~~ They're leaving the nest, sew it's time for a trip - or two - or three...~~ D~'s bag ~9/22 ~~

[FantasiaMagic]

Sometimes I like the thought of the SoG busses better... It's just easier to plan... They only leave the resort/parks once per hour - but at least a person can plan when they are leaving and know when a bus is coming - which is helpful, IMO.

That's a very good point. I had no idea they ran to ever park once per hour, that does sound pretty helpful!

Yes - I am getting so excited!!!! I started to get nervous for my flight yesterday - which I always do, especially when I am flying alone. I just tell myself "no one ever goes down to/from Disney"... LOL

My mom always get's nervous on flights as well! I love fling but on my first flight alone 2 summers ago, I was a little nervous.

I Know... The only sad part about "going" is having to come back. Sigh. I hate the Disney blues...

Me too. But the goof thing with your situation is you'll be going back soon after.

Allison, BFF and I are headed to see a college that Allison is interested in. It's 3 hours away - so a lot of driving for us today. Sigh.

Ah yes, college searching, I remember that from last year. Yes, lots of driving has to be done, unfortunately! Does Allison definitely want to go away for school?

Not much else is exciting... 2 weeks from this very moment - I'll be at the airport, checking in for my flight. Woohoo!!!! I started to get nervous about it last night - so I know it's getting close.

Yay for you!!!

 

[Hardheadedwoman]

Thank you! Right now, I'm trying to choose between Darkwing Duck (a childhood favorite of mine LOL), Trixie from Country Bear Jamboree, Vanellope from Wreck-It Ralph, or 80s EPCOT Minnie with the silver rainbow outfit! I'm definitely looking into Sparkle Skirts for each of those outfits! I really need to get going on those because my race isn't too far off. I actually ordered al little hat from Etsy to see if it would work for the Darkwing costume and it's super cute - right now that seems to be the frontrunner.

You definitely don't need to dress up like a Princess for the Princess races! Are you on Pinterest? There are some AMAZING costume ideas there if you search for "rundisney costume" or "Disney race costume." I originally thought doing a Donald costume for my race would be cute since it's the Donald Duck Half Marathon but I wanted to try something a little different.

I love listening to DisUnplugged, Disney Hipsters, Be Our Guest, and the Retro Disney World Podcast during my runs! I do feel that listening to music makes me go a little bit faster, though, but I love listening to people talk about Disney World.

How exciting that you're heading to Disney in only two weeks! I have to wait until January... lol

 

[Sweetly]

Just stopping in. It is my busy time of year for work, so I don't get too much time during the day for the "real important things".

Scary about your run. Always go with your instincts!

I some how missed the family pictures of you and your dad. They were adorable, sorry your visit was cut short due to the meds. YAY!! Your trip is coming up so soon. I am so excited. I cannot wait to find out where you are staying.
The video that Gus did was adorable. They are just too cute together.

Back to work I go.

Have a wonderful day!

 

[3timesmom]

Super cute video!!! Gus is definitely a keeper!!
Yay for the packing being done …you must be super excited!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

I can't believe how close your trip is. I know you will have a blast. Hopefully WDW will survive the 3 of you.

I'm always amazed when I see people running in the rain. I know when you are training you want some runs in the rain because you don't know what type of weather you will have the actual day of the race.

Hahaha... I am sure WDW will survive... It may never be the same again - but it will survive.

I don't mind running in the rain - in the summer - but this time of year, it's very cold - and I really have NO desire to get sick right before our trip... So, I am trying to find balance between playing it safe and still getting my runs in... I am not doing well with that.

So excited that your trip is coming up so quickly!! Have fun on the college visit today!

Thanks!!! I am getting very excited too!

The college visit was interesting.... We had fun and our drive home was... well - nail biting, I guess.

I'm glad your day at Target went by fast. I know you like it that way

You're right it's better to have to watch out for cars than creepy men.

Thanks

Today almost all the snow is gone. There is only a little bit of snow left on the lawns. When looking at the weather forecast it doesn't look like we are going to get any more snow the next week.
The snow is actually late in Tromsø this year. Often the snow comes 14th October. Last year the snow came very early on the 22nd September. The snow doesn't really bother me. The thing that is the problem for me during winter and snow time is when the roads get very icy. Then I have HUGE problems walking outside. The ice is no problem for my car. I get where I want to go with the car even if it's icy.

In my investigation of what I can eat without getting in stomach trouble I'm now trying to find out what's in the pasta I'm eating. I was very surprised when I looked at the table of contents and find out there is only durum wheat in it and nothing else. I then read the nutritional content and find out that there is fat and salt in the pasta. WHAT where is the salt and fat coming from? So I sent an e-mail to the pasta producer and asked if it's really only durum wheat in the pasta. How does it become pasta with nothing else in it. I got an answer today and they say it's only durum wheat and water and that the fat and salt comes from the durum wheat.
White bread is also mostly wheat and water and eating that is no problem. I guess I have to find pasta without durum then. I told my mother this today and she also thinks it's odd that there is nothing else in the pasta. She also said that my sister can't eat regular pasta so she eats pasta made from corn flour. I think I have to try that.

Hmmm.... There are many people out there that get GI distress from eating grains - it's quite common actually. I think it's why many people do so well on the Paleo/Primal diet - because the "healthy whole grains" that are so pushed upon us as the thing we are supposed to base our nutritious lifestyles on, is actually something that was NOT meant for human consumption... But over the course of time, the government and food manufacturers have had to come up with a CHEAP and EASY way to feed billions of people... Enter grains. They have very little nutritional value- any nutritional value they do have comes from additives and chemicals. Nutritional value that you can get naturally from fruits and vegetables - and the quality is better because it's not added in a chemical form. If I were you, and you suspect that you are having a reaction from durum wheat - I would start investigating into that... It may not just be durum wheat - it may be many different grains (including corn - corn IS a grain too - not a vegetable)... The elimination diet is a great resource in this case, and so is doing the Whole30... It's amazing how different people feel after doing one of these, and it makes it easier to find out exactly what each person has an allergy or intolerance to. I hope you are able to figure this out and your body is able to go back to normal soon.

