Welcome To The Caribbean, Love ~ Updated 5-27 P52

[that's nice]

I like the Mickey PJs.. I think I like the one's for Nemo the best. Do those come in an adult XL?

I think you are making a wise decision keeping CMs. While it might be a little hard for you, you will see the kids having such a fun time and maybe that will make it a little easier.

 

[TarzansKat]

Those pajamas are just too cute! I wish Nemo's came in my size! Can't wait to hear all about the personalized book -- that also sounds adorable!!!

Me, too! Although, I must say, they do have some super cute pajamas for women. I wonder if I should drop a hint to MJS.

Cute pjs!
Christmas shopping online is the BEST! There's nothing like shopping without the lines and crowds.

Oh, tell me about! I'm totally jaded from when I used to work in a mall. For many, many years, and holidays are crazy.

Kat, I'm all caught up.

First, and foremost, this is for you:

Thank you.

I lost my dad two years ago this August. Although it was not "unexpected", it was still the most difficult thing I have ever dealt with in my lifetime. The day after he passed, we had to take our youngest son back to college and a week later we were leaving for our 25th anniversary trip for Disney. I didn't want to go, but my dad made me promise him during the last conversation that we had, that Mark and I would go and enjoy this joyous time in our lives.

You had so much life change all at once. Very similar to what happened with us, losing my mom, Squirt being born, Nemo starting kindergarten...I am glad you took the anniversary trip and that your dad was instrumental in pushing you to do so.

I won't lie to you and say it was easy...it wasn't. But it wasn't all painful either. There were tears of joy and tears of sadness (riding Spaceshiip Earth was the hardest because it was my dad's "favorite."). I chose to get a balloon each year and give it to a child, with the parents permission, in honor of my dad because he always bought the boys balloons wherever we went. You will find those moments of "tears of joy" and "tears of sadness", but know that your mom "is there with you."

I know that nothing will honor my mother more than taking my children to Disney World. It's something that she loved so much, doing that with me, you know? I know she'd be thrilled that we're carrying on the tradition and that I haven't let the sadness overcome me completely, even though there are days when I would like do nothing more than wallow.

I love that you give a child a balloon. It's so sweet, and such a wonderful way to remember your dad.

Love your dining choices; and those pajamas are just too cute. I look forward to following along.

Thanks. Again, I'm happy to have you here.

Awww I love the pj gift idea!! HOW CUTE!! All three of your men are going to look awesome in their new PJs! I love that you are revealing the trip at that time too!! Can't wait!!!!

Thank you! It's really a fun...sometimes exasperating...challenge for me to find matching jams every year.

I was behind. Congrats on chosing to stay home with the boys. Sorry about the milk allergy addition to the ADR's. Very cute jammies. We also bought some Disney ones this year. I did a personalized Christmas photo card as a tribute to my Mom last year. Yay for telling Nemo about the trip.

A personalized Christmas photo card is a wonderful idea! I really like that concept...what site did you use?

I like the Mickey PJs.. I think I like the one's for Nemo the best. Do those come in an adult XL?

I wish! One of the reasons I didn't get MJS' jams from the Disney site is that I just wasn't as thrilled with the options. If only they could learn that us "big kids" want the little kids stuff.

I think you are making a wise decision keeping CMs. While it might be a little hard for you, you will see the kids having such a fun time and maybe that will make it a little easier.

I think so, too. Plus, one of my little secrets is that I love to shop in the Contemporary, and that gives me an opportunity to do so.

 

[All7OfUs]

HI Kat!

What a beautiful tradition to get new jammies (as we call them) on Christmas Eve. I actually just may do that! We could all use some!

I saw on FB that you were were enjoying your online shopping and it reminded me I need to get busy in that dept. too. It's probably not too early to start some baking too.

It's hard to believe that Nemo is already starting to get some opinions on his ADRs of choice. Seriously, when I "met" you a couple years ago, he was still a toddler-ish little man, and now he's in Kindergarten, and wanting Chef Mickey's over Coral Reef!!! Pretty soon, you'll be in my shoes teaching him how to drive.

 

[TarzansKat]

HI Kat!

