Yo ho, yo ho, a bounceback life for me LEAVING TOMORROW 9/12!!!!!!!!!!!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Well my family still lives there so when I say home, it's Cleveland! I'm away at college so I'm in Chicago now. I loooove the Indians and Cavs. My dog is named after a Cavs player - LOL!

I just subbed to your PTR.

I have a friend who is a HUGE CAVS fan. She has her own tickets and goes by herself if she has to!

 

[bettyann29]

I guess the codes just came out yesterday or so which means neither one of us are that far behind. My mom has not had issues for a while now (knocking on wood) so hopefully all will be a-ok!

Let me know if you read anything interesting about advance check in. I am going to scope it out this weekend. Wonder if they even started it yet? Yeah, I need to get to my planning.

I will definitely let you know if I hear anything.. I may be interested in this too..

I cant believe its now less than 6 months.. Yikes.. all the planning left to do..

 

[Synndy]

Just wanted to swing by & say hello

I'm excited for your September trip... mostly because mine is coming then too

Continue with the great updates! I'll be checking in on you!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I will definitely let you know if I hear anything.. I may be interested in this too..

I cant believe its now less than 6 months.. Yikes.. all the planning left to do..

I love to plan. Makes me have something to look forward too.

Just wanted to swing by & say hello

I'm excited for your September trip... mostly because mine is coming then too

Continue with the great updates! I'll be checking in on you!

Hi! Glad to see you here!! Hopefully we can finalize our meet with Jenn and Heather. Not like we don't have time or anything, right? I am checking into CSR on the 12th. Jenn is checking into Pop on the 11th and then moving to CSR on the 12th. I think Heather is checking out on the 12th, right?

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I got my Passporter the other day so I have been pouring through it. It's strange because I have been to WDW enough now that I should know all this stuff yet I pour through books and the DIS like it's my first trip!

I've wanted to do window decorations for the last few years but we have not stayed at an outdoor access resort in a while and therefore.....no window to decorate. Since we're staying at CSR this time, we get a window. DH thinks I am insane for wanting to do this though and my fear is that when it comes down to it, he won't be happy about it. Today I think I am going to see what I can come up with for window decorations. I was out looking at window clings yesterday and didn't find anything that I liked at all so I think I am going to try and see if I can make something. I am going to give it a try. I'm hoping that I can come up with something fun! Knowing me I will figure out something and then forget to pack tape!

So far, I have lost just 9 pounds on my diet. I was hoping by now I would have lost more since it's been 3 months. I guess I will keep trying.

I have started my general packing list too. I say general because as I get closer I actually include specific items of clothing...like "white capris" or whatever. I cant' do that though because of this diet and I have no i dea what will fit and what won't. This drives me crazy and I think it's because of my OCD behavior. I have to have everything together ahead of time.....way ahead of time. My mom has her stuff all ready and in a special drawer at home so all she has to do is transfer it to her luggage. So, guess where I get this from?

I'm going to post my general packing list today so I can get comments from everyone on what I missed!

 

[bettyann29]

we did window decorations on our last family trip last year.. that was the first time Ive ever done that.. I went to Babies R Us and got some Disney wall sticker like things.. It was $12 for the package and I had enough to decorate both windows as we had connecting rooms.. I got the ones with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy and Pluto.. I know they also had Princess ones.. Then in my scrapbooking stuff I had a huge Mickey shaped hole puncher.. I punched out one for each of us and had one for each member of our party.. I wrote our names on them in fine point black sharpy.. then I got this sticky tape stuff and stuck them in between the characters.. when I get home I'll post a picture just for you to see.. I have it saved on my home computer..

Cant wait to see your packing list as Im sure it'll spark ideas for me and I can add them to my list..

Good luck planning..

 

[Beka]

I got my Passporter the other day so I have been pouring through it. It's strange because I have been to WDW enough now that I should know all this stuff yet I pour through books and the DIS like it's my first trip!

I got mine this week too! Unlike you, I *don't* know much about WDW anymore (except for what I've learned on the Dis) but there's a lot to be said for learning something by doing it yourself!

I think I am going to try and see if I can make something. I am going to give it a try. I'm hoping that I can come up with something fun! Knowing me I will figure out something and then forget to pack tape!

