When you wish upon a star, a FAMILY trip comes true. May 2011 UPDATE 6/21 p.10-2posts

[JenAusty]

Hello Everyone. As you probably already noticed- I'm back from Disney. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to return and begin my TR, but this trip actually turned out to be an extremely sad experience. We arrived on Friday, and then Saturday night around 2:30am, my mom received a call that my Grandma (her mom- yes, the one we were suppose to meet) had passed away at the hospital. This definitely ruined the trip completely.. On Sunday morning, my mom and dad checked out of the resort and headed to my Grandma's house in FL to be with my uncle. My mom and my aunt have been placed as the executors, and as soon as my mom got the first call about my Gma, everyone started bombarding my mom with materialistic- "what am I going to get" crap and it hasn't stopped since. After my parents left Sunday, Austin and I decided to stay until my parents returned.. because we didn't want to be around the crazy drama and my parents insisted we stay and try to enjoy ourselves.. (yeah right)..

On Sunday, my best friend Amber still came to visit me and I'm glad that she did because it made my day so much easier to deal with. My parents finally returned on Tuesday night and stayed with us for the night and we flew out on Wednesday (instead of the original Sat). My dad had to pay almost $800 for us to return to MI on Wednesday in order to be reimbursed for the changes. It's a bunch of crap if you ask me.

In a way, I'm glad that we stayed at Disney for a few days before returning home for the funeral services, because we did have some fun and it kept me busy and my mind off the circumstances.

On Sat and Sun was the showings, and then Monday was the funeral (which was one of the hardest things to deal with).

There is a lot of heartbreak in the family right now, and to be completely honest, I feel more anger then sadness right now. I'm angry that my Gma was taken away from us so early, supposedly she was completely healthy and all the tests came back excellent, that she passed away before my mom got to see her (my mom was going to go Sunday morning to spend the day with her), that our first family vacation to Disney (that took so long to pay for and plan) was ruined-- mostly because my parents (especially my dad) needed a break from reality and as soon as he started to relax this all happened and put him into extreme stress, I'm angry with my mom siblings and how they are acting about everything and attacking my mom over petty things, and only worried about what they are going to get. I have a feeling this is going to ruined their relationships; so on top of my mom grieving so gets daily phone calls of nonsense that never stops. I'm angry because I was just starting to become closer with my Gma over the past 6 months or soo.. we were talking on the phone more and I felt like the true her was coming back since her husband has passed away.

I'm sorry to post all this sadness on here, I just really have nowhere else to vent. I'm not sure if I am going to do a TR for this trip, I just don't feel "cheerful" about this experience and whenever I think of it- it makes me sad. However, I do have some great and memorable pics from this trip that I would like to share. So I might just do a slideshow/picture show of the memories of this trip.

For those of you at Disney, just returning, or almost leaving.. I hope you have/had an amazing time and I promise I will return and read your trip reports.. I'm just feeling down in spirits right now.

 

[hotmamac]

Oh, I am just so sorry to hear this. It's so sad on many levels. I am thinking about you and wishing you the best.
It's totally understandable if you choose not to do a TR.
Good luck to you.

 

[Cat0727]

Oh Jen, I am so sorry to hear about your grandma. That's terrible your mom had to deal with the "hawks" if you will as soon as your Gma passed away...people can be so selfish. Almost 4 years ago my grandma passed away 2 weeks before my sister and I were to go to Disney. We were all devastated because it was unexpected like your grandma's passing was...she was in perfect health too. My mom wanted us to go and have fun but I still feel bad leaving her alone although part of me thinks she wanted that alone time to grieve privately. Somehow my sister and I were able to have a good time...I don't even know how...that summer is like a blur to me. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts, girl

 

[TinksThree]

I am so sorry for all you went through! I will keep you in my thoughts!

You may recall that my grandmother was not doing well and I had been concerned about our trip prior to leaving. Thankfully we did not have that experience but I know at least a very small portion of the emotions that you may be going through. She is day by day right now. My dad's siblings (or a few of them) will react the same way when my Gma passes. One of his brothers already will not speak to him for the most part. It is so sad and you are right....relationships can/will be forever affected.