That's a very good point. I had no idea they ran to ever park once per hour, that does sound pretty helpful!

My mom always get's nervous on flights as well! I love fling but on my first flight alone 2 summers ago, I was a little nervous.

Me too. But the goof thing with your situation is you'll be going back soon after.

Ah yes, college searching, I remember that from last year. Yes, lots of driving has to be done, unfortunately! Does Allison definitely want to go away for school?

Yay for you!!!

Yes, the buses do run to each park and they are on a set schedule. The bummer part of it is, if you want to get there before rope drop - you have to ride Disney transportation, because the SoG buses don't start running early enough - even for EMH - which SoG does participate in. (Why iis spell check prompting me to spell "buses" and not buSSes? - I've always spelled it with 2 SS... Have I been spelling this word wrong forever???)

I don't necessarily get nervous on flights - I love flying... I get nervous working up to the flight, but once I get through security at the airport, I am fine... I just hate the whole "pack everything carefully and then unpack it all for security, then hope you get it all back in there" scenario - and all of it has to be done in under 3 minutes. LOL

Well, Allison has no idea what she wants to do.... She has thrown around a few ideas... Some of them, I think, fit her personality and life well, and some of them kind of make me scratch my head and wonder how she is going to do it... Of course, Josh and I are encouraging her to stay close to home and choose a college near us - at least the first year... I want to see her get out of the house and have that college experience - yet, it would make life so much easier later, if she could live at home for a year or two while doing college. We'll see....

Thank you! Right now, I'm trying to choose between Darkwing Duck (a childhood favorite of mine LOL), Trixie from Country Bear Jamboree, Vanellope from Wreck-It Ralph, or 80s EPCOT Minnie with the silver rainbow outfit! I'm definitely looking into Sparkle Skirts for each of those outfits! I really need to get going on those because my race isn't too far off. I actually ordered al little hat from Etsy to see if it would work for the Darkwing costume and it's super cute - right now that seems to be the frontrunner.

You definitely don't need to dress up like a Princess for the Princess races! Are you on Pinterest? There are some AMAZING costume ideas there if you search for "rundisney costume" or "Disney race costume." I originally thought doing a Donald costume for my race would be cute since it's the Donald Duck Half Marathon but I wanted to try something a little different.

I love listening to DisUnplugged, Disney Hipsters, Be Our Guest, and the Retro Disney World Podcast during my runs! I do feel that listening to music makes me go a little bit faster, though, but I love listening to people talk about Disney World.

How exciting that you're heading to Disney in only two weeks! I have to wait until January... lol

Oooh - you have some great ideas going!!! My favorite cartoon growing up was Ducktales... following closely in 2nd place was Rescue Rangers... So it would be FUN to do something along those lines. I love my Sparkle Skirt and I would love many more colors of them. I cannot WAIT to see your Darkwing costume - that is going to be amazing!!!! I sure hope you'll show me when you have it all together - even via PM if you want to keep it a secret... I am so excited for you!!!!

I am a huge pinterest addict! LOL I think I've searched every combo of RunDisney and marathon costume out there a bazillion times over... LOL Which makes me want to do something a little out of the ordinary... but in the same respect - I adore red dots and part of me just wants to do the basic red with white dots/black top/dotted headband and call it good. We'll see... I still have time to figure it out.

I listen to several podcasts while I am running... mostly Mickey Milers & Be Our Guest... Those are my two favorites... I do have a few other running/Disney ones thrown in there, but I like those two the most. I just love listening to podcasts vs. music - music just bores me... Podcasts pass the time and make me feel like I am participating in a conversation... Plus, sometimes i learn new things.

I know - I am pretty excited about it. It will have been 16 months since I have been there. Then I get to go back in January as well - so that will make my winter pass quickly - I hope.

Just stopping in. It is my busy time of year for work, so I don't get too much time during the day for the "real important things".

Scary about your run. Always go with your instincts!

I some how missed the family pictures of you and your dad. They were adorable, sorry your visit was cut short due to the meds. YAY!! Your trip is coming up so soon. I am so excited. I cannot wait to find out where you are staying.
The video that Gus did was adorable. They are just too cute together.

Back to work I go.

Have a wonderful day!

I totally understand!!! Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!

Yes - that was pretty scary... I have no desire to have that happen to me again.

Thanks... It was fun spending time with my dad and other family... It was a bummer that it was cut short, hopefully we will get to do it again soon.

I am super excited to find out where I am staying... Every night I dream of a different resort - each one of them is wonderful.... So I am beyond excited to find out which one it is.

Thanks!!!! Gus is a pretty special kid, and very talented too... I loved the video, as well and so did Allison.

I hope you had a great day - it was good to see you, thanks for stopping by.

Super cute video!!! Gus is definitely a keeper!! :
Yay for the packing being done you must be super excited!!!

Yes - he did a great job on the video for her... Such a thoughtful thing he did!

I know - I cannot believe I am totally packed! I cannot wait to wear some of these outfits and spend time in WDW with Suzi and Mo (and family).

****************************************************************************************************

Yesterday was a bit crazy!

I did work out right away in the morning and it was a great work out! I've had such a busy week that my workouts have been lacking... So it felt good to give it my "all" yesterday.

