Vegan mom takes on Disney..... Dec, 2011 PTR

[veggiemama]

logged on today and saw that I am exactly 7 months away from our departure date!! No time to think and plan till after Saturday.

Thanks for the tips on AK/MK combo day. I think this is what we are going to do, just trying to figure out when to fit in Boma. Maybe I will get lucky and get a flight that arrives earlier in the day on Sat and we can still go to Boma that day. Who knows, flights are still a ways off for booking.

Today, in the midst of all my crazy I started thinking about how to tell the kids. I've discussed before about doing some sort of treasure hunt which I still think I will do but being the 'mean' mom that I am (insert evil laugh!) I think I have come up with a good way of putting my dd off the trail. She is getting suspicious at the moment and I just know that when I do officially tell them she will be very insistent that she 'knew' for a long time, so I think it is time to throw her off the trail!

Next summer, actually for almost the entire month of July, we are going to be traveling to Ottawa Ontario. I have a 1 week conference there in July and so we thought we would make a family trip out of it and stop in a number of places on the way and as we head home again. The kids know that we are going to ON next summer so I can't surprise them with that but I am thinking it just might be time to get some planning books and start them researching what they want to do. I know it is a year away but I have been very clear with them that we are not doing a family holiday this summer because we are going to be gone for such a long time next summer ( I know, I'm bad!! ) Last time we went to WDW the first thing I gave them was a guide book, it was how we told them we were going. Soooo, I'm thinking I need to buy some kids guide books, go to CAA and get some pamphlets and stuff like that and wrap it up for them. Should get my dd especially all excited and very certain that this is the BIG announcement for WDW! I can just imagine her face! Tee hee, I know, so bad of me, but oh my! it would be fun!

 

[Monknmom]

My only debate for the MK/AK combo day is that I want to go to Boma and thought it would be easiest to get there after AK. We are planning on going for lunch at Yak and Yeti and so Boma would be at dinner time. I don't know, maybe I will have to schedule Boma for another time. I was just hoping to not do an extremely long bus ride to get to dinner. My original plan was to go to Boma the first night we get to WDW. But looking at flights, the flight I want to take will get us to WDW at 7pm and then we still have to get to the resort. I have a feeling by the time we get there it will be time to have dinner at Pop and wander around a bit than hit the sack so that we can make RD for MK the next day. Hmmmm, not sure what to do yet.
I really want to eat at Jiko's on my Ak day! Maybe you could try Boma on the day your leaving for lunch?
Glad to know that I will have 7 days on the DDP. That will make things a little easier I hope. The funny thing is that we could spend all our time going to great resturants.... I need to remember that eating all day, every day is NOT what this trip is about! I'm thinking that our TS credits will be used for dinner and CS for lunch and pay oop for breakfast. i hope that won't get too expensive for me, sometimes I pay extra for meals specially made. But the Deluxe plan seems so much more expensive and I don't think we will end up getting our money's worth.
I had originally booked the DxDP and after reading from some one's (Anne I think) advice I looked at what we were planning for breakfast (something from the hotel food court on our way to RD) it was cheaper and when deciding the prices don't forget drinks- for us we are going to buy the mug so that we have a drink every morning and just in case when we come back to rest and sleep! But since booking I have downgraded to the DDP because I didn't see us getting our monies worth on the deluxe! All stars has a menu you can see the prices to help you- I went with the most expensive thing for numbers so I know that I will have a better estimate!

OK, non trip......

It has been an up and down week here again this week. Flooding seems to be under control. Crest has happened, water starting to recede. Our friends are looking at moving home again next weekend.
I'm very happy about this! We have been praying for you guys and I am glad that something is happening for the better!
A substitute teacher at my dd's school was killed this week. Two very stupid teenagers were stoned and driving a car and crossed they highway when they shouldn't have and hit him. It has been a tough week for my dd. He was a favorite teacher for many students.
I am very sorry for this, I hope that your DD feels better and that the kids that are grieving learn not to go down the drugs route of life!
My piano theory exam is next Saturday. I'm nervous but will be so relieved once it is done. I'm ready to think about other things and do other things. I'm tired of studying. It has been a long tough year with a lot of health issues and family crisis. I will happily say goodbye to this school year. Sorry, don't mean to sound down, it just has been a tough week and really a tough year.
GOOD LUCK!
I think I am going to plan a girls day out with my dd once my exam is done. Go for mani/pedi go out for dinner, go to a movie. Just go out and relax together. It has been a long time since we have hung out and I think we both need some pampering.
That sounds fun! I have a date day with Damien once a month and we just do something fun- even roller blading! I hope that you guys get to do this and it's fun!

logged on today and saw that I am exactly 7 months away from our departure date!! No time to think and plan till after Saturday.

