Wow, I would have been unhappy too with that experience at HDDR. We've never been because being from the south, we don't appreciate the cornpone stereotypes, if you know what I mean? Yes, we have bumpkins and that seems to be who they put on TV, but they're the exception and not the rule. HeeHaw made my skin crawl back in the day. BUT ANYWAY lol . . .
THAT HEAT. It was really bad that week, wasn't it? Y'all seem to have made very good decisions, though, and it looks like you had a blast.
Stepping on soapbox . . . please please please D, love yourself as you are now. You're strong and beautiful. I keep harping on this becasue in a decade or so your body IS going to change and it doesn't come back from it. No one explained to the extent your whole self changes, so for the next moment consider me your aunt or older sister delivering a truth bomb. I used to think menopause only affected your moods and childbearing organs. Boy was I wrong. I am really enjoying being in my 50s, truly, but menopause and aging does some awful things to a woman's body. My skin, all over my body, is not the same. It's not feminine anymore, and I can't think of another way to describe it other than that. Literally the skin on my arms and legs and all over. Don't get me started about the skin on my chest. I went from being at a decently plump weight to being shaped like a barrel overnight. Waistline? HA! Better send out a search party. Genetic vertical wrinkles have shown up on my upper lip, seemingly overnight. Here to stay. I look in the mirror in that area and see my grandmother. But sometimes it's the little things that hurt the worst - my EYELIDS have changed horribly. The skin is loose and crepey and so unattractive that I rarely wear eyeshadow anymore because eyeshadow seems to highlight the crepe-yness no matter if it's matte, frost, or in between. And I've never been one to stay out in the sun or use tanning beds, I've always eaten a balanced diet, etc. There are lots more things - like the fact that after wearing contacts since I was in 8th grade, they don't seem to work for me anymore, and I can't see with glasses and can't see without glasses, even with bifocals. That's not just for females but it's a maddening issue to deal with all day. Would I go back to when I was younger if given a chance? NO WAY. But I wish I had known all this so I could CHERISH and appreciate my young body while I had it. Sorry for the longwindedness, but I'm pretty passionate about this because I wasted so much time that I can't get back, wanting to be a little smaller, or a particular size, reaching for something when I was already perfect - perfectly ME.
Internet disclaimer: YMMV, this is my own experience and possibly not yours, I chose not to take hormones (which would have delayed some of this), I have chosen not to do artificial things to my face/body but no judgment to those who do, etc.
Your outfits look SO cute! I love that LP romper! Victoria's outfits are cute as well. Allison is clearly resisting, but JUST WAIT lol. Re your Lilly bummer, I hate it when shopping trips are unsatisfying! Sometimes it's just like that. I'd rather wait and buy it for so much less, too. Can't wait to hear what the surprise is!
Wow... I am not even sure where to start here... First off - thank you for always giving me your candid knowledge about life and living life - it means a lot to me, especially this - right here - losing my mom at a young age... A) she never got to an age to experience any of this. And B) I was too young and it never would have occurred to me to ask. So, thank you - from the bottom of my heart - for taking the time to type this out.
As women, I feel like we have such high expectations of ourselves... I've already started to experience some of the things you mentioned... I have no idea if the zero skin elasticity is due to "getting to be that age" or if it's because of my gain 50 lbs, lose 50 lbs a hundred times in my life??? I can definitely see though, where my skin hasn't bounced back - and I doubt it ever will - I probably struggle with this part the most - as it affects me so much... My thighs - my stomach... No matter how loose the waist of my clothes are - I will always have a "muffin top" because of the excess skin. Sigh. And when I look at photos of myself - that is all I see. Age is really not good to us, is it? It's almost scary and sad to think that our bodies will never get better, only worse...
Thank you again - for taking the time to write all of that - truly.
Also... At this point in my life - I have a very hard time taking any sort of medication - unless it's necessary, of course... (This is just me talking now) - I've never once in my life taken a hormone for any reason, I've always felt like it would mess with my body and just nature in general. I've kind of already decided, and of course - I reserve the right to reevaluate at any time (LOL) - that when the time comes, I will not take any hormones for the menopause time of my life either... I have a hard time taking anything to off-put something that is supposed to occur naturally within my body. And - I totally agree... To each their own - this is just me.