Allison and I left around 10am, we stopped at BFF's house to pick her up... and then we were headed north.

p/center]

We stopped at Tobie's in Hinkley for caramel rolls... They were definitely good - but not the best I've ever had. Close, but not quite.

It takes 3 hours to get to Duluth from our house, and we had to go a ways beyond that. It was a long drive for sure. But I was sure to snap a few pictures from on top of the hill in Duluth for you all... If you look closely in the distance - you can see the famous "Duluth lift bridge" and of course - Lake Superior. It would have been much more beautiful had we driven through Duluth about 2 weeks ago, when the leaves were still on the trees.

We were able to do Allison's school tour... Personally, I am not certain that this is the right school for her? It just doesn't offer any of the programs that she has been considering and would fit well with her personality. She insists that she just wants to go to this school for her generals, then move on to a different school for her major... But we will see... It is an option, and in the end, it's her decision.

After the tour, we were able to meet up with Gus... We all had coffee... and then we had to get back on the road to head home... Josh had called telling us that snow was accumulating south of us - and roads could be bad. As it was, we would have to do a good portion of the trip home in the dark and with the first snowfall on top of that, it could get dangerous fast.

We stopped at a casino on the way home for dinner... Casino buffets are sometimes good and sometimes bad... Personally - I hate going into casinos at all, because they are the only indoor environment where smoking is allowed in MN - so it's always smokey in there, and I don't like it at all. But BFF wanted a casino buffet - so we stopped. We all left entirely too uncomfortable (I think I was the worst) and we were unsatisfied... The food wasn't very good at all. Oh well - lesson learned.

We started to hit snow about half-way home... Allison was driving. She drove in it for a while and then BFF took over.

Once we hit the Cities - the roads were just wet and the snow mostly turned to rain. A very blurry photo of downtown St. Paul.

We dropped BFF off... And headed for home. We literally walked in the door and went straight to bed. LOL It's a long trip as a turn-around trip. And it depresses me that she may very well end up so far from home for school.

But all in all, it was a good day - we had fun and we got to spend lots of time with BFF.

Today.... I will be working out right away. Somehow I also need to get in a run - but again, it's supposed to rain today... And I have no desire risking being sick for our trip... So I am being cautious about what kind of weather I run in. I wish the rain would just stop for an hour so I can sneak in a quick run.

Then I will be working all day long! I have 2 bags on my agenda this week and I want to finish both of them. I only have one more item on my custom list before I leave on my trip... And I also hope to get another extra one done too before I go. I think I can, if the stars align perfectly.

***********************************************************************************************

More trip stuff....

I have a hair appointment on Tuesday, which I am excited for... I cannot wait to have nice hair again for the trip. I have not decided if I am having my nails done for this trip or not? Since this is supposed to be a "budget trip"... We'll see if I cave or not. I might just decide to do my nails and not my toes? I am a bit undecided. I may even try to do something different?

I hope you all have a fantastic day!!!! Prayers and pixie dust go out to all of you!

D~​

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

Glad you got home safely. I lived in Alaska for 10 years and there were always SO many accidents in the first snowfall of the year. Many people hadn't switched over to the snow tires yet and it was like they forgot how to drive in snow over the summer. LOL I know what you mean about not wanting her to go to school so far away, but it could be worse -- we're in Virginia and our daughter is going to school in Utah!! I'm so glad she's coming home for Thanksgiving -- I miss her so much!

 

[kittylady1972]

But all in all, it was a good day - we had fun and we got to spend lots of time with BFF.

Today.... I will be working out right away. Somehow I also need to get in a run - but again, it's supposed to rain today... And I have no desire risking being sick for our trip... So I am being cautious about what kind of weather I run in. I wish the rain would just stop for an hour so I can sneak in a quick run.

Then I will be working all day long! I have 2 bags on my agenda this week and I want to finish both of them. I only have one more item on my custom list before I leave on my trip... And I also hope to get another extra one done too before I go. I think I can, if the stars align perfectly.
***********************************************************************************************
More trip stuff....
I have a hair appointment on Tuesday, which I am excited for... I cannot wait to have nice hair again for the trip. I have not decided if I am having my nails done for this trip or not? Since this is supposed to be a "budget trip"... We'll see if I cave or not. I might just decide to do my nails and not my toes? I am a bit undecided. I may even try to do something different?​

Finally got around to checking in here again and am all caught up. Wow your trip will be here so quickly! Can't wait to read about and and can't believe how you have been able to not even PEEK a bit at where you will be staying. Should be fun though! Here's hoping Allison chooses a school a bit closer to home as well!

I don't visit the boards here too often when I have NO upcoming trip plans...which is the case right now...but I'll try to check in every so often. Our cruise is done, and the next plans we have will be for Thanksgiving 2016, so I get to book that in about two months.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Yes, the buses do run to each park and they are on a set schedule. The bummer part of it is, if you want to get there before rope drop - you have to ride Disney transportation, because the SoG buses don't start running early enough - even for EMH - which SoG does participate in. (Why iis spell check prompting me to spell "buses" and not buSSes? - I've always spelled it with 2 SS... Have I been spelling this word wrong forever???)

Ah I see what you're saying.
And lol, I never thought about it too much! I guess it is spelled with one "s"

I don't necessarily get nervous on flights - I love flying... I get nervous working up to the flight, but once I get through security at the airport, I am fine... I just hate the whole "pack everything carefully and then unpack it all for security, then hope you get it all back in there" scenario - and all of it has to be done in under 3 minutes. LOL

Gotcha, makes sense, I feel the same! Yes security can be stressful sometimes, especially if the people around you aren't very nice. One time I had a very impatient man behind me in the line, and while I was trying to get all my stuff on the belt, he stormed off in front of me! I guess I was taking too long for him?? People just need to chill sometimes!