What a beautiful tradition to get new jammies (as we call them) on Christmas Eve. I actually just may do that! We could all use some!

It's a great idea because it's fun and practical, that's for sure!

I saw on FB that you were were enjoying your online shopping and it reminded me I need to get busy in that dept. too. It's probably not too early to start some baking too.

Baking is going to be tough for me this year with the milk allergy. We're going to be researching lots of vegan alternatives.

It's hard to believe that Nemo is already starting to get some
opinions on his ADRs of choice. Seriously, when I "met" you a couple years ago, he was still a toddler-ish little man, and now he's in Kindergarten, and wanting Chef Mickey's over Coral Reef!!! Pretty soon, you'll be in my shoes teaching him how to drive.

Oh my goodness, never mind ADRs, Nemo has lots of opinions about everything! It is amazing how fast they grow.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I love the jammies for all of you! It's going to be the perfect time to tell him about the trip.

 

[TarzansKat]

I love the jammies for all of you! It's going to be the perfect time to tell him about the trip.

Thank you! I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[KatMark]

Just stopping in to say hello.

 

[TarzansKat]

Just stopping in to say hello.

You're sweet. I've been thinking about you this week. As time keeps passing so quickly, and with the holidays coming up, I'm having to try harder and harder to...I don't know...be normal is not the word...I guess survive with a smile is more accurate. Makes me think of you and all the other DISers who have lost someone and all the support I've received here.

 

[KatMark]

You're sweet. I've been thinking about you this week. As time keeps passing so quickly, and with the holidays coming up, I'm having to try harder and harder to...I don't know...be normal is not the word...I guess survive with a smile is more accurate. Makes me think of you and all the other DISers who have lost someone and all the support I've received here.

I know that the holidays are the worse time. If you ever just need to chat, send me a PM and I'd be happy to chat with you. Or if you just want a laugh, go take a look at my TR and see the hats my husband tries on in almost every store we stop in.

And this is for you.

 

[TarzansKat]

I know that the holidays are the worse time. If you ever just need to chat, send me a PM and I'd be happy to chat with you. Or if you just want a laugh, go take a look at my TR and see the hats my husband tries on in almost every store we stop in.

And this is for you.

Your husband does that too? I have photos throughout the years of MJS and Nemo in funny hats all over the World.

And I just may take you up on that. Thank you for the offer.

 

[TarzansKat]

"I was running." ~ Forrest Gump

Today, I started the Couch to 5K program. For those of you who don't know it, it's for those of us who were never particularly good at running, or haven't exercised in a long time, both descriptions, I admit, I happen to fit.

I actually love to work out, but I was never a very sporty kid. I preferred painting and piano lessons to softball, that's for sure. And whenever we had to run the mile in gym class, I was always one of the last, if not the last kid to finish. But I did it. I think that's the difference about when you're young. You just do it. You don't go all into your head as we tend to do as adults, creating excuses and making up reasons, or talking ourselves into and out of things as we're wont to do.

When you're little, a dandelion is just a beautiful flower. That's all Nemo thinks when he picks one for me. He has no concept that that dandelion is a weed. To him, it's a rose.

I wish I could go back to that, sometimes, I really do.

I digress, but it was a good one, no?

I've been inspired by some of the women on here lately who have decided to run. Who have decided to make positive changes in their lives. Specifically If U Had Wings and Tinkerbellarella. And it's got me to thinking. If they can do it, then so can I.

I read The Courage to Start and was completely inspired. If you're at all interested in something motivational, regardless of whether or not you want to run, pick it up. Honestly. You won't regret it.

I'd like to tell you that I'm doing this for my Mom. Now, pretty much everything I do is meant to honor her in some way, and to honor the woman she has helped me to become. I'd like to tell you that I'm doing this for my children so that they'll have a healthy mama to take care of them for many years to come. I'd like to tell you that I'm doing it because I'm so frustrated about those last fifteen pounds of pregnancy weight that just will not come off, no matter how healthy I eat.

And although those are all really good reasons, I'd be lying if I told you that's why I put on running shoes today, got myself to the gym, and started the first day of the Couch to 5K program.

