Very Merry D23 Holidaze Dec 2009 TR - 7 magical park days! updt 7/1

[dawnbu40]

I am so excited you are going to the D23 event! I keep thinking that I really should join because I would love to go to that next year if it's offered again.
Keep up the good work with the exercise!

I finally started my TR the links in my signature

 

[Elevationist]

You have to take a crapload of photos at Magic and Merriment! It sounds amazing, I'm sorry that we'll be missing it!

 

[MyMuse]

I am so excited you are going to the D23 event! I keep thinking that I really should join because I would love to go to that next year if it's offered again.
Keep up the good work with the exercise!

I finally started my TR the links in my signature

You have to take a crapload of photos at Magic and Merriment! It sounds amazing, I'm sorry that we'll be missing it!

I'm not.

I can't even explain how upset I am. I've been waiting for it all day and pratically stalked the D23 page, waiting for the information to be placed up.

It turns out is was not a phone number, but a link (I suspected it would be) and immediately work to it and I've been waitlisted!!

I'm going to head off to lunch and just out my head down.

 

[dawnbu40]

I'm not.

I can't even explain how upset I am. I've been waiting for it all day and pratically stalked the D23 page, waiting for the information to be placed up.

It turns out is was not a phone number, but a link (I suspected it would be) and immediately work to it and I've been waitlisted!!

I'm going to head off to lunch and just out my head down.

O no! That's awful! I'm so sorry! But you still get to be at WDW at the most magical time of year..

 

[MyMuse]

O no! That's awful! I'm so sorry! But you still get to be at WDW at the most magical time of year..

I know, I know!

And I'm extremely happy to go. I just could not help but feel so disappointed.

and to top it off, I got a distressing from call. Remember my possibly terminally ill friend that I visit and make dinners for, Cris? A couple co-workers and I visited her last weekend and I knew, just KNEW, something was up.

Well, her hubby called a little while ago to say she took a turn for the worse and is now life support. Her husband does not think she will survive (though we are all hoping!!!), but called me specifically to ask that she wanted to be buried at DisneyWorld (she is a lifelong fanatic). He knew I was going.

I am just in tears!
I just want to go home and cry my eyes out.

 

[dawnbu40]

I know, I know!

And I'm extremely happy to go. I just could not help but feel so disappointed.

and to top it off, I got a distressing from call. Remember my possibly terminally ill friend that I visit and make dinners for, Cris? A couple co-workers and I visited her last weekend and I knew, just KNEW, something was up.

Well, her hubby called a little while ago to say she took a turn for the worse and is now life support. Her husband does not think she will survive (though we are all hoping!!!), but called me specifically to ask that she wanted to be buried at DisneyWorld (she is a lifelong fanatic). He knew I was going.

I am just in tears!
I just want to go home and cry my eyes out.

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. She'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I got a distressing from call. Remember my possibly terminally ill friend that I visit and make dinners for, Cris? A couple co-workers and I visited her last weekend and I knew, just KNEW, something was up.

Well, her hubby called a little while ago to say she took a turn for the worse and is now life support. Her husband does not think she will survive (though we are all hoping!!!), but called me specifically to ask that she wanted to be buried at DisneyWorld (she is a lifelong fanatic). He knew I was going.

I am just in tears!
I just want to go home and cry my eyes out.

Oh Michelle - I am so sorry to hear about Cris! She, and you, are in my thoughts!

 

[disneyaddicted]

I am so sorry to hear about your friend Cris. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cris and her family.

Also sorry to hear that you have been wait listed. Does that mean there is still a chance you will get to go? I hope it works out for you.

What exactly is D23?

 

[KatGarcia]

I am so sorry to hear about your friend! I'm a text away if you need anything!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

I"m so sorry about your friend Michele! *hugs* You know we're all here if you need to talk.

And that sucks about D23. Hopefully the waitlist works out. Did they tell you how far down on the list you are?

 

[MyMuse]

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. She'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Oh Michelle - I am so sorry to hear about Cris! She, and you, are in my thoughts!

I am so sorry to hear about your friend! I'm a text away if you need anything!

I am so sorry to hear about your friend Cris. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cris and her family.

I"m so sorry about your friend Michele! *hugs* You know we're all here if you need to talk.