Well, Allison has no idea what she wants to do.... She has thrown around a few ideas... Some of them, I think, fit her personality and life well, and some of them kind of make me scratch my head and wonder how she is going to do it... Of course, Josh and I are encouraging her to stay close to home and choose a college near us - at least the first year... I want to see her get out of the house and have that college experience - yet, it would make life so much easier later, if she could live at home for a year or two while doing college. We'll see....

Gotcha, well I bet she will choose whatever she thinks is right for her. And she still has some time to make that decision. I have some friends who are seniors this year as well, and they still aren't 100% sure about what they are going to do. Has V started looking at schools as well?

We stopped at Tobie's in Hinkley for caramel rolls... They were definitely good - but not the best I've ever had. Close, but not quite.

Yum those look really good! You always post great pictures of food

We were able to do Allison's school tour... Personally, I am not certain that this is the right school for her? It just doesn't offer any of the programs that she has been considering and would fit well with her personality. She insists that she just wants to go to this school for her generals, then move on to a different school for her major... But we will see... It is an option, and in the end, it's her decision.

She'll know what the right school is for her when she see's it! The right one will come to her.

After the tour, we were able to meet up with Gus... We all had coffee... and then we had to get back on the road to head home... Josh had called telling us that snow was accumulating south of us - and roads could be bad. As it was, we would have to do a good portion of the trip home in the dark and with the first snowfall on top of that, it could get dangerous fast.

That's nice you all got to see Gus. Oh gosh, sorry you had to deal with that bad weather coming home.

We stopped at a casino on the way home for dinner... Casino buffets are sometimes good and sometimes bad... Personally - I hate going into casinos at all, because they are the only indoor environment where smoking is allowed in MN - so it's always smokey in there, and I don't like it at all. But BFF wanted a casino buffet - so we stopped. We all left entirely too uncomfortable (I think I was the worst) and we were unsatisfied... The food wasn't very good at all. Oh well - lesson learned.

Sorry you didn't like the food...

But all in all, it was a good day - we had fun and we got to spend lots of time with BFF.

That's what's most important! Glad you had a good day overall.

Today.... I will be working out right away. Somehow I also need to get in a run - but again, it's supposed to rain today... And I have no desire risking being sick for our trip... So I am being cautious about what kind of weather I run in. I wish the rain would just stop for an hour so I can sneak in a quick run.

Ugh yeah I hate this weather! It makes you not want to go out at all! And yes it is not worth getting sick right before the trip! You are too close for that to happen!!!

I have a hair appointment on Tuesday, which I am excited for... I cannot wait to have nice hair again for the trip. I have not decided if I am having my nails done for this trip or not? Since this is supposed to be a "budget trip"... We'll see if I cave or not. I might just decide to do my nails and not my toes? I am a bit undecided. I may even try to do something different?

Enjoy your hair appointment! Can't wait to see what it looks like

 

[dreamit]

My son was likely on the highway with you last night--making his way home from UMD-Duluth for Fall break! I am finding myself trying to figure out what college is just north of Duluth. I can only think of ones in Duluth or ones that are much further north.
I am sure Allison will know when she finds the school that is right for her. What an exciting time for her! When my son went away the first year, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't a complicated situation to manage, and I like that he is in a somewhat contained environment as he learns to navigate life without me . (The one "complication" we had last year was a devastating break-up with his hs gf who also attends the same college, but that is a whole other story.) Actually, most of my boys' friends that attended/attend school locally, still live on campus or share an apt. near their campus, so they are able to fully participate in college life. If Allison attends school in-state, you may find that she is home far more than you expected! Kids are always carpooling or taking the Jefferson Lines home on weekends.
Hurray for an under two-week countdown!

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like you had a long day yesterday. The pictures from Duluth looks familiar. If I'm not mistaking we drove the exact same road in early September.

My stomach investigation continues. I know my stomach can handle some kinds of wheats since I can eat white bread with out a problem. I'm writing down everything I eat now and I also write down if the stomach is ok with it or not. So far my stomach is normal this week. I found pasta with cornstarch. I can't with to try that to see if that is ok to eat.

A friend who is also getting a new car from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) is also struggle getting the car she needs. So now I'm waiting to hear what answer she gets from NAV in her case. If she gets the car she wants I don't understand why I can't get the car I want since both the cars aren't on the list NAV says to me I have to choose from. So I'm not done arguing with them just yet.
I'm still waiting on the wheel for my manual wheelchair and that is frustrating. I might just have to contact the firm that sells the wheel in Norway and ask when the documentation NAV needs will get to them.

 

[DisneyTeacher01]

Snow already??!! Wow! It was 80 degrees here today. I'm so excited for your trip!!! Can't wait to follow along on here and FB

 

[dalayney]

Hey there! Haven't been on here in a while so I finally caught up. Wow wee! You have been busy! Good to hear your trip is so close and you found airfare for January.
Our anniversary trip next November has now turned into 1/2 anniversary trip, 1/2 family trip. And I'm so happy. We'll be going with my hubby's parents, sister and her kids and us and both our boys. My 16 yr old absolutely refused to go to Disneyworld again. ( long story ) ... but my husband's grandmother passed away. He seen how hard it was on his grandma who he adores... and we talked about how important family is. So now he's going with!!!!! Woo hoo!
As far as your weight loss journey and plateau troubles. ... first... you inspire me so much. Most of my fitness friends swear on changing up your routine. Have you thought of starting swimming? Some spinning classes or yoga? They say your body gets used to the routine and tapers off. It needs change... the metabolism needs change. Not that you can't still run and heavy lift.... but find something new!
Good luck and I can't wait to hear about your trip!!!!