Because in all reality...

I'm doing it for me.

I'm doing it because I want to. Because I need something. Because I deserve it, and because I have a void that needs to be filled, and I am going to fill it with something that is all about me.

I'm going to do it. Some day, I'm going to run a 5K. Ideally, I'd like to do it at Disney World, but for now, I am content.

I am content that I took the first step(s) of what will be many. I am happy to make a change that is so positive.

And I am excited to prove that I can do this...on my own steam...no matter how long it takes.

I'm not there yet, but I will be a runner. And even if it's not for her per say, I know Mom would be so proud.

 

[jenjolt]

WOOT WOOT!! Good for you Kat! I'm so excited for you!!! Yes you will be a runner and I can't wait to hear all about your journey!! GO KAT!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

You go girl! I'm channeling my inner RuPaul.

I've been meaning to pick up The Courage to Start for weeks but I keep forgetting. I want to run so badly but I'm afraid I'm going to fall off the treadmill at the gym when I'm walking fast so I can't imagine how it would be if I actually started running. Are you training on a treadmill??

 

[TarzansKat]

WOOT WOOT!! Good for you Kat! I'm so excited for you!!! Yes you will be a runner and I can't wait to hear all about your journey!! GO KAT!!!

Thanks for the enthusiasm, Jen! You're awesome.

You go girl! I'm channeling my inner RuPaul.

Mhmm, honey. :::insert finger snap:::



Between you and Jen, I've got my own cheering section.

I've been meaning to pick up The Courage to Start for weeks but I keep forgetting. I want to run so badly but I'm afraid I'm going to fall off the treadmill at the gym when I'm walking fast so I can't imagine how it would be if I actually started running. Are you training on a treadmill??

LL, you will love this book. Seriously, borrow it from the library, it's amazing.

I am training on a treadmill, and don't worry, I had those fears when I first started many moons ago, walking on the treadmill.

Let me tell you, my run is very sloooooooowwwww....so there's no danger of me falling off right now.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Mhmm, honey. :::insert finger snap:::



Between you and Jen, I've got my own cheering section.



LL, you will love this book. Seriously, borrow it from the library, it's amazing.

I am training on a treadmill, and don't worry, I had those fears when I first started many moons ago, walking on the treadmill.

Let me tell you, my run is very sloooooooowwwww....so there's no danger of me falling off right now.

Darn! I forgot the finger snap!

I have a complex at the gym. I'm the only person who brings a cd player, yes a cd player. Ipods and I don't get along. Then I dropped it today while I was on the bike and it was skittering across the floor to like 5 machines down. Sigh. I can't handle falling off the treadmill too.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Good for you!!

Unfortunately I ran into some resistance in the form of a torn ligament and I'm paranoid about starting again but I absolutely loved the first few days I was doing it! Go for it!!!!!

 

[Pollito916]

Oooh, ooh me too! I have asthma and was a very scrawny unathletic kid, so I was almost always one of the last to finish running in school too. But I was also motivated by some of the other lovely Disers and decided to give Couch to 5K a try. I started almost 2 weeks agos (6 weeks and 2 days after Isabella was born), and did it twice and was feeling great with my progress. Then the day after the second run, I started having some problems related to the childbirth reoccurring, so I stopped again for the last week hoping that would go away again. My doc thinks it's just because of the medication he prescribed me to avoid getting pg again at the moment, and said the excerise should be ok, so I think I may start again on Thursday. Good luck to us!

 

[Native NYer]

Fantastic!
I hope you'll write about your journey.
And I'm sure in the near future, we will be reading your Disney 1/2 Marathon ptr

 

[KatMark]

Good for you, Kat!

 

[that's nice]

I had a feeling you were going to do the couch to 5K... or did I already know this????

Congrats!! You have took the hardest step... starting. Once you get into a routine it will start getting easier. But I will not lie... the first few weeks are the hardest. I think you have the determination to keep at it!

My gym routine has been erratic at best. I hope to make it there tomorrow. Geez, look at the time. If I don't get to sleep soon, I won't make it there at 9am!