WDW/DCL Western Caribbean Honeymoon Extravaganza!! DONE!!! - PG 51!!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Hey guys! Just wanted to drop in to say we're still here!! I used to update every day and I haven't updated in so long!! I apologize, but we have just been so preoccupied.

So, as you know, we had to put Jack to sleep on Tuesday night and I guess all this emotional trauma had me so physically drained, that I woke up Thursday morning at 8:30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM A TEACHER!! School STARTS at 8:30. SO it's not even like I woke up at 8:00 and could have made it. I already MISSED it. The WORST feeling in the world.

I was a frantic mess! I ran out of the house in about 30 seconds. I threw a shirt on OVER the shirt I wore to bed, somehow found a pair of pants and flip flops and RAN. I didn't stop to brush my hair, brush my teeth or even pee!!

I called the school on the way and got the secretary, and I was a hysterical mess! She told me to pull over and calm down, they had a sub in my room (that was there for the Spanish teacher) but I was still so scared. I am a BIG stickler for the rules and I thought I was going to "be in trouble!"

When I walked in, I went right to the office and my boss (the principal) was there and I started crying again as soon as I saw him. "Jeff, I'm so sorry! I've had such a bad couple of days, wah wah!" He hugged me and told me that it was okay. He told me to take 15 mins and calm down. I think he was probably shocked to see me in such a state! Thank god he's really understanding about personal stuff. If it was my last boss, personal stuff didn't matter and I probably WOULD have been in trouble.


Any other job, you're late and it's no big deal, or you can just call out sick...I had children WAITING for me! Ugh, what a BAD day!

So after the worst week I've had in a loooong time, it was nice to relax this weekend, even though being him is a constant reminder that Jack isn't with us anymore. We miss him so much. He was literally with us when we woke up and with us when we went to sleep. I know it's ridiculous, but I keep thinking, "There's no WAY Jack would have let me oversleep!" because he was meowing in our faces in the morning until he was sure we were up. Then he went back to sleep.

Anyway, now I'm rambling....

I promise to update the rest of the last day shortly! And then I need to get started on my NEXT TR because I am going to WDW in 12 days!!!!!!

 

[PopArtGal]

AWe!

I so understand!

I would be a mess too.

It's so good that your boss is so understanding

Though I think I would take a day off, rest and plan the semester to be sure everything's in order so you don't have another stressful day

 

[cdotla]

Ohhh Nikki!!! I feel so bad for you! So sorry about Jack!

And how horrible to have overslept and missed the start of school! As I was reading it I was right there with you feeling your panick and pain! Ugh! That must have been such an awful feeling!!! It sounds like you have an awesome boss though. I am sure he could tell how awful you felt!

I hope you took a nice, long "personal" weekend to relax, regroup and take care of you! I think this nice upcoming trip to WDW (where it's back to the vacation style you know and love) will be exactly what you need!

 

[mamaboogie]

Nikki!
What a terrible week! I totally understand your panic! People are quick to say how many holidays teachers have - but they don't understand the limitations it puts on our lives! We can't just have holidays when we want, we can't go in late, we feel bad if we have time off sick! You are always so aware of those children in the classroom waiting for you!

I'm glad your principal was understanding about the stress you were under. And I'm glad you had a relaxing weekend - it sounds like just what you need.

Take care,
Shari xx

 

[Stefy]

Aww Nikki It will get better, I promise

I am glad your boss was so understanding and you had a relaxing weekend.

You take your time ok, we're all still here for you

 

[swankybeth]

Nikki & Tom, so sorry to hear about Jack.

 

[BippityBoo]

Awww! How nice is that...what a great boss. I am sorry to hear you had a bad week. I am also really surprised that you are going to WDW in 12 days?? So sorry, I must have missed that!! How exciting..I was getting upset that you were almost done with your TR. How long will you be there and what are you going for? Hope you are starting a better week

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

AWe!

I so understand!

I would be a mess too.

