup on. That's why I have Crazyface. That, and I'm holding a snake.)

Emma took that pic. She took another, better one but the file got corrupted and it's gone. I already know my computer hates me, and apparently it's been talking to my camera. Back to the snake pics...

I guess that's it for the exciting part. We figured out it wasn't a biting snake (mostly because it didn't try to bite us) and let it go in the yard. But not before checking it out a little more.

The end of its tail was injured and a small amount of snake blood got on Emma. I guess she doesn't quite get the concept of poisonous snakes, because she started running around screaming, "It hurts! It burns! The blood is poisoning me!!" until I explained that they keep their poison in their teeth. Then she just said, "Oh."



Now that the critter story is out of the way -- how about a few cute snake-free pics from the pool today?

 

[hellokitty86]

Love this pic!!! I can't believe how big she has gotten!! And she is such a brave girl!! I could never hold that snake!(You were pretty brave too!)

And Jonas is getting pretty chubby huh!!

Thanks for giving us a detailed story Lyzziesmom. I'm glad the snake was nice and not a biting snake. (I must be very tired or hungry because I keep typing 'snack' ) BTW- I LOVE your Mickey knocker on the front door!!!! Where did you get it?

 

[lyzziesmom]

Yeah JoJo is a BIG boy - he's not even a year old and he is almost 12 pounds! He's not really fat though. I'm pretty sure most of it is fur, and he's probably lost about a pound of fur in the last couple weeks. I'm telling you, it's furballs everywhere. I bought a FurBuster today and he hates it but I removed enough fur to make a new cat and he looks nice & sleek.

That's my favorite pic of Emma too. The look on her face just cracks me up. I have pics of Lyzzie heading off to camp too, but don't want to post them because either her friends are in the pics or my license plate is clearly visible. Emma is LOVING being an "only child" this week.

I got the Mickey door knocker a couple years ago on disneyshopping.com! I love it too -- I have the matching doorbell. I really wanted the matching mailbox that attaches to the house, but it wouldn't have fit on the slot we already have. Plus I really like that our slot goes into a box in the garage so I don't have to actually go outside to get the mail, just into the garage. It is SO nice in the middle of winter!

I am cracking up at snake/snack! I have seen some places that have rattlesnake on the menu -- usually touristy places in FL. Those same places usually also serve alligator. You know the locals would never eat that crap! When my parents went to Australia, they went to one place that served kangaroo! And they ORDERED it!! I was totally grossed out.

 

[hellokitty86]

I'm telling you, it's furballs everywhere. I bought a FurBuster today and he hates it but I removed enough fur to make a new cat and he looks nice & sleek.

FurBuster?? Do tell! Buddy loses SO MUCH hair!! I didn't know the extent until we moved into a house with tile. I brush him but it doesn't help much.

I am cracking up at snake/snack! I have seen some places that have rattlesnake on the menu -- usually touristy places in FL. Those same places usually also serve alligator. You know the locals would never eat that crap! When my parents went to Australia, they went to one place that served kangaroo! And they ORDERED it!! I was totally grossed out.

I've seen alligator on menus several times, but never snake! Yuck. Kangaroo? When in Rome I guess! But I would say no thank you!

I'm off to search for the Mickey door knocker on Ebay....

 

[hellokitty86]

I found this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Mickey-Door-Knocker_W0QQitemZ260317061432QQcmdZViewItem but it isn't as cute as Lyzziesmom's!!


ETA: I want this too!! http://www.gardecor.com/prod-wh-mickey-mouse-round-welcome-plaque

 

[lyzziesmom]

ETA: I want this too!! http://www.gardecor.com/prod-wh-mickey-mouse-round-welcome-plaque

They spelled it wrong.

 

[hellokitty86]

They spelled it wrong.

I noticed that too!

 

[lyzziesmom]

Ashley, here is the FurBuster. http://www.bamboopet.com/all_products/detail.php?ID=202815062&nID=3z1 I got mine at WalMart for $13 -- I didn't know it came in different pretty colors! It's basically a brush but it has a blade about 1/4" below the tips of the comb so it thins out the fur and helps dislodge the ones that have shed, but are trapped between the other hairs. Jonas was not a big fan, but he doesn't really like sitting still for regular brushing either. It didn't seem to hurt him, he was just wiggly. One tip: do it outside!

 

[hellokitty86]

Ashley, here is the FurBuster. http://www.bamboopet.com/all_products/detail.php?ID=202815062&nID=3z1 I got mine at WalMart for $13 -- I didn't know it came in different pretty colors![/I]

Thanks!! I will have to look at WalMart.

Is it wrong that I want this entire set up (especially the bed frame?) Something tells me Jeremiah wouldn't go for it....
http://www.disneystore.com/bedroom-m-mouse-comforter-cover-broomstick-brown/pdo/1234626/13843/

 

[lyzziesmom]

Ohhhh, I heart that headboard!!

Now I remember why I don't go to that site anymore.

 

[hellokitty86]

Ohhhh, I heart that headboard!!

Now I remember why I don't go to that site anymore.

I know!! I keep sending Jeremiah links of stuff I want!

 

[lyzziesmom]

I just noticed the time -- yikes! I've been jumping at every little noise in the house. With the 3 cats there are a lot of noises, plus Emma is a very noisy sleeper (snoring, sleep talking/crying/yelling) so I keep having to jump up to investigate. Luckily the computer is pretty much smack-dab in the middle of the house so I don't have to go far. Gonna try to go to sleep now... thank goodness we have no plans for tomorrow. It's laundry day, and maybe back to the pool.