Thank you so much!
She is an awesome lady and a lover of all things Disney. Her son got himself into hock to buy into DVC a couple of years ago (he interned at Disney as a pastry chef; she's a VERY proud momma!), just so her spirits can be uplifted and she can continue the good fight.

He actually planned a vaca the same time as me (they are the family on my frontpage staying at Saratoga Springs), so she would ahve something to look forward to. I don't know where those plans are now and I wasn't about to ask.

Her husband is supposed to meet with the doctors today to determine the next step, so I'm doing my best to send out good vibes and not worry about my petty stuff.

Whatever happens, he knows that myself and several co-workers are here to help with anything that is needed. Definitely puts things in persepective.

Also sorry to hear that you have been wait listed. Does that mean there is still a chance you will get to go? I hope it works out for you.

What exactly is D23?

And that sucks about D23. Hopefully the waitlist works out. Did they tell you how far down on the list you are?

D23 is Disney's (resurrected) fan club; check it out here: disney.com/d23. So far, it's ok. But their ticketing leaves ALOT to be desired.

I have no idea if I'll get a (golden?) ticket or not. There's nothing indicating where I am I the process and D23 is not responding to anyone. I was waitlisted at 1:03pm, wit the tickets on sale at 1pm. I'm hoping I'm near-ish the top. It is quite disappointing for D23, I think. At least, respond to what happened; it has been a day now.

But with the news of my friend Cris, I'm just not going to stress out over it; it seems so small in comparison. God knows, what kind of phone call I may get in the near future.

I watched Ratatouille last night, just so I could be closer to Cris.

 

[mandy2012]

Loved reading your report

 

[MyMuse]

Ok, so I know I said I will get over it, but I'm not. I'm reading all these posts of people who got tickets to Magic & Merriment after me, hours even. I can't help to feel very disappointed in not going.

Yes, I'm waitlisted, but I have no idea of the waitlist will open and D23 will not respond to anyone nor address any issues at all. It makes me so sad.

Between the D23 M&M disappointment, the news of my friend Cris and Saturday's awfulness with CJ, I am just exhausted. Mentally, physically, emtionally exhausted.

I had no news from Cris' family. I'm hoping that means good news, in the sense that she made it through. I've been worrying whether to call or not; then worrying about what is happening and whether I can help in some way.

Then comes CJ on Saturday and we visit his mom/grandfather in South Jersey. It was...just...awful. I mean really really awful. CJ just completely lost control and very nearly put myself, my sister and himself in danger. I was a wreck driving home with him in the car for 2 hours home. I was exhausted as, literally my brain was working overtime on how to help CJ & how to understand what he is goign through.

Both his mother and grandfather didn't see what the problem was. It was so that they don't see it nor did they care about what myself & sister are going through to help him.

His mom never asked about his schooling or asked what she can do to help. we asked for her to fill out some papers for the doctor and she did, but wanted to fax them over instead of letting my sister bring them to the doctor today. My sister explained the fax was not open during the weekend and she needed the paperwork so the doctor would be able to see CJ for the appointment. It was like she wanted him not to go.

Neither of them called after we got home nor on Sunday to see if CJ, my sister and myself were ok.

Sunday was a complete wash with everything I had to do. I was asleep for most of Sunday and then taking phone calls for the rest between my sister about CJ and co-workers calling about Cris. I was just completely drained.

I do have the Christmas Carol train tour and the special screening for Princess & the Frog coming up. Though, train tour was supposed to be a surprise trip for CJ. In truth, I'm not sure whether I even want to attend these events.

I will hopefully get the Disney love back soon.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I'm sending you a great big

There is always some silver lining waiting for you - just you wait!

 

[dawnbu40]

I'm so sorry to hear you had such a rough weekend
Things will get better

 

[MyMuse]

I'm sending you a great big

There is always some silver lining waiting for you - just you wait!

I'm so sorry to hear you had such a rough weekend
Things will get better

Thank you very much!

My day did get a bit brighter. I call CJ everyday after school to make sure he got home and is doing his homework, getting his snack, etc. I called today and as soon as he picked up, CJ apologized for his behavior.

He is still not happy, since in the first time in his life, he is suffering for the consequences for his behavior (I don't like the word "punishment"). He is no longer allowed TV for the week and he has to earn back the right to wear a costume to school on Halloween. He also has to earn back my trust, but I'll talk to him about that tomorrow when I go to babysit.