 

[Hardheadedwoman]

Oh my gosh, school tours! How exciting! Good luck to Allison! And don't worry - my sister and I went to school 3 hours away and we were home all the time.

Loved, loved, loved Rescue Rangers and Ducktales! I had a huge obsession with those shows. LOL I'll definitely send you photos or post them once I have all the components. I was thinking a Sparkle Skirt in white and a Sparkle cape in purple with a purple running shirt and blue tank top under. I wish my husband was running, too, so he could be Launchpad.

I'm doing (or supposed to be doing) 9.5 miles tomorrow and I'm dreading it....which is probably not a good attitude to have at this point!

By the way, I can't believe it's snowing there already!

 

[Hardheadedwoman]

Snow already??!! Wow! It was 80 degrees here today. I'm so excited for your trip!!! Can't wait to follow along on here and FB

80 degrees? I need to move to wherever you are. LOL

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

If it were up to my dad, I would be applying a few colleges he loved, but I wasn't so fond of! It's definitely good to have options, though Allison is taking a different college route than I am, so I can't envision myself going to a school that doesn't offer my major or that I don't love...even if it's just for gen eds. But, hopefully she'll love wherever she ends up!

 

[DMGeurts]

Glad you got home safely. I lived in Alaska for 10 years and there were always SO many accidents in the first snowfall of the year. Many people hadn't switched over to the snow tires yet and it was like they forgot how to drive in snow over the summer. LOL I know what you mean about not wanting her to go to school so far away, but it could be worse -- we're in Virginia and our daughter is going to school in Utah!! I'm so glad she's coming home for Thanksgiving -- I miss her so much!

I know - I always get so nervous on the first snow... I am not even sure I would have called this the "first snow" - it was, but it didn't stay at all. Although - considering the conditions *could* have been bad, many people were driving stupidly, IMO.

You are right - it could be worse.... I can't even imagine how much I am going to miss her, miss both of them.

Finally got around to checking in here again and am all caught up. Wow your trip will be here so quickly! Can't wait to read about and and can't believe how you have been able to not even PEEK a bit at where you will be staying. Should be fun though! Here's hoping Allison chooses a school a bit closer to home as well!

I don't visit the boards here too often when I have NO upcoming trip plans...which is the case right now...but I'll try to check in every so often. Our cruise is done, and the next plans we have will be for Thanksgiving 2016, so I get to book that in about two months.

Thanks for stopping by! I am very excited about this whole tirp - it's hard to believe that I will be there in a couple weeks.

Yup - no peeking... It hasn't been hard at all, I love surprises. I just have to be careful when I am on the WDW website - which is why I don't go on there at all right now.

I totally understand - which is why I continue to do TRs/PTRs - at least that lets a little Disney in my life when there isn't any. I hope you had a great cruise! And yay for another trip on the horizon.

Ah I see what you're saying.
And lol, I never thought about it too much! I guess it is spelled with one "s"

Gotcha, makes sense, I feel the same! Yes security can be stressful sometimes, especially if the people around you aren't very nice. One time I had a very impatient man behind me in the line, and while I was trying to get all my stuff on the belt, he stormed off in front of me! I guess I was taking too long for him?? People just need to chill sometimes!

Gotcha, well I bet she will choose whatever she thinks is right for her. And she still has some time to make that decision. I have some friends who are seniors this year as well, and they still aren't 100% sure about what they are going to do. Has V started looking at schools as well?

Yum those look really good! You always post great pictures of food

She'll know what the right school is for her when she see's it! The right one will come to her.

That's nice you all got to see Gus. Oh gosh, sorry you had to deal with that bad weather coming home.

Sorry you didn't like the food...

That's what's most important! Glad you had a good day overall.

Ugh yeah I hate this weather! It makes you not want to go out at all! And yes it is not worth getting sick right before the trip! You are too close for that to happen!!!

Enjoy your hair appointment! Can't wait to see what it looks like

Hahaha.... Yah - it's amazing how much I learn from spell check... My sincerest apologies to all who read here, for my years of misspelling everything. LOL

Oh I totally understand. But on the flip side of that... I know my DH has issues with crowds - and things like the stress of security and getting through that line really does affect him regarding his ptsd - which is one of the major reasons he rarely travels with us, it's just so stressful on him - and also one of the major reasons he doesn't enjoy WDW. So, if I am ever in a similar situation - I try hard to be understanding, because even though it may appear that the person is just being a jerk - there could also be underlying things going on... ptsd, anxiety, fear- so many things and stresses going on in the airport, not just for veterans but people in general.

I hope she does... It's just so stressful for her. She knows kind of what she wants to do - but she isn't sure. I am sure she will just end up doing her generals and then moving on.

Hahaha... I do love food. As the scale told me last night. Sigh. It wasn't good.

I did go out for a run in the rain yesterday - it was actually pretty nice, once I got moving. LOL

Thanks - my hair will be done the same as it has the last few times - so not much difference. But it definitely needs to be done before I leave. I just can't decide what I should do with my nails? Should I do my standard "Minnie nails" or should I do something different?

My son was likely on the highway with you last night--making his way home from UMD-Duluth for Fall break! I am finding myself trying to figure out what college is just north of Duluth. I can only think of ones in Duluth or ones that are much further north.
I am sure Allison will know when she finds the school that is right for her. What an exciting time for her! When my son went away the first year, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't a complicated situation to manage, and I like that he is in a somewhat contained environment as he learns to navigate life without me . (The one "complication" we had last year was a devastating break-up with his hs gf who also attends the same college, but that is a whole other story.) Actually, most of my boys' friends that attended/attend school locally, still live on campus or share an apt. near their campus, so they are able to fully participate in college life. If Allison attends school in-state, you may find that she is home far more than you expected! Kids are always carpooling or taking the Jefferson Lines home on weekends.
Hurray for an under two-week countdown!

