There's no place like "home" for the holidays...*updated 3/18 p. 43 and 44*

[wdwgirl03]

I am so glad you started a PTR!!! I know that after reading all of ours, you got hooked in. I can't wait to hear more about your trip and planning.

I have some pretty good pics of the castle with the lights, but like other posters have said, pics don't do WDW justice. It's just amazing and must be experienced in person.

I laughed when you mentioned that it was dark for EMH, because that was the weirdest thing for us last year. Prior to our last trip, we'd only gone in the summer. Having it get dark so much earlier, in WDW, felt so different. You have to make sure to get all those outdoor shots earlier. But, at Christmas, it sure is beautiful.

Did you order your MVMCP tickets yet? We can't go this year, since it will be over by the time we arrive. But, last year was so cool!

As for a teaching job , I'm still holding onto hope that you will get one, or as you said, at least a long term sub position. Don't forget to look into tutoring, too. Subbing and tutoring my first year out of college helped me IMMENSELY, when I got my position. I know that you and I have chatted on my PTR about teaching, but I had no idea you are Gr. 1-8 and English certified, and I'm an 8th grade English teacher. Too cool. Hang in there!

Hey, thanks for joining in on my PTR!

Yeah, it was so weird going to EMH when it was still dark out but at the same time it almost made it more exciting. I definitely remember riding on the bus and right when we got near the Contemporary you could start to see the castle with the dream lights.

We actually just ordered the party tickets, woo hoo!! If it's anything like the other parties, it's going to be a blast. What did you enjoy most about it?

Thanks. I just got a call yesterday from the sub finder system and already have my first subbing job of the year for next Tuesday...maybe that will be a sign of good things to come. Yep, I'm certified up to 8th grade but I'm really hoping to find a position in the younger grades. I student taught in a second grade classroom and absolutely loved it.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Well, we just bought our tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!!!! We decided to get them for that Thursday (Dec. 18) rather than Friday, which is the last party of the year. I'm so excited!!!!

So here's what the itinerary looks like so far (which isn't much!):

Tuesday, December 16, 2008
-Flight out of Milwaukee to Orlando
-Arrive at BCV...we'll most likely be using the Magical Express again. It's so much easier than getting a rental car!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Magic Kingdom in the morning...it's our tradition to visit the MK on our first morning!

Thursday, December 18, 2008
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!!!!!!

Friday, December 19, 2008
TBD

Saturday, December 20, 2008
TBD

Sunday, December 21, 2008
Return home ...I guess on the bright side, though, is that Christmas will be 4 days away! hehe

I've also been thinking lately about trying pin trading on this trip. I love collecting pins but have never actually traded. Any info on the whole thing? What have your experiences been like? I think it could be really fun (and as I've read, probably as addicting as buying the pins themselves!) and might give it a shot. I've been looking on ebay for pin lots...I saw one that had 13 pins for $28 and free shipping (but unfortunately somebody won it already Oh well!). So tell me your pin trading stories and convince me I need to do this!

 

[lmillercrew]

Sounds like a great itinerary so far. I would love to go down around Christmas time, but as long as I have kids that do winter sports it isn't going to happen. My kids have traded pins a couple of times, but I'm no expert and have no advice on that. I am however going to start buying them and putting them up on a cork board. I saw on another post that the diser is a teacher and she uses them as push pins in her classroom. I thought that was clever!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Sounds like a great itinerary so far. I would love to go down around Christmas time, but as long as I have kids that do winter sports it isn't going to happen. My kids have traded pins a couple of times, but I'm no expert and have no advice on that. I am however going to start buying them and putting them up on a cork board. I saw on another post that the diser is a teacher and she uses them as push pins in her classroom. I thought that was clever!