Thanks for the tips on AK/MK combo day. I think this is what we are going to do, just trying to figure out when to fit in Boma. Maybe I will get lucky and get a flight that arrives earlier in the day on Sat and we can still go to Boma that day. Who knows, flights are still a ways off for booking.

Today, in the midst of all my crazy I started thinking about how to tell the kids. I've discussed before about doing some sort of treasure hunt which I still think I will do but being the 'mean' mom that I am (insert evil laugh!) I think I have come up with a good way of putting my dd off the trail. She is getting suspicious at the moment and I just know that when I do officially tell them she will be very insistent that she 'knew' for a long time, so I think it is time to throw her off the trail!

Next summer, actually for almost the entire month of July, we are going to be traveling to Ottawa Ontario. I have a 1 week conference there in July and so we thought we would make a family trip out of it and stop in a number of places on the way and as we head home again. The kids know that we are going to ON next summer so I can't surprise them with that but I am thinking it just might be time to get some planning books and start them researching what they want to do. I know it is a year away but I have been very clear with them that we are not doing a family holiday this summer because we are going to be gone for such a long time next summer ( I know, I'm bad!! ) Last time we went to WDW the first thing I gave them was a guide book, it was how we told them we were going. Soooo, I'm thinking I need to buy some kids guide books, go to CAA and get some pamphlets and stuff like that and wrap it up for them. Should get my dd especially all excited and very certain that this is the BIG announcement for WDW! I can just imagine her face! Tee hee, I know, so bad of me, but oh my! it would be fun!

I love that you are going to trick them! It's not evil, but it's good to keep them from sniffing around!

 

[momabaarjo]

Glad to hear happy news about the flooding receeding. I keep seeing things on the news and think of you...say a little prayer for you and your town.

Sorry to hear about the teacher...senseless!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Today, in the midst of all my crazy I started thinking about how to tell the kids. I've discussed before about doing some sort of treasure hunt which I still think I will do but being the 'mean' mom that I am (insert evil laugh!)

I think I have come up with a good way of putting my dd off the trail. She is getting suspicious at the moment and I just know that when I do officially tell them she will be very insistent that she 'knew' for a long time, so I think it is time to throw her off the trail!

Sounds like a great plan! Throw off your super slueth!

 

[veggiemama]

so much too share! And I have no time right now So just a quick note....

Why is it that all the decisions seem to happen within a couple of days? And at a super busy time yet too! I think by the end of today we will have our flights booked! Long story for why we are booking now so i will share that later. BUT I do know when we will arrive.... 6:15 pm. A little later than I wanted but it does mean that we are not getting up at 4 am (that's what we did last time!)

I have to take some photos but I have bought a number of great new things for the trip!

Dh is home after being on a business trip for a week. Sweet guy that he is he bought me a great new music bag which I love!

Flooding by us is receding. Friends are heading back home this weekend If you are following Canadian news you will hear lots of talk about Portage la Prairie and Brandon, these are citites about 1 1/2 to 2 hours away from us. We do have a lot of friends out there and they are the ones that have the flooding issue now. They are breaching the dike this morning and flooding about 150 homes, in hope of saving about 1000. I've seen pictures and Wow, their flooding is pretty scary this time.

And last but certainly not least!

I am writing my music harmony exam this morning! I am leaving in a bout an hour. I'm a bit nervous, of course, but I am actually feeling pretty good about things. I was able to relax this week and I actually have slept pretty well all week long so i am heading into this exam as refreshed and relaxed as possible. It is a 3 hour exam, so I will be done by 12:30 and I always take all 3 hours to do these exams, i'm actually more nervous that I will finish the exam in only 3 hours! The hardest part i think for me, besides writing Bach Chorales ( man I HATE those things!) is to be able to stay focused. It is such an intense brain workout and it's not like I can get up and go to the bathroom, or get a drink of water or even stand up and stretch! My brain will hurt by the time I'm done I'm sure. I think I will have to go do some retail therapy afterwards!

Wish me luck everyone.... Update on the trip and exam coming later

 

[momabaarjo]

Good luck on your exam....I know you will do awesom!

 

[veggiemama]

Good luck on your exam....I know you will do awesom!

thanks Tammie! I'm so happy to be done. This was not an easy course for me and it has been a tough year so being able to strike one more thing off the list is great!