Maybe hit up the scrapbook section, or if you have a store dedicated just to scrapbooking, they'll have some Disney die-cut stuff there. I'm jealous! That sounds like fun! But we're off-site, so it wouldn't make as much sense, but Mom is digging up my (very) old Mickey for Conner!

So far, I have lost just 9 pounds on my diet. I was hoping by now I would have lost more since it's been 3 months. I guess I will keep trying.

Think of it this way: you didn't gain all that weight in a week, so why would you be able to lose a ton in a short amount of time? It's not easy, but so worth it! Keep up the good work! Change up your workout routine, and if you've been eating the same things over & over, then change that up too. For example: if doing a low-carb diet, have a day where you eat more carbs. It's surprises your body, cuz they do get complacent, and adapt rather quickly. Stupid bodies knowing what they should be doing...

I have started my general packing list too. I say general because as I get closer I actually include specific items of clothing...like "white capris" or whatever. I cant' do that though because of this diet and I have no i dea what will fit and what won't. This drives me crazy and I think it's because of my OCD behavior. I have to have everything together ahead of time.....way ahead of time. My mom has her stuff all ready and in a special drawer at home so all she has to do is transfer it to her luggage. So, guess where I get this from?

I'm going to post my general packing list today so I can get comments from everyone on what I missed!

OMG, I went to Kohl's last night & got some clothes for this summer (& the trip - I'll share those later on my PTR) & my mom thought I was nuts! "It's months away, Rebeka". Sheesh mom, I know! But in August, they sell sweatpants, and I might be nuts, but I'm NOT wearing sweatpants in Florida in August! So I can completely understand. I always re-do my teachrs' syllabuses (syllabi?) since they're 90+ pages, and insane to read, plus I save EVERYTHING. MY classmates think I'm insane, but ya know what? I've saved their butts & mine more than once doing that, so the proof is in the OCD pudding!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

we did window decorations on our last family trip last year.. that was the first time Ive ever done that.. I went to Babies R Us and got some Disney wall sticker like things.. It was $12 for the package and I had enough to decorate both windows as we had connecting rooms.. I got the ones with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy and Pluto.. I know they also had Princess ones.. Then in my scrapbooking stuff I had a huge Mickey shaped hole puncher.. I punched out one for each of us and had one for each member of our party.. I wrote our names on them in fine point black sharpy.. then I got this sticky tape stuff and stuck them in between the characters.. when I get home I'll post a picture just for you to see.. I have it saved on my home computer..

Cant wait to see your packing list as Im sure it'll spark ideas for me and I can add them to my list..

Good luck planning..

Ooohhhh, now I want to go to Babies R Us...like right NOW!!!!!!!!!! OMG I can just see Joe's face.

I think I can cut out giant Mickey heads with my Cricut. I am going to have to go and look now. I only have the small mouse ear punch in my scrapbooking stuff. Joe about died last year when I put my lime green Mickey head on my backpack. I made two of them...one for me and one for Jenn (inkedupmomma). We got a laminator and I laminated two of them that said "do you DIS?" He about lost it . What was really super funny though was that every time he spotted a LGMH, he got all excited and told me about it!

I'm digging out last year's packing list as a starting point. I forgot we changed the clocks here last night and lost an hour so I feel like I am behind in my day already!

 

[Beka]

I think I can cut out giant Mickey heads with my Cricut.

Those look like so much fun! Do you love it? One year, it WILL be on my Christmas list!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I got mine this week too! Unlike you, I *don't* know much about WDW anymore (except for what I've learned on the Dis) but there's a lot to be said for learning something by doing it yourself!

It's so strange.....every time we go it is a different experience and we try different things, which is why I always get the Passporter and sometimes a zillion other books too. Joe laughs and says stuff like "babe, doubt they changed the location of PotC or anything." He doesn't understand why I insist on buying these books every year.
Maybe hit up the scrapbook section, or if you have a store dedicated just to scrapbooking, they'll have some Disney die-cut stuff there. I'm jealous! That sounds like fun! But we're off-site, so it wouldn't make as much sense, but Mom is digging up my (very) old Mickey for Conner!