On to the rest of your post...
I can totally see how that would be bothersome... As someone, who doesn't live in that area of the country, I can honestly say that I didn't give much thought to it... And to be very honest - I couldn't hear a lot of the show - so any implications simply went straight over my head.
As a girl - I loved HeeHaw... It was always on before/after Lawrence Welk - who was my mom's FAVORITE - so we always ended up watching it... However - at that age - I had NO idea what it represented... But now, I can totally see how it could be offensive.
Yes - according to everyone who was there... "It was the hottest week EVER"
The girls were miserable... For some reason - yes, I was hot - but I wasn't as miserable as they were.
Not sure why? You'd think it would be the other way around?
Thank you - you all know how much I love my Disney outfit planning... It's so much fun and brings so much joy to trip planning for me.
Victoria has since discovered Lilly Pulitzer... Which you will see as I end the TR (LOL)... Allison wants NOTHING to do with it - she's my "tightwad" remember? LOL Love her for it though and the longer she can resist, the better.
Again - thank you!
What an amazing ending to your birthday!!! The cruise looks like so much fun and now I have another bucket list item to add-a cruise to watch the water pageant and fireworks from the lake! I LOVE fireworks and Disney's are the best-I could literally watch them every day. Your pics are beautiful and makes me want to do this asap
Right? For a day that was kind of turning out to be less than what I wanted it to be - it did a total turn around.
Definitely - I know it's been added to my "must do again" list...
What a great Birthday surprise. Looks like you had a lot of fun on the boat.
It was wonderful! A great surprise!
Awwww....I’m sad that your HDDR experience wasn’t wonderful. We didn’t get a chance to chat much this trip.
I hated it the one time we were put downstairs for that show. We always book Cat3 up on the balcony. Best view and better seats IMHO. And we have always had great food.
Well hopefully if there is a next time, it will be better.
Yeah, I had forgotten my sunglasses, so we had to go up to the room to get them.
Sorry, but I don’t think I can attach photos from my iPad. I can send the room view to you for you to attach if you want.
That fireworks cruise was just amazing. So incredibly thankful to you, Monica ❤! It was great to see you again, wish we could have coordinated more time. But thank you thank you thank you. A memory I will always hold close.
D, I was so sad reading your bad birthday shopping experience. I wish you could see yourself the way we all do. You are a beautiful human being, inside AND out. You inspire me daily my friend
It's OK... I didn't want to dwell on the fact that it wasn't that great for us - when so many of my friends, you included, love it! If we ever do it again - I will take your advice and book Category 3... I was looking around while we were there, and those seats look fantastic!
Oh that's right... I wasn't even gonna go with you - but like a crazy person, I chased you down.
It was - the absolute HIGHLIGHT of our trip - for both the girls and I.
Awwwwh - thank you my friend.
What an awesome birthday surprise! Your birthday may have started out rocky, but it ended with a bang!
It was incredible - still no words to describe how moved and touched I was.
I'm joining in and just caught up! Bummer that HDDR didn't live up to expectations. If you're someday on the Dining Plan you can get Category 1 seating for the later show and it's great in that section!
That's so amazing! What a fantastic surprise!
Love this photo! How wonderful!!
I had no idea this was a thing!
Welcome!!! Yes - if I ever do
DDP again, I will certainly keep that in mind - otherwise I've heard great things about Category 3, as well.
It was amazing! I couldn't believe it... It's something I've always wanted to do!
Agree - it was a beautiful vantage point!
Neither did I, LOL... Cpt. William was a wealth of knowledge!
Wow, what a nice birthday surprise! When you are on the boat can you hear the music for the fireworks? I just love the water pageant! Great find in the Lily shirt, it looks great!
Yes - I asked Cpt. William about that - because he played the music from the boat speakers... And I know they play it at the resorts on the lake too... He said that WDW broadcasts it on a radio station? He didn't tell me what that station was, but cool - right?