I hope your son had a good trip home... Gus is also on fall break right now.

I hope she does too, it's been hugely stressful on her trying to decide.

I hope your son is doing much better after his break up - that can be such a hard thing to go through. But it sounds like he is adjusting and doing well now.

Yes - I am beyond excited!!! I am going to be so spoiled seeing Suzi and Mo twice in one year - I am going to miss them even more after this trip.

Sounds like you had a long day yesterday. The pictures from Duluth looks familiar. If I'm not mistaking we drove the exact same road in early September.

My stomach investigation continues. I know my stomach can handle some kinds of wheats since I can eat white bread with out a problem. I'm writing down everything I eat now and I also write down if the stomach is ok with it or not. So far my stomach is normal this week. I found pasta with cornstarch. I can't with to try that to see if that is ok to eat.

A friend who is also getting a new car from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) is also struggle getting the car she needs. So now I'm waiting to hear what answer she gets from NAV in her case. If she gets the car she wants I don't understand why I can't get the car I want since both the cars aren't on the list NAV says to me I have to choose from. So I'm not done arguing with them just yet.
I'm still waiting on the wheel for my manual wheelchair and that is frustrating. I might just have to contact the firm that sells the wheel in Norway and ask when the documentation NAV needs will get to them.

I am guessing you took the same road - there is really only one road from the Cities to Duluth. It was probably much nicer there the day you went though.

Yes - definitely writing everything down should help pinpoint what's going on.

Stick to your guns - and hopefully you will be able to get the car you need. And hoping the wheel doesn't take too much longer.

Snow already??!! Wow! It was 80 degrees here today. I'm so excited for your trip!!! Can't wait to follow along on here and FB

Yup... It didn't stay though... but all of the grass/trees are pretty dormant. So, it's not very beautiful around here anymore. Sigh. Ready to escape to the world of magic for sure.

Hey there! Haven't been on here in a while so I finally caught up. Wow wee! You have been busy! Good to hear your trip is so close and you found airfare for January.
Our anniversary trip next November has now turned into 1/2 anniversary trip, 1/2 family trip. And I'm so happy. We'll be going with my hubby's parents, sister and her kids and us and both our boys. My 16 yr old absolutely refused to go to Disneyworld again. ( long story ) ... but my husband's grandmother passed away. He seen how hard it was on his grandma who he adores... and we talked about how important family is. So now he's going with!!!!! Woo hoo!
As far as your weight loss journey and plateau troubles. ... first... you inspire me so much. Most of my fitness friends swear on changing up your routine. Have you thought of starting swimming? Some spinning classes or yoga? They say your body gets used to the routine and tapers off. It needs change... the metabolism needs change. Not that you can't still run and heavy lift.... but find something new!
Good luck and I can't wait to hear about your trip!!!!

Hi Dalayney!!! Yes - I am so excited that our trip is so close - I cannot wait!

I am so glad you are able to go with family - that will make wonderful memories for you all - and I am glad to hear that ds changed his mind.

Yes - I am very, very, very plateaued. It's quite sad... I weighed myself last night, and it wasn't pretty. I don't think my plateau has anything to do with my working out, to be honest... I think the saying of "you can't out run a bad diet" would fit well here. Not that my diet has been horrible by any means - but aside from the last few weeks - my diet wasn't the greatest.... I am just really annoyed and frustrated right now.

Oh my gosh, school tours! How exciting! Good luck to Allison! And don't worry - my sister and I went to school 3 hours away and we were home all the time.

Loved, loved, loved Rescue Rangers and Ducktales! I had a huge obsession with those shows. LOL I'll definitely send you photos or post them once I have all the components. I was thinking a Sparkle Skirt in white and a Sparkle cape in purple with a purple running shirt and blue tank top under. I wish my husband was running, too, so he could be Launchpad.

I'm doing (or supposed to be doing) 9.5 miles tomorrow and I'm dreading it....which is probably not a good attitude to have at this point!

By the way, I can't believe it's snowing there already!

This is good to hear - I hope she comes home often.... I am going to miss both of them something terrible.

I would TOTALLY be Launchpad with you!!!! I love the description of your costume and I cannot wait to see it all come together - it's going to be magnificent!!! Eeeep - I just love it!

You can do it.... I don't blame you for dreading it... I am nervous about doing 6 miles this weekend... Thankfully - I will be doing it on a much more populated trail - IN TOWN. LOL

Yah - it didn't stay, so everything is still brown and dead looking... But it won't be long now and it will be sticking around.

80 degrees? I need to move to wherever you are. LOL

Hehehe... Me too!

If it were up to my dad, I would be applying a few colleges he loved, but I wasn't so fond of! It's definitely good to have options, though Allison is taking a different college route than I am, so I can't envision myself going to a school that doesn't offer my major or that I don't love...even if it's just for gen eds. But, hopefully she'll love wherever she ends up!

Hahaha... Yes - if it were up to Josh, Allison would be applying everywhere else than where she has been. But I firmly believe this is her life and she has the right to choose - within reason. Well, Allison has a plan and I "get" her plan - not that I agree with it... but as long as she is in college and taking classes - she has the right to go where ever she wants to go.... I just wish it was a little closer to home.

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I had a good day yesterday.... I was supposed to heavy lift - but I was half way through my workout when I realized it. So, I will be lifting today.

I also noticed that it wasn't raining too hard after my work out - so I threw on my running clothes right away and did 2.5 miles in the rain... My Garmin died mid-run though... It was a good run, and I feel so much better now that I've done it... I was really dreading that cold rain. I also found out that the jacket I bought for winter running is semi-weatherproof... Which made me very happy.