It's something that I have wanted to do but we have not had a window until our September trip. Actually, we will have one in May when we stay at Pop but between my brother and Joe, they will have hissy fits if I even attempt to decorate a window!

Think of it this way: you didn't gain all that weight in a week, so why would you be able to lose a ton in a short amount of time? It's not easy, but so worth it! Keep up the good work! Change up your workout routine, and if you've been eating the same things over & over, then change that up too. For example: if doing a low-carb diet, have a day where you eat more carbs. It's surprises your body, cuz they do get complacent, and adapt rather quickly. Stupid bodies knowing what they should be doing...


Good advice. Thanks! I was using the Wii Fit and then about a month ago I developed awful shoulder and back pain. Been to the doctor three times for it and he told me no repetitive motion for a while. Lazy me stopped any form of exercizing and I know I should not have done that.

OMG, I went to Kohl's last night & got some clothes for this summer (& the trip - I'll share those later on my PTR) & my mom thought I was nuts! "It's months away, Rebeka". Sheesh mom, I know! But in August, they sell sweatpants, and I might be nuts, but I'm NOT wearing sweatpants in Florida in August! So I can completely understand. I always re-do my teachrs' syllabuses (syllabi?) since they're 90+ pages, and insane to read, plus I save EVERYTHING. MY classmates think I'm insane, but ya know what? I've saved their butts & mine more than once doing that, so the proof is in the OCD pudding!

I love Kohl's! I really want to buy stuff now because you are right, buy the time it is time for my trip they will be selling sweatpants and winter jackets. Since I save everything as evidenced by our 10x10 storage locker filled with partylite, clothes and the rest of my "junk" as Joe calls it (well, that' the nicer term), I know that I have some summer stuff in various sizes! That's a start I guess.

Those look like so much fun! Do you love it? One year, it WILL be on my Christmas list!

Joe got it for me when I started scrapbooking. Trouble is, I have no clue how to do anything except basic stuff with it. I am not using it to its fullest potential. I am mad though because Michael's had a special last year where if you bought three cartrdiges you got the computer software free. Mine never came. I got sick of dealing with them so I just let it go which makes me even more mad. The good thing is that I think I used it so much for letters that it probably paid for iteself already! Those dang letters can be so expensive!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Here is my first attempt at a packing list of non-clothing related items. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. I would appreciate it.

AAA Membership Card
Annual Passes and DDE Card
Autograph Book
Backpack and Purse for the Parks
Binder w/all confirmations
Bite Stick
Bobby Pins
Canon Camera Equipment
Disney Camera
Cell phone/Blackberry and chargers
Cleaner for Glasses and Sunglasses
Clear Nail Polish
Cotton Balls
Dawn Dish Wipes
Dental Floss
Deoderant
Gorillapod
Entertainment Book Membership Card
Fastpass Holder
First Aid Kit - Pocket Sized
Flash Drive for Picture Storagte
Glasses & Sunglasses
Hair brushes/combs/clips
Hair Care Products
Hair Dryer with Attachments
Hair rubber bands/Pick
Hand and Face Wipes
Hand Cream
Hand Wipes
Hat
Hidden Mickey Book
Insurance Cards
Itinerary Cards
Laptop
Laundry Bags
Make Up
Medications
Mickey Rain Gear
Moleskin
Mousekeeping Envelops
Mouthwash
Nail File
Nail Polish Remover Pads
Neosporyn
Passporter book
Pedometer
Pocket Sized Sewing Kit
Pocket Tissues
Pocket Toilet Seat Liners
Qtips
Razor
Room Freshner
Shampoo and Conditioner
Shout Wipes
Single Use Super Glue
Small Camera/extra memory card
Small Scissors
Small Tripod
Spray Hand Sanitizers
Sun Lotion
Tape
Thank you cards for CM's
Toothbrush and Paste
Water Bottle Straps
Window Decorations
Ziploc Bags

 

[HeatherBelle614]

I love your scrapbook pages! I need to start working on mine (and finish it, hopefully) before our next trip!

Yes, I'm checked out on the 12th. I've put CM as our breakfast that morning, so timing is completely up to you all. We are driving, so we don't have to rush to catch a plan. We're actually planning on just driving to Tallahassee that day so I can try to meet the admissions director for University of Florida's law school.