It's so good that your boss is so understanding

Though I think I would take a day off, rest and plan the semester to be sure everything's in order so you don't have another stressful day

Ohhh Nikki!!! I feel so bad for you! So sorry about Jack!

And how horrible to have overslept and missed the start of school! As I was reading it I was right there with you feeling your panick and pain! Ugh! That must have been such an awful feeling!!! It sounds like you have an awesome boss though. I am sure he could tell how awful you felt!

I hope you took a nice, long "personal" weekend to relax, regroup and take care of you! I think this nice upcoming trip to WDW (where it's back to the vacation style you know and love) will be exactly what you need!

Nikki!
What a terrible week! I totally understand your panic! People are quick to say how many holidays teachers have - but they don't understand the limitations it puts on our lives! We can't just have holidays when we want, we can't go in late, we feel bad if we have time off sick! You are always so aware of those children in the classroom waiting for you!

I'm glad your principal was understanding about the stress you were under. And I'm glad you had a relaxing weekend - it sounds like just what you need.

Take care,
Shari xx

Aww Nikki It will get better, I promise

I am glad your boss was so understanding and you had a relaxing weekend.

You take your time ok, we're all still here for you

Nikki & Tom, so sorry to hear about Jack.

Thanks everyone!! You guys are the best!!

I really think my principal is worried about me! He came up to me after school again today to ask me if I was doing ok! Oh man, I was a mess!

Yes, leaving next Friday, coming back on Monday! My very FIRST MNSSHP and Food and Wine!! I am so excited!! Short trips are the best!

I just got a note from a parent this morning that Katelyn will be missing school next week because they are going to Disney. I told them that I will see them there!!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Oh my, I have to tell you that I have been hugging my 'Norm'y close at night and he's really irritated with me! He's my 15 year old orange fat tabby (he's been 17 pounds since he grew out of his kitten stage!). He is a grandpa set in his ways and he meows to wake me up every morning! He KNOWs when it is the weekend and to leave me alone but if it is a weekday, he meows if I don't get up with my alarm on the first buzz. So I've been reading your posts and thinking about my old stubborn cat and holding him close. He hates it but I can't help it.

That's so nice of your boss to understand and we all do too!

 

[PopArtGal]

So lucky.

And you are allowed to miss a friday and a monday?

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Oh my, I have to tell you that I have been hugging my 'Norm'y close at night and he's really irritated with me! He's my 15 year old orange fat tabby (he's been 17 pounds since he grew out of his kitten stage!). He is a grandpa set in his ways and he meows to wake me up every morning! He KNOWs when it is the weekend and to leave me alone but if it is a weekday, he meows if I don't get up with my alarm on the first buzz. So I've been reading your posts and thinking about my old stubborn cat and holding him close. He hates it but I can't help it.

That's so nice of your boss to understand and we all do too!

Oh I'm so glad!! All those times I got mad at Jack for waking me up so early or knocking things over until I fed him...I would give anything to have him back, pissing me off! Hug your little fatty TIGHT!

So lucky.

And you are allowed to miss a friday and a monday?

Well, I am taking personal days. I actually just put in for them today and am waiting for them to get approved!!!

 

[PopArtGal]

Oh I'm so glad!! All those times I got mad at Jack for waking me up so early or knocking things over until I fed him...I would give anything to have him back, pissing me off! Hug your little fatty TIGHT!



Well, I am taking personal days. I actually just put in for them today and am waiting for them to get approved!!!

ohhh ok

They would not let this count for "sick days" or anything. I'd get cut for these hours.

More power to you if you can do it. Lucky girl! Take lotsa pics!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Have a great trip! I can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[Stefy]

Yes have a great trip, just the medicine you both need Can't wait to hear all about it

 

[mamaboogie]

Yes, I miss my daily dose of Tom and Nikki Disney shenanigans!

Can't wait to hear all about it!

Remember: 'I lived my life in shadow, never the sun on my face.....'

(We've been far too long since any Buffy mentions!)x

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

ohhh ok

They would not let this count for "sick days" or anything. I'd get cut for these hours.