Then I came home and went directly to work. I did not get nearly as much accomplished as I needed to... I will be working hard today to make up for it.

So, today, it's a heavy lifting day for me....

Then I will be upstairs all day.

The girls are dressing up for Halloween at school today.... V and her boyfriend are doing Mickey/Minnie - but they are doing the more formal version - since V's bf owns a tux. She promised to send me pictures this morning, so I am anxiously awaiting them. But here's her dress this morning before she left for school...

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Trip update again....

For this November trip, I grabbed a few travel sized items from Ulta the other day - which I was very happy about... I've never seen these smaller versions of my hair products before. So, I was very happy to not have to pack my full-sized versions of everything.

Then for the January trip... Allison and I have decided to dress up as Gryffindor students for our U/S day.... She discovered that the skirts we needed from Target were on clearance online - and they price matched them for us.... So, now I have my skirt, sweater and white button down.... I just need to figure out a tie/scarf combo. We are pretty excited about this.

So, I hope you all have an amazing day today!

D~

 

[Terkina]

I hope you have a great day in your sewing room.
V's costume looks great. V and her boyfriends Halloween costumes for school today sounds great.

How great that you found smaller versions of your hair products to take with you on your November trip.
Dressing up as Gryffindor students on your U/S day on your January trip sounds like a lot of fun. I can't wait to see your costumes.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Oh I totally understand. But on the flip side of that... I know my DH has issues with crowds - and things like the stress of security and getting through that line really does affect him regarding his ptsd - which is one of the major reasons he rarely travels with us, it's just so stressful on him - and also one of the major reasons he doesn't enjoy WDW. So, if I am ever in a similar situation - I try hard to be understanding, because even though it may appear that the person is just being a jerk - there could also be underlying things going on... ptsd, anxiety, fear- so many things and stresses going on in the airport, not just for veterans but people in general.

You know, I've never thought of that before! Thanks for opening my eyes a bit, I will remember that if I am ever in that type of situation again.

I hope she does... It's just so stressful for her. She knows kind of what she wants to do - but she isn't sure. I am sure she will just end up doing her generals and then moving on.

It's stressful for plenty of college students. I'm almost done with my first semester in college and I'm still not sure what I want to do yet... It takes time and it's hard for a kid to know exactly what they want to do so soon.

Thanks - my hair will be done the same as it has the last few times - so not much difference. But it definitely needs to be done before I leave. I just can't decide what I should do with my nails? Should I do my standard "Minnie nails" or should I do something different?

Minnie nails are always a good idea! But anything else would work as well

Then for the January trip... Allison and I have decided to dress up as Gryffindor students for our U/S day.... She discovered that the skirts we needed from Target were on clearance online - and they price matched them for us.... So, now I have my skirt, sweater and white button down.... I just need to figure out a tie/scarf combo. We are pretty excited about this.

That is such a good idea! I'll be looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Also, V looks absolutely adorable in her dress!!! I hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

 

[Hardheadedwoman]

V looks absolutely adorable! I'm doing a Minnie costume, too, but I'm loving her dress! My husband actually made me old fashioned Minnie ears with the hat and flower.

Running in the rain - go you! I actually only did 3 miles today because I was exhausted and woke up early. I think I'll do my 9 on Sunday since we get an extra hour of sleep.

I probably missed it if you've mentioned it but do you use any particular training app? I'm loving the Jeff Galloway app I'm currently using but they always include the warm up and cool down walks into my time/pace which slows everything down. I think the previous app I used did the same. I really need to get a Garmin!

 

[DMGeurts]

I hope you have a great day in your sewing room.
V's costume looks great. V and her boyfriends Halloween costumes for school today sounds great.

How great that you found smaller versions of your hair products to take with you on your November trip.
Dressing up as Gryffindor students on your U/S day on your January trip sounds like a lot of fun. I can't wait to see your costumes.

I did have a good day - I was able to get the appliques stitched for both bags, so that makes me happy. Now I just need to assemble them today.

Yes, they were very cute - I will try to get good pictures of them tonight.

I was super happy about that - I was starting to get nervous that my luggage was getting heavy (I have not weighed it yet), so having smaller travel sized items is going to be very helpful.

I am so excited about this - so is Allison! I hope to have a head piece made for myself... Allison and I are trying to decide if we want V to make us scarfs - so we can be the "winter" version, or if we want to go with ties? The ties are expensive at $20 each, and I am not sure I want to spend that much on them? The rest of the stuff we can wear at other times, but the ties probably won't get worn again, so I hate to spend that much on them. Personally - I am leaning towards having V make us scarves. Then they will be special too.

You know, I've never thought of that before! Thanks for opening my eyes a bit, I will remember that if I am ever in that type of situation again.

It's stressful for plenty of college students. I'm almost done with my first semester in college and I'm still not sure what I want to do yet... It takes time and it's hard for a kid to know exactly what they want to do so soon.

Minnie nails are always a good idea! :But anything else would work as well

That is such a good idea! I'll be looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Also, V looks absolutely adorable in her dress!!! I hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

I try to be understanding in that sort of situation - because I know that some people really do have a lot of flying anxiety - myself included sometimes. When we went to WDW in 2008, this is when I discovered that traveling wasn't easy for DH... I can't remember exactly what happened, but we were getting off of the mini-monorail at MCO, and something happened, Josh said/did something that was probably not appropriate (I want to say that he probably yelled really loudly at one of the girls) and the looks of horror & disgust we received from the other passengers was something I will never forget. He had only been home from Iraq (at that point) for 3 years, so the effects of it were just starting to show... The whole situation took me off guard. There were a few other instances on that trip, and more when we went to Europe... I know a LOT of soldiers have issues in WDW and traveling in general - so we just try to avoid it with DH and when we do go on another trip together (because we will one day) - I will know better and try to schedule flights and travel at off times, so it's less crowded and stressful for him. I guess, we can't always be sensitive to everyone's needs and feelings - but I do try to let things roll off my back in most situations at the airport. Thanks for being open minded, I hope I am not coming across as rude or pushy... I just wanted to tell another side of the story.