And I went to Starbucks for lunch to have my fav Pumpkin Spice Latte. I ditched my frugalness for today.

All in all, not a bad day, but hopefully, tomorrow will be better. Today began a little shaky and I'm still not feeling that well, but I'm going to skip the gym and get my list done tonight (Sunday's list) and maybe I'll feel better about accomplishing something.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I am glad to hear that CJ appologized to you! Did he do this on his own, or do you think he was prompted by your sister? Either way, he is taking responsibility for his own actions, like you said!

See, that silver lining is out there!

 

[MyMuse]

I am glad to hear that CJ appologized to you! Did he do this on his own, or do you think he was prompted by your sister? Either way, he is taking responsibility for his own actions, like you said!

See, that silver lining is out there!

Mostly he did it on his own, though my sister did text me during the day to ask whether he did or not.

Yes, he is taking responsibilities for his actions. Normally, he is a sweet boy. Over the past few days, I and my sister have been so impressed by his effort. I'm SO proud.

Today he called me so excited that he is now on a basketball team. He signed up today at the local Rec Center and they are aware he is special needs. I'm really really hoping he enjoys it. He wanted to call me right away to make sure I attend his games.

 

[MyMuse]

So, I have been trying to deal with things.

My first thing was to take a deep breath and realize I cannot do everything and I need not to stress about it so much.

I went home on Monday and did yardwork. I got outside, breathed in some fresh air, put my ipod on, and got to work raking leaves for almost 90 minutes and filled 4 bags. It really did do wonders with clearing my head. I danced, I sang, I raked, I bagged, I had a good time.

On my list, was to write out a couple of bills and I found out by surprise that my State Rebate came in! As it turns out, the Governnor re-instated it recently. Though, that money is going to my gutter repair. I got them to come out on Sunday.

I also stopped at my mailbox and received the D23 merchandise that I ordered - the Mad Hatter Charter Member pin and T-shirt. I may return the shirt (obvious reasons), but I do like the pin.

On Tuesday, I went to babysit CJ. He really did try hard and realizes that he will not be able to get away with his behavior (even though it was understandable). He is still suffering the consequences and will be for some time. We talked a little, so we all feel a little less burdened.

On Wednesday, was my Pennsylvania shopping trip with 2 former co-workers (still work in the same company, I am now in a different division). It was a lovely day! I enjoyed seeing my co-workers again.

Here are my tweets: (ala scottinwdw)

5:31am holy buckets! what an ungodly hour to be awake! it's still dark... & a little chilly...

6:34am ummmm...why isn't there light out yet??

6:59am bus is here

8:12am The Sun has risen! Allejuah! Hurrah!.... on my way to PA on a shopping trip.

***Shoping Commences!***

2:25pm pretty happy with my frugal purchases at vanity fair outlets in pennsylvania!!

3:01 pm my latest purchase on shopping trip...

4:55pm pumpkin ice cream my peoples!

I didn't do too bad on my shopping. I got my brother-in-law's Xmas gift (a book & a Harry Potter mini-book thingie), my cell accessories (skin & earbud), 2 pairs of pants for me, a hiking messenger bag (excited about that!! perhaps another park bag??? ), luggage tag, rain poncho (full-length for $1.99!!!), 3 books for me and Mickey Mouse Treasures (pic above). It looked so cute and I can't be mad at Mickey for long.

I also got CJ a sweat suit, sweater and PJ bottoms. He's been longing for a real pair of PJs. I felt he deserved it.

All in all, I spent $115. I don't think that was too overly bad. I also roadtest my Practically Perfect Park Bag. It did really well; very comfortable, good fit, even with a fleece jacket on. YAY!

The two other good things that happened is that I got a call for CJ and had a very productive talk with the Director of the Social Services Board. I am hoping that he actually meant what he said and CJ should be getting into the prgrams he needs. *crosses fingers*

AND.....there was pumpkin ice cream!!!!!!! I don't know if I ever talked about this but I love, love, love, LOVE pumpkin.

It was a very nice way to end a very nice day.

Every once in awhile, I just need to stop, take a deep breathe and not get so overwhelmed by things that I cannot control.

 

[MyMuse]

Loved reading your report

Welcome!



The ride has been intersting so far! Hopefully, it will just get better as the days get smaller.

Lots to do!!!