Thanks! Hopefully some day it'll work out that you can go around Christmas. It really is a great time to visit. That is a cool idea to use the pins as push pins!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hey everyone, just thought I'd give you an update on the teaching situation. A while ago I applied to a couple of teaching positions as an elementary classroom aide. Well, I guess they were filled but then last week I got an email from the district saying that they had an opening for a math aide at one of the elementary schools. I responded to the email saying that I was interested (though I didn't really expect them to call me since I would've thought they'd be looking for someone with a math certification) and then this morning I got a call from the district office saying they would like me to come in for an interview on Friday. The only thing is that it is a part-time position where IF I was offered the job I'd only be working a couple of hours every day in the afternoon. They did say that the candidate selected could also sub in the district. While it would be nice to have a job in one place I don't know if I'd be willing to give up working in the other districts where I substitute (because sadly I think this is going to come down to money). But, I guess I'll just have to ask about it when I go in for the interview. So we will see what all comes out of this!

 

[lmillercrew]

Good luck with that sister. I hate making job decisions. I'm hoping to get a part time sub, non teaching, job in our school district. I submitted the application last week and called today to let them know I was still interested. We'll see. I don't have nearly the dilema that you have though. I hope things go well with you and you get what you want.

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Well congrats on at least getting an interview. After you wow them then the hard part will come when you have to decide what you want to do. Remember to tell them about your vacation when you interview and that way maybe you can still go even if you take the job.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi there,
Your itinery sounds really good so far! I'm sure the MVMCP will be great!
Good luck with the job interview! I know what you mean though, unfortunately it always comes down to money! You need to pay those bills - and those MVMCP tickets!
Di x

 

[wdwgirl03]

Good luck with that sister. I hate making job decisions. I'm hoping to get a part time sub, non teaching, job in our school district. I submitted the application last week and called today to let them know I was still interested. We'll see. I don't have nearly the dilema that you have though. I hope things go well with you and you get what you want.

Thank you. Though the more I think about it the more I think it's really not what I'm looking for and I'd hate to have to give up other subbing opportunities in other districts. AHHH it's so frustrating! But, good luck to you as well.

Well congrats on at least getting an interview. After you wow them then the hard part will come when you have to decide what you want to do. Remember to tell them about your vacation when you interview and that way maybe you can still go even if you take the job.

Thanks. I figure even if I decide not to take the job atleast it'll be good interview experience.

Hi there,
Your itinery sounds really good so far! I'm sure the MVMCP will be great!
Good luck with the job interview! I know what you mean though, unfortunately it always comes down to money! You need to pay those bills - and those MVMCP tickets!
Di x

I can't wait for the party. I was looking at the page on the DIS about all the stuff they have and it all sounds so cool! Thanks on the job interview.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Holiday Decorations
Obviously any trip to Disney World is special but going around Christmas seems to make it extra special. It's so cool to see WDW all decked out for the holidays, from the parks to the resorts. In fact, some of the resorts almost become attractions in themselves because of the elaborate displays they put up. I was going through some old pictures before and came across these from our trip in December 2005/Jan. 2006. After seeing one of the Samantha Brown shows on the Travel Channel we made it a point to go visit a bunch of the resorts to see their decorations and I hope to do the same on this trip. Enjoy!

Outside the Swan and Dolphin...

In the lobby of the Beach Club...

Outside the Yacht Club...

Grand Floridian gingerbread house and tree...

Polynesian...

AK tree...

Inside the American Adventure...

And out...

The Osbourne Lights...

And of course Main Street!

Umm...is it December yet?!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Awww I love all your Christmas pictures! Your getting me all excited for November.

Good luck with the teaching job. I hope you are able to stay in your district!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Awww I love all your Christmas pictures! Your getting me all excited for November.

Good luck with the teaching job. I hope you are able to stay in your district!

Thanks, I'm glad you like them!! When will you be going in November? Are you going to do another TR?

 

[kathleen27]

Great Christmas photos!!!

Someday I'd like to go see the holiday decorations!!!
I guess technically I have, but I was a kid, and there was only MK back then.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Your Christmas photos look lovely. Disney always put so much effort into it all! Our Christmas lights back home always look a bit pathetic compared to them!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great Christmas photos!!!

Someday I'd like to go see the holiday decorations!!!
I guess technically I have, but I was a kid, and there was only MK back then.

Thanks! I hope you get to go back some day and see ALL the decorations...it really is spectacular!

Your Christmas photos look lovely. Disney always put so much effort into it all! Our Christmas lights back home always look a bit pathetic compared to them!

Thank you so much. They sure do put in a lot of effort but it looks amazing. Nothing can compare to Disney around the holidays!