More power to you if you can do it. Lucky girl! Take lotsa pics!

Have a great trip! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Yes have a great trip, just the medicine you both need Can't wait to hear all about it

Yes, I miss my daily dose of Tom and Nikki Disney shenanigans!

Can't wait to hear all about it!

Remember: 'I lived my life in shadow, never the sun on my face.....'

(We've been far too long since any Buffy mentions!)x

I got my personal days approved today!! Wooo Hooo!! So now it's realy official! We definitely need this mini-vaca!


Buffy: That is my least fav song. I am NOT a Tara fan!

"Well you see, you and me wouldn't be very regal. What I mean, I'm 15, so this queen thing's illegal!"


Okay, I'm ready to finish the TR!!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 14 ~ August 1, 2009
Epcot!!!​

Okay, where did I leave off? Rode Soarin', obsessed over locking the car door, had nachos and 'ritas while encountering obnoxious drunks and took a pic with Snow White....off we go!!

So as we were walking clockwise around WS, we were congratulated repeatedly and were actually stopped by a CM at the African Outpost. Turns out, this CM was from NJ, so we struck up a convo. Oh man, it was just such a great feeling to be talking to CMs that care, speak English very clearly and were interesting to talk to!

I have to tell you, for some reason we did NOT take a lot of pics this day! I think we were just enjoying being there! But here are some we took along the way.

Here's one we took that time around...

The second time around WS, we stopped in Germany for a pretzel and beer! Somerfest was crowded! There was a long line so Tom stood on the line while I stalked the tables until someone got up! It's like a game! And I love games...especially when I win. And I WON that game! We got a good seat outside but in the shade.

We stopped in Japan to find Teppan Edo, where we will be eating on our upcoming trip but I still have no idea where the restaurant is!!

(The sunlight and the shade on these statues made it impossible to get a good pic.)

Our next stop was England for some "chips." Soooo delicious! We walked in the back where the Beatles cover band plays and sat down on a bench to enjoy our snack and beer. Again, we struck up a conversation with a lovely couple. It started from them congratulating us on our wedding and of course, we went on and on about how much we LOVE disney world! They told us they were staying at the Bay Lake Towers, which at that point, wasn't even opened yet....hmm, curious...

We mentioned that we were on the cruise and our tablemate was upset that she missed the CM preview that was going on last week so the man said with a smile...."Think about what you said!" Ahhhh, you guys are CMS!!! Awesome! Turns out husband works for the Disney Institute and the wife works for DCL! We must have talked to them for 30 mins! It was just so nice to hear from people who are basically living our dream. They love Disney so much that not only do they work for the company, but visit the parks on their days off! They were also very interested in hearing our opinion on the cruise so they can bring that information back to the powers at be and were also very encouraging about getting into the disney company!

Sooooo, as we're chatting up this couple, another few people have a seat near us and when I tell the couple that we're from Garwood, this guy sitting on the curb looks up and says, "Oh Garwood, What's that rock club in Garwood?"

Now, I kid you not, Garwood is LESS THAN one square mile. The "rock club" he was refering to is literally on the corner of my street. It's not so much a rock club but bands do play there....and how did he know about this? HE was a member of the U2 cover band, 2U, who happened to be performing at the American Garden Theatre later that night!!!!! How funny?!

By that time the band was about to come on and we had more snacks to eat! We were running out of time and we needed one more trip around WS!

The third time around WS, we stopped in Mexico to ride the Grand Fiesta Tour one more time. Before we did, we just sat inside Mexico. Just sat, probably for 20 mins! As we sat, a family came over to the fountain, mom, dad, son (probably 4) and baby in mom's arms. So dad, LIFTS little boy, sits him on the side of the fountain and has him put his feet in. This starts a trend and all of a sudden, there are a few random people with their feet in the fountain. It was kind of gross and I wished they weren't doing that!

So after dad plops son on fountain, he leaves mom and baby to go to something and all of a sudden....SPLASH!!! The little boy fell into the fountain!! The mom screams and can't even get him out because she has the baby! Luckily some very nice woman who was standing next to her lifted him out and he was fine, just a little shaken. But c'mon! How stupid!