I completely understand you not wanting to do a TR. It really adds to the sting when something you had looked so forward to has such a dark cloud hanging over your memories. I hope things begin to look up and I look forward to seeing your pictures if you decide to post them!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I so, so sorry Jen It's terrible enough to lose a loved one, especially when it's unexpected like this was, but then having to deal with other people being totally self absorbed makes it so much worse.

I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

 

[JenAusty]

Hello Everyone, and thank you for your kind thoughts! It really means a lot! I just can't seem to get out of this "funk". I think it might be the added stress of finding a teaching position. With that comes the thought of "whether to keep applying/accept a teaching position in FL" now that everything has happened. About 2 1/2 months ago I was completely set on still trying to find FL employment because of the lack of in MI. Moving there has always been in the back of my mind, its like a personal dream. I also remember thinking, maybe I will find a job somewhat close to my Gma and I can visit her more and we can become closer. Now that cannot happen. With everything going on, my mom heart broken, and her "hating" FL doctors.. (she said this since my Gma passed because they told her that she was going to be ok and then passed that night, and my mom has also had a bro, and another family member pass in FL). I think its part of her grieving issues, but my mom is stubborn and not one to get over things quickly. So now I'm stressed "IF" or "should" I get a call from a FL school I already applied to, or from my friends school, should I even go to the interview- I mean all I can think of is my mom freaking out.

Now after this happened, I figured I would try harder finding some MI employment, which surprisingly have seen some MI positions- the problem is its in my minor and I'm not sure if schools would hire me over applicants with that as their major. But anyways, so I've been avidly applying- all day long almost everyday- searching, applying.. more searching, mailing... and haven't received anything yet. I know I can't get "let down" yet- but I'm starting to feel beated already. I think the hardest part is all the work that goes into it, and if its one that you would REALLY like and then no call. And knowing that it might not have anything to do with your resume, or anything- the schools probably had 200+ apply for the job. I remember at a seminar I attended one of the panel speakers who was a superintendent stated that she received over 300 applicants for 1 position last year. That's just crazy!!

So this morning I get a call "unknown", so I don't answer figuring they will leave a message. I never answer unknowns.. idk why. So I get excited thinking "ohhh this might be a school calling about a teaching position" Nope- it was a call about a cheerleading coach position at a school in the same county in which I applied. Yes I was appreciative that they called, but I can't accept a coaching position until I find a teaching position- and this is the 2nd call I've received on coaching. I feel bad turning down coaching opportunities cause I LOVE coaching, but don't want to accept anything until I have a career job first. SIGH....

THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT!! I do feel a little better. I don't mean to get on here and be debby downer.. this is the disboards- made for pixie dust and disney world! And I am going to share some pics today.

I did decide on just doing and overview of the trip pictures.. mainly because we only had 1 day at the parks before everything when haywire. Austin and I were there for 4 days but it just wasn't "super" fun with everything on my mind. But I did get some great pictures and my parents did say that when they started getting their inheritance money- the first thing they will do is re-book out Disney trip since it was ruined. They said they want to book it for 6- Mom, Dad, Me, Austy, Bro, and Bro's GF. I'm not sure when it will be- I'm assuming next year or so cause its hard to re-plan so quickly and to get work for everyone. This made me a little happier- but I don't want them to feel like they have too.. but my parents both keep saying they are upset they didn't stay and it didn't work out.

And did anyone else notice the amazing new resort opening for Value Resorts next year? I can't remember the name off hand but it has Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Cars I believe!! The pictures looked amazing.. I did notice it's $10 more a night- and that they will have multiple size suites. I think that this will be more a "suite" resort instead of single rooms.. hmm. I will definitely pay more to stay there- especially when I compare the quality of this trip with staying at Pop! (Which I explain later).

Today's pictures:
Arrival Day:

When we landed at 9:30am at MCO- I about passed out when I saw the long line.. I have never had to "wait" for magical express. But we were all famished from lack of sleep and food- so we all stood like zombies with smiles.. hehe

Friday- The arrival day was simple- Once we arrived at hotel- we all especially my mom felt like she was going to faint if we didn't get food. Since our room wasn't ready- we went and ate at the food court right away- it tasted amazing. Sorry I was soo hungry and out of it from the flight- I didn't take any pictures of food.