 

[njdisneyfreak]

Hey, thanks for joining in on my PTR!

Yeah, it was so weird going to EMH when it was still dark out but at the same time it almost made it more exciting. I definitely remember riding on the bus and right when we got near the Contemporary you could start to see the castle with the dream lights.

We actually just ordered the party tickets, woo hoo!! If it's anything like the other parties, it's going to be a blast. What did you enjoy most about it?

I'm glad to be here! You'll LOVE the party. It's hard to pick just one thing I enjoyed most, but here are all the things I loved: I loved getting pics with Santa in the MK, snow on Main Street, the Christmas parade, and the general atmosphere of Christmas excitement!!! It's hard to capture in words how amazing it is. You're actually going to be there on the day of our anniversary. Even though we won't arrive at WDW for a few days later, we'll celebrate there.

Thanks. I just got a call yesterday from the sub finder system and already have my first subbing job of the year for next Tuesday...maybe that will be a sign of good things to come. Yep, I'm certified up to 8th grade but I'm really hoping to find a position in the younger grades. I student taught in a second grade classroom and absolutely loved it.

Subbing is great in many ways. You learn how to be a strong teacher, how to take control of the classroom, how to be flexible and you get to try out different ideas. Of course, there are moments I didn't enjoy subbing, like when one kindergartener begins crying over spilling paint on their clothes or having several Michaels, Jennifers, etc. in the classroom at the same time and you have to take them out for recess! Seriously though, I got so much out of my experience.

Sounds like a great itinerary so far. I would love to go down around Christmas time, but as long as I have kids that do winter sports it isn't going to happen. My kids have traded pins a couple of times, but I'm no expert and have no advice on that. I am however going to start buying them and putting them up on a cork board. I saw on another post that the diser is a teacher and she uses them as push pins in her classroom. I thought that was clever!

The cork board idea is great! I wanted to try that in my classroom, but with 8th graders, I didn't want anything to happen to my pins. So, I have a cork board at home with pins in it.

Hey everyone, just thought I'd give you an update on the teaching situation. A while ago I applied to a couple of teaching positions as an elementary classroom aide. Well, I guess they were filled but then last week I got an email from the district saying that they had an opening for a math aide at one of the elementary schools. I responded to the email saying that I was interested (though I didn't really expect them to call me since I would've thought they'd be looking for someone with a math certification) and then this morning I got a call from the district office saying they would like me to come in for an interview on Friday. The only thing is that it is a part-time position where IF I was offered the job I'd only be working a couple of hours every day in the afternoon. They did say that the candidate selected could also sub in the district. While it would be nice to have a job in one place I don't know if I'd be willing to give up working in the other districts where I substitute (because sadly I think this is going to come down to money). But, I guess I'll just have to ask about it when I go in for the interview. So we will see what all comes out of this!

Let us know what you decide. I remember how hard it was to choose what's the best thing to do, while you wait for a full-time position somewhere. I also understand how money can play a large role in your decision. At least you're getting some options dealing with working in education. Things are looking up!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'm glad to be here! You'll LOVE the party. It's hard to pick just one thing I enjoyed most, but here are all the things I loved: I loved getting pics with Santa in the MK, snow on Main Street, the Christmas parade, and the general atmosphere of Christmas excitement!!! It's hard to capture in words how amazing it is. You're actually going to be there on the day of our anniversary. Even though we won't arrive at WDW for a few days later, we'll celebrate there.


Subbing is great in many ways. You learn how to be a strong teacher, how to take control of the classroom, how to be flexible and you get to try out different ideas. Of course, there are moments I didn't enjoy subbing, like when one kindergartener begins crying over spilling paint on their clothes or having several Michaels, Jennifers, etc. in the classroom at the same time and you have to take them out for recess! Seriously though, I got so much out of my experience.


Let us know what you decide. I remember how hard it was to choose what's the best thing to do, while you wait for a full-time position somewhere. I also understand how money can play a large role in your decision. At least you're getting some options dealing with working in education. Things are looking up!

Oooh, meeting Santa, that would be so much fun!! As much as I enjoyed MNSSHP and the Pirate and Princess Party I think the Christmas one is going to be the best! I loooooove Christmas.