So after they left, we continued our sitting and soaking in the atmosphere. I distinctly remember sitting there with a smile on my face, I couldn't wipe off if you paid me. I looked at my watch at it was 3:00. Exactly 24 hours ago, I was a crying mess and now I was just as content as could be!

So after our ride, we started our way around again. This time, we were determined to get funnel cake!! By now, it was sooooo hot out! We opted to get ice cream on top of our treat and we brought it inside the counter service because we just couldn't stay outside long enough to eat it!

It was delicious! Can you tell?

By this time, it was really so hot and we wanted to give ourselves plenty of time to get to the airport so we decided to get going.

A few random pics we took throughout the day...

Overall, the crowds were different than they had been the week before and it
was WAY hotter. We got congratulated more times this one day than we did on the whole cruise. We had a fantastic last day in Epcot with a little impromptu "eating around the world" and even a little last minute shopping.

Lesson learned! Stick to what we know and love! Walt Disney World!!!!

Usually when we leave the park on our last day, we take a sad-face picture as our last pic. But this trip was different. We couldn't even make a sad face! Maybe it was because we had SUCH a GREAT honeymoon or more likely, because we knew we'd be back in exactly 2 months!

Epilogue: The ride to the airport was terrible! About halfway there, some light came on that said to check something with the tire so naturally, I was convinced we had a flat!! The plan was to stop and get gas, but since I was so freaked out, I just wanted to get the car back ASAP! I was sooo crazed that I missed the signs and ended up at the Avis on the OPPOSITE terminal from Continental. So we returned the car, I was charged an arm and a leg for the gas refill and when the guy asked me if everything was alright with the car, I said, "Yup!"

Then we dragged two giant suitcases (one missing a wheel!) and a giant duffel bag for what seemed like miles, across the airport before finally checking in and getting rid of our bags! We were there really early and hung around while we waited for our flight.

And now, those 2 months we had until our trip is down to 10 days!! We will be single digit dancing tonight!! I almost want to write about that trip right here on THIS TR. Do you think I should? Or make a new one??


Well just in case, I want to say, I LOVE all my disers who've joined my TR and am so happy to be able to share my trip with all of you!!! (And even meet some of you!) This was my very first TR and I feel like between the Official July 2009 thread and this one, I've made so many cyber friends! Hope to keep in touch with you all!

 

[WDWboy]

Great trip report ! So much work,.. just chimming in to let you know those stairs you climbed in Japan to take that "Where's Nikki?" photo is where Tappan Edo is, along with Tokyo dinning and the Sushi place.. top of stairs thru those big wooden doors. Thank you for all your hard work in writing your trip report thru such trying times,.. blessed are those that morn for they shall be healed, and on a lighter note.... on the eight day God created Epcot! Can't wait for the next one !

P.S.
How's the grammer???

 

[jasliv]

So happy to hear that you ended your trip in a much happier way!
Can't wait to hear about your next trip! I am so excited for you!
I think you should start a new TR for this next trip. The honeymoon should be completely separate.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Great trip report ! So much work,.. just chimming in to let you know those stairs you climbed in Japan to take that "Where's Nikki?" photo is where Tappan Edo is, along with Tokyo dinning and the Sushi place.. top of stairs thru those big wooden doors. Thank you for all your hard work in writing your trip report thru such trying times,.. blessed are those that morn for they shall be healed, and on a lighter note.... on the eight day God created Epcot! Can't wait for the next one !

P.S.
How's the grammer???

Thanks for the info on Teppan Edo!! Good to know!

LOL to "On the eighth day, God created Epcot!" Soooo funny! I love it!!!

So happy to hear that you ended your trip in a much happier way!
Can't wait to hear about your next trip! I am so excited for you!
I think you should start a new TR for this next trip. The honeymoon should be completely separate.

Yeah, you're probably right. I better get it started with pre-TR tomorrow!!