Then we got a text one of our rooms was ready- we went to the room, decided to go swimming for a little bit, then heading to DTD, ended up eating at Raglan Road--- we couldn't resist passing it- ok DH couldn't. So we ate there- by far one of the best places I've ate at Disney. I'm glad we decided to be random. Then we went back to room and all passed out immediately til Saturday.

p.s. sorry about the no makeup- I wasn't having it that day. hehe

Buying our resort mugs there were PINK!!

Of course, even though I requested-- we were placed in the farthest building from the food court, the ugliest building theme, and then movie I dislike. But I tried to stay positive.. Next time its preferred room for me and hopefully I'll get a better theme.

DTD:

Raglan Road:

Alrighty, that's all for today! Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

 

[tinkgurl]

Aw hun, I'm so sorry! I hope you're doing better.

It was great to see some WDW pics. That's too bad you didn't get the building you requested.

Looks like you guys had some fun at DTD! I love that Margarita stand!

 

[JenAusty]

Aw hun, I'm so sorry! I hope you're doing better.

It was great to see some WDW pics. That's too bad you didn't get the building you requested.

Looks like you guys had some fun at DTD! I love that Margarita stand!

Thanks Tink! I am doing a lot better.. It helps that my mom is doing better and my crazy family isn't calling my mom 24-7 and arguing.. so things have been more relaxed here.

We did have a great time.. and I think in the future I will always have a relax day.. and always a margarita! Mine was amazing.. I believe it was strawberry. My mom has pina colada and hers was delicious too!

 

[JenAusty]

On Saturday, May 28th-- we visited Magic Kingdom. This was the only park my parents visited and we didn't get to do much, but it was one heck of an amazing day. If I could choose only 1 park to visit with them- it would be MK- so that worked out I suppose.

On Saturday, we woke up around 7:30ish, got ready and I walked next door to my parents room. My mom was talking to my Gma on the phone, so I stood outside on the balcony enjoying the wonderful FL weather I love. Before my mom hung up with my Gma, I talked to her for about 20 mins. She seemed tired and not up to par but not too bad. She seemed more disappointed that she couldn't come out to visit us. We talked about FL, what are plans were for that day, how her tests were going, and me graduating college and how she was excited to make it my family cookout in Aug. for my graduation. (She was planning on making my cake--- which she use to make wonderful, beautiful wedding cakes for people-- and wanted to make my party cake this year), and finally we both said I love you. and sadly, that was the last time I got to talk to her. This is kind of a sad memory to share but I wanted to share it because I feel so special and happy that I got the chance to talk with her. A lot of other family didn't have that chance. So I'm happy I had the opportunity to do that.

After that we all headed to MK- and here are some of the amazing memories from this day.

At the bus stop:

This picture is one of my favorites of this trip because it's captured my true feelings at that moment as we entered MK for the first time this trip, and for the first time with my parents.. I was ecstatic and super happy. And I love the bus and stuff in the background.

Supposedly this is Austin's excited face....

Also one of my favorites of the trip...

For lunch we ate at Columbia's Harbour House.. and ate upstairs as suggested.. it was a lot less crowded and a lot less noisy up there.. soo thank you for sharing this tip.

After lunch we rode Haunted Mansion and then headed back to the room to rest before dinner.. it was extremely crowded today because of Memorial weekend.. I didn't think about that when I booked. (Sat-Mon. was insane).. compared to the crowd I'm use too.

For dinner we had ressies at CRT-- which we barely made on time because we left late.. but we did make it.

post continued..