I know what you mean about subbing. Even though I only did it for half a year I had so many different experiences. Some were good, some were not so good. I had to laugh at the comment about multiple Jennifers and Michaels...when I was in second grade our class had 4 Sarahs, 3 Marks, and 2 Aarons.

I am supposed to be hearing back from the school either way by the end of the week. As much as I would love to have a job every day and know that it'll be at one place I just don't know. Everyone I've talked to thinks it wouldn't be worth it for several reasons. OHHHHHHHH I hate making big decisions like this!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

OK, so I had my interview yesterday for the math aide position. Overall I think it went pretty well. Unfortunately I couldn't meet the principal...the 2 ladies who conducted the interview said that something just came up in the morning and she couldn't make it. After they asked me the questions they had me do a writing sample answering another question which I thought was different. I have never heard of doing that.

They told me that they are going to recommend the top 1 or 2 candidates to the principal and then those people will meet with the principal. I should be getting a call from them (either way) by the end of this week.

As for if I'm going to take the job (that is, if I am offered the position!), I am still undecided but I am leaning towards not taking it. I've really thought about it and have talked to my parents and then they've talked to other people. Everyone seems to come to the consensus that working for 2 1/2 hours isn't worth it, especially then since I'd have to take my name out of the other districts where I subbed last year. Also, the pay is $14/hour. OK, that's not so bad but I did the math and I'd only be making about $35 for half a day. In one of the districts I subbed in, I got $50 if I only subbed for half a day. Not to mention it is a further drive and when it comes to a full-time job I would rather work in the districts where I've subbed.

Wow, sorry for all that, I'm sure you don't want to read about my job issues!

Anyway, back to the happy news...tomorrow it will be...

100 DAYS UNTIL DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!

 

[njdisneyfreak]

Oooh, meeting Santa, that would be so much fun!! As much as I enjoyed MNSSHP and the Pirate and Princess Party I think the Christmas one is going to be the best! I loooooove Christmas.

I know what you mean about subbing. Even though I only did it for half a year I had so many different experiences. Some were good, some were not so good. I had to laugh at the comment about multiple Jennifers and Michaels...when I was in second grade our class had 4 Sarahs, 3 Marks, and 2 Aarons.

I am supposed to be hearing back from the school either way by the end of the week. As much as I would love to have a job every day and know that it'll be at one place I just don't know. Everyone I've talked to thinks it wouldn't be worth it for several reasons. OHHHHHHHH I hate making big decisions like this!!!

I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

OK, so I had my interview yesterday for the math aide position. Overall I think it went pretty well. Unfortunately I couldn't meet the principal...the 2 ladies who conducted the interview said that something just came up in the morning and she couldn't make it. After they asked me the questions they had me do a writing sample answering another question which I thought was different. I have never heard of doing that.

They told me that they are going to recommend the top 1 or 2 candidates to the principal and then those people will meet with the principal. I should be getting a call from them (either way) by the end of this week.

As for if I'm going to take the job (that is, if I am offered the position!), I am still undecided but I am leaning towards not taking it. I've really thought about it and have talked to my parents and then they've talked to other people. Everyone seems to come to the consensus that working for 2 1/2 hours isn't worth it, especially then since I'd have to take my name out of the other districts where I subbed last year. Also, the pay is $14/hour. OK, that's not so bad but I did the math and I'd only be making about $35 for half a day. In one of the districts I subbed in, I got $50 if I only subbed for half a day. Not to mention it is a further drive and when it comes to a full-time job I would rather work in the districts where I've subbed.

Wow, sorry for all that, I'm sure you don't want to read about my job issues!

Anyway, back to the happy news...tomorrow it will be...

100 DAYS UNTIL DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!

I have to agree, given the amount of pay and amount of experience in the classroom that subbing would seem best. Keep us posted.

Wow! 100 days. We're almost there ourselves in about another week. Just imagine. . .you're less than 48 hours away from double digits!

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

You definitly do not bore us with your job talk. I know you will figure out what is best for you in the end. Meanwhile 100 DAYS!!!
Yay! So what newlans have you guys made??