OK - you don't have to answer this if you don't want to... But did you end up going to college far away from home? If so... are you happy with that decision, or do you wish you were a little closer? Or if you are close to home, do you wish you had gone further?

I keep telling Allison that she doesn't have to decide right away what she wants to do... It's helpful to have some sort of direction - but she can just do her generals and decide later. Allison is my "planner" - so not having a direction has been something that has bothered her for years... She had a plan previously - but the college she had planned to go to closed a few years ago - and it really affected her. Ever since, she hasn't had a plan and it's been hard on her.

Hehehe.... Well, I am thinking either doing my Minnie nails.... Or going a different route with black tips/white dots... Just for something different and fun... Going that route will still match with all of my outfits, yet it will be something new. I haven't decided yet.

Thanks!!! She wore a sweater over it yesterday all day, because it was quite chilly here... The kids are all planning to trick-or-treat tonight. I hope you have a happy Halloween too!

V looks absolutely adorable! I'm doing a Minnie costume, too, but I'm loving her dress! My husband actually made me old fashioned Minnie ears with the hat and flower.

Running in the rain - go you! I actually only did 3 miles today because I was exhausted and woke up early. I think I'll do my 9 on Sunday since we get an extra hour of sleep.

I probably missed it if you've mentioned it but do you use any particular training app? I'm loving the Jeff Galloway app I'm currently using but they always include the warm up and cool down walks into my time/pace which slows everything down. I think the previous app I used did the same. I really need to get a Garmin!

Thanks - I'll be sure to tell her. We ordered it online a few weeks ago... I'd have to get the link from her, because I don't remember where she found it. And then on Thursday night, we hemmed it - taking off about 6", because it really was long, and that length looked a little goofy on her. I would LOVE to see how your Minnie costume turned out - and your hat too... That sounds really AWESOME!!!!! WTG dh!

Oooh - excellent idea! I hope you have a great run! I am doing 6 miles this weekend... I think I am going to do 6.5 next weekend... Then the week I am in WDW, I'll probably scale it back - but I am not sure how much yet? It depends on which resort we are at and what their walking trails look like for distance... I've looked at several possible resorts - and some of them have really good walking trails and others do not, so we will see? I will be running at WDW though.

Gosh - I have it printed out on my fridge, but I cannot remember which one it is? I want to say it's Jeff Galloway's 10k? But I don't do the run/walk method, I just run. But then I edited the 10k, because I had the time to extend it out, and my goal is an 8k on Thanksgiving.... So, I am doing several weeks of the same plan - if that makes any sense?

I love my Garmin.... I purchased it used off of a Dis Runner friend of mine, and I am really glad I did. It was one of my first purchases, at a time when I wasn't sure I was going to stick with running - and I really like it. Mine is a Garmin Forerunner 110 - so it's definitely an older model, but it still works perfectly and it gives me all of the info that I need. So, possibly looking into getting a used one is an option? At least, now I know that it's something I couldn't live without for running, so if it ever fails or stops working on me, it's something I will replace with a newer model. So, I highly recommend some sort of Garmin/pace tracker. As a side note - I love my Fitbit too... My wrists are a little crowded when I run these days. LOL

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Please don't miss Suzi's November trip update in the next post!!!!!

Yesterday was a heavy lifting day for me - I had a great lift and I am feeling it a little bit this morning. Those push ups always seem to do me in. LOL

I had a great day in my sewing room yesterday... I was able to get both appliques stitched out.

Josh left for the lake yesterday, and about 2 hours later, he came home.... He was hauling the lawnmower up there to do the fall clean up, and right around the MOA - someone flagged him down that he lost one of his bags off of it (they are locked in place, so something must have happened to make it come loose).... He turned around and searched the ditches along the interstate (with the trailer and dogs in back) retracing his steps all the way home, with no luck. So, then we unloaded the dogs and took my Edge back up - retracing his steps again... Still no luck. Such a bummer, I guess we'll be buying a new bag (or 3) depending on if we have to buy them as a set or not, for the lawnmower. So much for that trip to the lake...

We went out for dinner last night... Neither of us felt like cooking after our little road trip. And both girls were gone to different events, so it was just us. Dinner was good, and it was nice to get out of the house.

Today, I will be working all morning. I have 2 bags to assemble and finish up. As long as I can get those done today - I can have the rest of the weekend off in my sewing room.

This week is my last custom order before my trip. I am excited to be done for 2 weeks. And I am excited to be done with all of my own trip stuff - it's unusual that I am not working on trip projects up to the last minute. I am also hoping to get 1 more side project done before I go... So again - I will have two items going simultaneously this week. Thankfully - I have 4 full working days in my sewing room this week, vs. the 3 I had this week - so it's do-able.

I am beyond excited to be spending time with Suzi and Mo... As a reminder - Suzi and I met up for a day at WDW in 2013, so I am just excited to be able to spend more time with her and Bradey, and now Mo (and family) at our favorite place. I am so happy that I was able to make it work out.

And, as a fun throwback Halloween photo... Here we are in 2008 at WDW. (if you couldn't guess, we are supposed to be Alvin, Simon and Theodore, and Josh is Dave... but I was cold and had a sweatshirt on the whole night)... Happy Halloween everyone!!! Be safe tonight!

D~