Thanks - I love that Lilly shirt... I've only worn it once, but I am certain it will get more use once it's colder out.
(though our summer hasn't exactly been very warm...
)
What an awesome birthday and great surprise!
It was amazing!!! Truly unexpected and wonderful!
LOL at Josh *almost* enjoying it! This reminds me of our friends that we went with on this trip, the A-Team (so called because they are Adam, Andrea, Aric and August!). It was their first trip, well, technically the kids first trip but Adam and Andrea haven't been since they were little themselves and they don't remember a lot from then. Adam didn't really want to go - too expensive, too many people, too much planning, not really their thing, etc. They really aren't much in the way of planners for vacation, more of a 'go on a whim and wing it' type. Andrea and I did all the planning and made all the reservations. Adam started to get on board with all of it once the rooms were booked, but he still grumbled about how much it was going to be. Anyways, we all went on the trip and had a fabulous time, both together and separately. We were almost back home when I got a text from Andrea saying Adam is already trying to figure out when they can go back! LOL! So, maybe there is still hope for Josh!
Yes, I was really looking forward to getting the chicken bowl at the canteen again, but I was pretty happy to at least have a Rum Blossom while we were in Pandora. I was prepared for it to be hot and humid while we were there, but nothing in our training could have prepared me to be able to deal with the heat and humidity that we had while running that morning and that is what really did me in that day. There is always next time though. Or the time after that, or the time . . .! I foresee a few more F&W trips in our future. And DH really wants to try the Fort in our motorhome one trip. And DH and I love Star Wars, so we will have to go to Galaxy's Edge. See, many trips I haven't even had a chance to plan yet!
I had your seat at HDDR when we went this year, but our server must have moved the table into a better position because none of us really had to watch around the pole. We didn't have any issues hearing, on either time we were there. I really think the server you get makes a difference too. Our server the first time was okay, but didn't 'play' up at any point. The server we had this time was excellent though. He kept bugging me that I wasn't drinking enough sangria or eating enough chicken, exaggerated when DH needed another beer and went OTT when DS wanted anything - another root beer, more ribs, more potatoes. He helped DS put his napkin on (added a couple of extra too), kept pulling on DS's chair whenever he walked by, balanced the extra ribs on his head, etc. He made the experience go from great to awesome, so I really think that helps. I think he has been there for a bit, because he really seemed to have a routine that worked well and was one of the fastest servers there. Years of working in food service makes me notice that kind of stuff and appreciate servers that much more.
The birthday cruise looks like so much fun! Love the cakes, they looked yummy. I really must add the water parade to my list of must sees. That list just keeps getting longer and longer. Looks like you had fun adventures on your birthday!
Hahahaha... Well - he has been there with us twice (2003 & 2008) - but totally different animals at that time... The girls were little and we were doing the parks Commando style... They weren't the most ideal of trips. It's way different now... We nap all day. LOL I think he'd enjoy it much more now? If I could just get him there...
How funny that your friend's DH is actually looking forward to going back? Hehehehe!
I see many trips in your future too - by the looks of things. LOL
Interesting about the hearing - maybe I need to get my hearing checked? Your waiter sounds amazing - I would have loved to have had him!
Our waitress barely spoke to us.
It was fun and the cakes were amazing!!!
Exactly my thought too!
Thank you for always taking the time to share your trip reports. I enjoy them each time.
I love your outfits and the pics of you are your girls are #parentinggoals! Hello from another MN mama. You look amazing and should be so proud of your hard work. Your smile lights up every photo!
Thanks for enjoying them! I wouldn't continue to write them if no one read them - I don't think? LOL
Thanks! I love planning my trip outfits and accessories so much! Awww - thank you - I love my girls and (most days) they love me back.
I love hearing that some of my readers live close... I've had a few approach me while I've been out - and it always takes me off guard for a minute, LOL... I expect to see people when I am in WDW - but not at home.
Glad to have another Minnesotan following along.
And thank you for your kind compliments.
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OK all caught up on replies! I think I may have time to do a quick update? Cruisin' right along here... Only 2 more days to write about - and then I can go back to hiding in the PTR section.
D~