 

[JenAusty]

Appetizer:

Of all of the princesses- I liked Ariel the best.. I felt she played the character the best and she was extremely nice- but not fakeish.. I know that's not a word but like she wasn't over the top with the character. Plus she said "ohh I like your starfish in your hair- it's just like mine" ...except mine was a flower! hehe

The server brought me a cupcake and said "Happy Graduation". He then said "What did you graduate for?" and I said "Education- to be a teacher" and he said "Oohh are you going to come work for Disney?" I said "If they will hire me as a teacher" He said "We have Disney College- I had to take classes before I could work here and they have the college program" and I said "OK- I'll do it" hehe Little does he know that they probably only hire people with masters or doctorates, not freshly graduate bachelor degrees.. hehe But it would be nice to teach for Disney.. I was thinking.. maybe I could teach in the performing arts school (they perform in DTD).. anywho..

afterwards, we only hit a few rides because it was crazy busy- Austin got a snack credit--- and I absolutely love this picture.. I told Austin its such an amazing picture- background- if only you SMILED!!

and of course we had to ride splash mountain for the 3rd time... hehe

 

[Moira222]

Jen first let me say how very sorry I am to hear about your Grandma. Its just one year since I lost my own Grandma and so feel for you.

and boo hiss to your mom's family who turned what should have been a time of bonding and love to something ugly. big boo hiss

The first days of your trip look like it would have been totally awesome - you all look very happy and really enjoying yourselves - and you look great "au natural"

Ariel at CRT looks perfect for the role - I am not surprised that she was your favorite. Sometimes they really nail it in casting!!

Saw your post about the coaching vs teaching. Here in PA, any foot in the door is a foot in the door - maybe coaching is a way in to establish your reputation. pick up subbing from there and work you way in full time. that's how it seems to work for new teachers here anyway.

Thanks for sharing your trip - I have found that writing out my trip report is a way to relive, remember, and reflect on our trip - could be great for you in many ways.

 

[TinksThree]

Geez, I thought I had posted comments days ago but I guess not! First I am glad to hear things are getting a little better on the home front!

I do not remember May 28th being that busy but then we did leave around lunch and did not return until after 7pm. We probably missed the big crowds! I loved the picture of Austin in front of the castle...and it reminded me of my DH since most of the time he does not smile for the camera!! Great pictures and it looks like you guys were having an awesome time!!

 

[JenAusty]

Jen first let me say how very sorry I am to hear about your Grandma. Its just one year since I lost my own Grandma and so feel for you.

and boo hiss to your mom's family who turned what should have been a time of bonding and love to something ugly. big boo hiss

The first days of your trip look like it would have been totally awesome - you all look very happy and really enjoying yourselves - and you look great "au natural"

Ariel at CRT looks perfect for the role - I am not surprised that she was your favorite. Sometimes they really nail it in casting!!

Saw your post about the coaching vs teaching. Here in PA, any foot in the door is a foot in the door - maybe coaching is a way in to establish your reputation. pick up subbing from there and work you way in full time. that's how it seems to work for new teachers here anyway.

Thanks for sharing your trip - I have found that writing out my trip report is a way to relive, remember, and reflect on our trip - could be great for you in many ways.

Thanks! Things have gotten a lot better around here.. my crazy family keeps calling my mom but we are pretty much use to that. haha

Well the reason why I don't want to accept a coaching position is because I'm afraid I will accept it and then get an offer for teaching in a completely different area and then I'll have to leave. I absolutely love coaching and plan to find a coaching job as soon as we get settled somewhere. I do plan on subbing again this year if I don't get a teacher position. I noticed just how well you get to know the staff, and students by subbing and I witnessed a substitute who had a degree in Special Education- was offered a full-time sub position for spec. edu. and he is now probably the teacher for next year. So I know how connections work! hehe

I am also applying for paraprofessional positions, teacher assistants, Title I Aides, and so forth when I see them. I figure it will only help my resume, allow me to be involved in schooling, and possibly get my foot in the door.

Geez, I thought I had posted comments days ago but I guess not! First I am glad to hear things are getting a little better on the home front!

I do not remember May 28th being that busy but then we did leave around lunch and did not return until after 7pm. We probably missed the big crowds! I loved the picture of Austin in front of the castle...and it reminded me of my DH since most of the time he does not smile for the camera!! Great pictures and it looks like you guys were having an awesome time!!

I hate when I do that- I'll think I posted and then can't find it later on and have to repost! hehe

It seemed busy to me in the mid-late afternoon and for the rest of the day, but like I stated this weekend seemed insanely busy compared to what I am use to! So maybe it wasn't really that bad.. hehe

Usually DH does smile but I think he was just tired and started to get warn out; plus, I did make him eat at CRT just a few hours before that.. haha