The exam went well. Everything felt manageable and a flew though most of it. The Bach Chorale, the thing I have struggled with for months, still was difficult. I truly have no idea how I did on it. I spent and hour and 15 minutes working on it and still in the end I was scrambling to get it done. It is the BIG question on the exam, worth 30% and I need 70% to pass, so this is the make it or break it question. I think I can say with some confidence that I passed, just don't know how well. I know it did fine on all the other questions, just don't know how that one went. oh Well, it's done now, so there is nothing I can do about it and I am not going stress over this! It will probably be 6 weeks before I get my grade so worrying about it is not going to help. Good thing the next few weeks will fly by. Lots to do!

Update on our trip coming later.... maybe not till Monday since we are going to be out all day tomorrow.

Hope everyones weekend is going well!

 

[MamaPotts]

Laura, I can't believe that I didn't find your Pre-TR until today (yay for the Veg/Vegan dining thread).

You've had so much going on in recent months. What wonderful friends you and your DH are.

I relate on the allergies and "surprise" health issues. Eating vegan has been one way that I've found gives me a bit more control among all the variables that are beyond my control.

Congrats on writing your exam! How long before you get the results? The waiting always seems so tortuous. Hope you soon!

I didn't see your list of ADRs. Was wondering if you considered dinner at 1900 Park Fare pre-MVMCP. It's a fun character dinner (Cinderella, Prince Charming the hilariously funny stepsisters), counts as one TS DP credit, and depending on the night, has the amazing Chef TJ at the helm. Several vegan dining reviewers have sung his praises. And since you're going at Christmas time, if there's one resort you have to visit, it's the Grand Floridian! The tree, the gingerbread house, the decorations!

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[veggiemama]

Laura, I can't believe that I didn't find your Pre-TR until today (yay for the Veg/Vegan dining thread).

You've had so much going on in recent months. What wonderful friends you and your DH are.

I relate on the allergies and "surprise" health issues. Eating vegan has been one way that I've found gives me a bit more control among all the variables that are beyond my control.

Congrats on writing your exam! How long before you get the results? The waiting always seems so tortuous. Hope you soon!

I didn't see your list of ADRs. Was wondering if you considered dinner at 1900 Park Fare pre-MVMCP. It's a fun character dinner (Cinderella, Prince Charming the hilariously funny stepsisters), counts as one TS DP credit, and depending on the night, has the amazing Chef TJ at the helm. Several vegan dining reviewers have sung his praises. And since you're going at Christmas time, if there's one resort you have to visit, it's the Grand Floridian! The tree, the gingerbread house, the decorations!

Looking forward to reading more!

Hi! Love the vegan/veg thread. I have spent some time reading but hadn't posted anything yet. There is some great information there, it makes me even more excited to go! If that's possible!! Last time I used a lot of protein bars and though it worked it certainly did not add to the overall experience!

Yes, there seems to be a lot going on this year for us. And so much of it has not been on the positive side. It is making this trip even more special to me because it is keeping me from stressing over other things... just ADR's and plane tickets!

Sooooo glad my exam is done! I have been vegging out since Sat and it has felt wonderful! A little strange not to be studying but soooo nice and therapeutic to be playing piano again. Unfortunately my results won't come for about 6 weeks. I pretty sure I passed but still, I want to know how I did!

As for Chef TJ. I had considered doing this meal but I don't think I will convince my kids or dh to do 2 Character meals. it is just not there thing. And so when I was looking at ADR's I really wanted to go to CP.... for me! I am a huge Pooh fan and so I would enjoy this meal.

My list of ADR's will be coming in the next few days. Now that I can finally think about other things without all the guilt!

 

[veggiemama]

I haven't posted any pics in a while so here are a few things that I have purchased recently.

I found this shirt for my dd. Thought it was just too cute to pass up I wonder if she will wear it? I think I will be putting this in her surprise box when I tell the kids.

And my really exciting mail! Found this at my post office last week. It got everyone there talking about Disney trips... I love small towns! I had to keep reminding everyone not to say anything to the kids
These are our tickets to the MVMCP! It makes things feel very real!

After my exam on Saturday I needed to do some retail therapy so I headed off to CAA. I was hoping to find my park bag. As soon as I walked in the door there was a huge display of these... so I had to pick one up.

Then I went around the corner and there were a whole stack of suitcases and then, right on the back wall, was the PERFECT bag!

It was even Mickey Red!

Now I had been checking these out online and Bo or Ty was talking about these bags so I really wanted to find one and see for myself if I would like it.

Well, what do you know... it's perfect! It sits comfortably and has a ton of pockets and zippers and I LOVE how big it opens up!

It even has a zippered pocket on the back which I find so great!

It has a spot to hook a water bottle and now I can tote my stuff and be hands free at the park. With so many pockets and zippers it will be really easy to store my epi and inhaler and not feel like it is lost in the bottom of my bag.