How fun for your trip in April! Post lots of pics!!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I love your scrapbook pages! I need to start working on mine (and finish it, hopefully) before our next trip!

Yes, I'm checked out on the 12th. I've put CM as our breakfast that morning, so timing is completely up to you all. We are driving, so we don't have to rush to catch a plan. We're actually planning on just driving to Tallahassee that day so I can try to meet the admissions director for University of Florida's law school.

How fun for your trip in April! Post lots of pics!!

Hopefully we can all do CM's that day. How long does it take you to get home?

My trip is actually in May but I will probably do a mini-TR right here in my PTR for that trip and post lots and lots of pics!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Hopefully we can all do CM's that day. How long does it take you to get home?

My trip is actually in May but I will probably do a mini-TR right here in my PTR for that trip and post lots and lots of pics!

Ah, I meant your trip to visit Jenn!

It'll take us a day and a half with stops and such; not too bad. We normally stay over-night somewhere. Once we hit Tallahassee, it's about an 11 hour drive.

Keep me updated if you think you'll be able to do CM that day. Once it rolls around to making ADRs, I'll check back in with everyone for sure!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Ah, I meant your trip to visit Jenn!

It'll take us a day and a half with stops and such; not too bad. We normally stay over-night somewhere. Once we hit Tallahassee, it's about an 11 hour drive.

Keep me updated if you think you'll be able to do CM that day. Once it rolls around to making ADRs, I'll check back in with everyone for sure!

Oh, lol. I thought you meant Disney! I will definitely post a lot of pictures from that trip!

11 hours isn't bad really. Joe would probably want to drive through though. Whenever we go to Va Beach he always does and that is about 10 hours away. I'd probably want to break if up though.

I will let you know about CM's!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

First of all, congrats on 9 lbs! You may think you should've lost more, but still - you weigh 9 lbs less than you did 3 months ago!! I'd take that any day!!

Second of all, your packing list looks good. Reminded me of some things I need to add to my own. But I do have a question - why do you bring cards for CM's? I've never really thought about that before!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

First of all, congrats on 9 lbs! You may think you should've lost more, but still - you weigh 9 lbs less than you did 3 months ago!! I'd take that any day!!

Second of all, your packing list looks good. Reminded me of some things I need to add to my own. But I do have a question - why do you bring cards for CM's? I've never really thought about that before!

Thanks for the congrats! I just feel like I should be further along here.

I made business sized thank you cards for the CM's. You know, they are always (or most of the time) so nice. They go out of their way to help. They have costumes that they sweat like mad in (can you imagine some of the costumes that those ride CM's have to wear when it is 100 outside??). I have seen so many CM's sit and have to take it from a screaming guest about something that is so out of their control. Last year I made these cards and laminated them. Whenever I left a tip or when a CM went out of their way, I thanked them. You wouldn't believe how they responded. It was just a little card but they smiled or said that no one ever thanks them, etc. I guess it just made me feel good. I can't remember if I took any pictures of them but if I can find some, I will post them here so that you can see them.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I found the pages before I cut them up and laminated them. I cannot remember what site I got these from but I downloaded them from somewhere and then personalized them. Only after did I find a typo or two but I just didn't use those cards.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I love your scrapbook pages! I need to start working on mine (and finish it, hopefully) before our next trip!

Yes, I'm checked out on the 12th. I've put CM as our breakfast that morning, so timing is completely up to you all. We are driving, so we don't have to rush to catch a plan. We're actually planning on just driving to Tallahassee that day so I can try to meet the admissions director for University of Florida's law school.

How fun for your trip in April! Post lots of pics!!

I just realized something. I have no clue what's wrong with me here but I don't get in on the 12th until 9:09 a.m. We got better flights if we got there on the 12th and left on the 21st. So if everyone decides on an early breakfast we won't be able to make it. If we land on time we should be able to get to CM's by 10:30 at the latest. We will check in for our car the day before so we can get our luggage, get the car and head right over. Ugh, why didn't I realize that until just now?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Your thank you cards are cute! Where'd you get the templates?

I was half asleep earlier; we check out on the 13th - Sunday. That's the day I have CM down for. (It's been a LONG week. Haha.)