I have been very excited to get this bag. It cost a lot less in the store than it would have been for me to order it online and it's RED, Mickey RED, how much better could it get! Everyone I have showed it to loves it

That's all the pictures I have for now. I hope to get at an update for my park days and ADR's this week.

 

[annmarieda]

I love the bag! I too like pouches and zippers... I swear I buy too many bags. The shirt is super cute... the book cool... and the MVMCP tickets.... AWESOME!!!!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Super cute top!!!

It has a spot to hook a water bottle and now I can tote my stuff and be hands free at the park. With so many pockets and zippers it will be really easy to store my epi and inhaler and not feel like it is lost in the bottom of my bag.

That bag is too cute too! I was considering a Baggelini but DH's aunt picked me up a Vera Bradley Hipster at the annual outlet sale back in April. Having an easily accessible place for your epi is going to be really nice too! They aren't exactly the easiest things to store!

When will you know the results of the exam?

 

[momabaarjo]

OMG...I love the bag! I need to find something!!!! I so want to buy my dd some cute shirts, but I am also afraid she will not wear them...I swear having a teenage girl is no fun sometimes!

 

[Monknmom]

I really like that bag! What a great find! And your daughter will like the shirt! How did you do on the test?

 

[veggiemama]

I love the bag! I too like pouches and zippers... I swear I buy too many bags. The shirt is super cute... the book cool... and the MVMCP tickets.... AWESOME!!!!

Super cute top!!!


That bag is too cute too! I was considering a Baggelini but DH's aunt picked me up a Vera Bradley Hipster at the annual outlet sale back in April. Having an easily accessible place for your epi is going to be really nice too! They aren't exactly the easiest things to store!

When will you know the results of the exam?

OMG...I love the bag! I need to find something!!!! I so want to buy my dd some cute shirts, but I am also afraid she will not wear them...I swear having a teenage girl is no fun sometimes!

I really like that bag! What a great find! And your daughter will like the shirt! How did you do on the test?

Thanks everyone. I'm very happy about the bag too! I can't wait to fill it with all my cool WDW stuff.

As for the results of my exam. I probably won't know till the end of June at least. yuck! At least there is a lot of stuff going on in the mean time.

And yes, I agree, teenagers can be tough. So far my teen dd has been really good but she just started her **** and so we are dealing with pms and more moody type behavior. Usually she and I have the same taste in clothes so I think I will be ok with what I bought her. She may not wear it any other time than at WDW but that's ok!

I'm still trying to find clothes for my ds. He is 11 and I have to say it is hard to find good Disney clothes for him. He like WDW but is not the fanatic like I am so it's tough to find good shirts for me. He won't wear cars, toy story or anything like that. He will wear Pirates and star wars. I really would like to get him a Mickey shirt but I haven't found any I like yet. And our Disney store just shut down so now I can only find stuff in the US. Ah shoot, guess I will have to make a trip to the states!

I keep meaning to get at my ADR's but I haven't had a chance to look at things this week yet. It's the long weekend for us the weekend as well so I have no idea if any planning will be happening.

 

[veggiemama]

Oh so sick right now. started out as allergies and now it is one killer of a cold. head hurts, throat hurts, chest hurts, arms hurt, legs hurt, i swear even my fingers and toes hurt right now. Can't sleep, can't eat and can't breathe. YUCK!

Requesting those prayers, good vibes, whatever you do.... I don't want to end up in the hospital again!

 

[annmarieda]

I hope you feel better soon. I know the crud seems to be going around. Praying you stay out of the hospital!!!!

 

[Monknmom]

Oh so sick right now. started out as allergies and now it is one killer of a cold. head hurts, throat hurts, chest hurts, arms hurt, legs hurt, i swear even my fingers and toes hurt right now. Can't sleep, can't eat and can't breathe. YUCK!

Requesting those prayers, good vibes, whatever you do.... I don't want to end up in the hospital again!

Feel better! Here are a couple of..... to help you along as well! I'll keep you in our prayers to not end up in the hospital again! Honestly my husband's family eats a lot of spicy spicy food and drink a concoction of ginger boiled in water with lemon rind chunks then use that water to make tea and squeeze the lemon in. I'm not sure if you'd be okay with this, but I have begun doing it and it helps me too! But feel better!

 

[momabaarjo]

Oh so sick right now. started out as allergies and now it is one killer of a cold. head hurts, throat hurts, chest hurts, arms hurt, legs hurt, i swear even my fingers and toes hurt right now. Can't sleep, can't eat and can't breathe. YUCK!

Requesting those prayers, good vibes, whatever you do.... I don't want to end up in the hospital again!

Sending prayers and good vibes your way!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I would like to invite you to "The World's Shortest PTR"