Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: update 5/18 p. 85

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by kaoden39

They did put a Starbucks in DCA on Buena Vista Street. I have only heard good things about it. I am not a coffee drinker so this won't affect me.

I've got no issue with a Starbucks in DCA or the three parks at WDW aside from MK. Heck, IASW is sponsored by Sylvania.

Michael will be happy. He hates weak Disney coffee.

[eandesmom]

Lazy breakfast in the villa, I love taht! That's what it should be about and if it means a missed FP return time, in the big picture of life, that's ok. Plus it means edible bacon...you won't find that at a Disney restaurant!

Originally Posted by rentayenta

It drives me nuts to to have their crap strewn all over the place. I had to close the door on Chloe and Mikayla's bedroom because I swear, it looked like a tornado hit about 5 minutes after we got our bags. They are both so sloppy. Sweet but painfully sloppy. I kept finding bobby pins all over so I finally got a plastic bowl and set it in the bathroom and told them if I found one more bobbie pin on the floor I was going to throttle them. Its the laziness that accompanies an unlegitimate mess more than the mess if that makes any sense? How hard is it to put the bobbie pins on the mirror ledge? Apparently its very difficult.

Oh the kids are AWFUl with their stuff and I swear, Kendall was the worst. The stateroom was a challenge in that regard, everyone (under 17) seemed to think the top of the dresser was their personal dumping ground and then our stateroom host, in an effort to clean, would mix all of it up. FE stuff, pins, hats...K's underwear (don't get me started lol). Drove me NUTS!

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Having the verandah is awesome! It gives you another place to relax. With a big group, you're going to need that quiet space for sure. Why do the GV points jump so high? The OKW ones are the best deal in town though. Jenna and I looked at them for our possible Disneyland trip. There's no way! I truly couldn't even borrow the points for it. I'd have to rent points for the low low price of $600 a night.

I'll be with you in terms of the time of year we go. Having said that, its Chloe who pulled her act together and ended up with 5 As and 2 Bs and it was Gabby, who wasn't stressed at all, who didn't do so well. When I checked Chloe's grades, I almost cried. Even she was shocked. It did give her some confidence though with regard to her abilities and completing her school work.

WTG Chloe!!!! that is so great. I'd love to swing an OKW Gvilla but for NYE without owning there, not going to happen. Plus I'd have to give my parents the master (mom snores, no one would share with her nor would she want that) and that would annoy me to no end). They are by far the best deal. Someday though!

[franandaj]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

I can't even imagine how amazing the GV at the GCV are. We stayed at the OKW in a GV and loved it and its a much older resort. The GV and the GCV must be delusionally gorgeous.

No worries, just let me know if you get into a have-to-rent-points bind. I bet Disneyland's F&W is cool because its more intimate. I felt overwhelmed at first in WDW but I'll get to that later in the report. I should have researched more for sure. When is your 50th?

[/CENTER]

I bet they are nice! Fran just told me I could book one for the band weekend next year! I mean its only one night, but we could invite a few people to stay with us and have fun!

DCAs festival was totally different that Epcot. No kiosks (not allowed in CA), a lot centered around the demos and the paid events. We liked to stay over because the events we liked ran late and had lots of wine. I'll keep you in mind if we start overflowing on points!

[PrincessInOz]

Catching up!


50's PT looks awesome.

And all this talk of fudge is not doing me any good. I'm now too many miles away from getting some!

[scottny]

I read your report tonight and it is great. The pics you got are really good.

Looks like fun times so far.

I would love to try THV one day.

We were there to then till the 20th so enjoying your view of the week there.

Your picture taking sounds like me. I took 2600 this trip.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Lazy breakfast in the villa, I love taht! That's what it should be about and if it means a missed FP return time, in the big picture of life, that's ok. Plus it means edible bacon...you won't find that at a Disney restaurant!

True. Why is Disney bacon so lousy? Its cheap and easy to cook. It was so worth a late FP return time. We just soaked in the fact that we were finally on the trip and enjoying the hell out of our villa.

Oh the kids are AWFUl with their stuff and I swear, Kendall was the worst. The stateroom was a challenge in that regard, everyone (under 17) seemed to think the top of the dresser was their personal dumping ground and then our stateroom host, in an effort to clean, would mix all of it up. FE stuff, pins, hats...K's underwear (don't get me started lol). Drove me NUTS!

Its maddening at best. And when we were at Kidani, all 4 shared a room, it had 2 queens. It was such an eye sore. I did a dedicated 2 bedroom so I didn't even have to see their area. And I got to keep the living area a living area. Bonus!

I cannot imagine how messy a stateroom would get. Aren't they on the small side?

WTG Chloe!!!! that is so great. I'd love to swing an OKW Gvilla but for NYE without owning there, not going to happen. Plus I'd have to give my parents the master (mom snores, no one would share with her nor would she want that) and that would annoy me to no end). They are by far the best deal. Someday though!

I made this declaration that I was checking grades and to get ready. I looked at Chloe's thinking I'd look at the worst first. Once they loaded I could hardly speak. I was like: CHLOE GOT 5 A's AND 2 B's!!! Michael said: well dip me in hsit, she pulled it off. It was a joyous occasion.

Then we checked gabby's who played it calm and cool as if she had it under control. I won't say them but I don't think she'll be off toilet duty for a while.

A GV would be nice but I think your plan now is great!

Originally Posted by franandaj

I bet they are nice! Fran just told me I could book one for the band weekend next year! I mean its only one night, but we could invite a few people to stay with us and have fun!

DCAs festival was totally different that Epcot. No kiosks (not allowed in CA), a lot centered around the demos and the paid events. We liked to stay over because the events we liked ran late and had lots of wine. I'll keep you in mind if we start overflowing on points!

How wonderful for you and your band. I bet they'll be so excited.Why no kiosks at the festival? I'm guessing it some law?

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Catching up!


50's PT looks awesome.

And all this talk of fudge is not doing me any good. I'm now too many miles away from getting some!

back! I need to check out your report for an update.

50's was fabulous. Best Disney meal we've had by far in terms of overall fun, food, and especially service. I put that in the email I sent.

Originally Posted by scottny

I read your report tonight and it is great. The pics you got are really good.

Looks like fun times so far.

I would love to try THV one day.

We were there to then till the 20th so enjoying your view of the week there.

Your picture taking sounds like me. I took 2600 this trip.

;welcome: Scott. Are you the same Scott that's on FB in the Disney Talk group? Thanks for joining in.

You took 2600 pics? How long was your trip? I see your link, I'll go check out your report.

The THV were amazing. I really loved SSR too. Its such a pretty resort and well maintained.



Working on an update right now.

[DrMomof3]

I'm incredibly far behind! No power for 10 days will do that to you.
Love your pics and your updates!

Amanda

[rentayenta]

Before I proceed with our day I have to add that that morning we got a call from Kaylas mom; their doggie had passed away. Poor thing, she was just heart broken. I wasnt sure if she should fly home or stay or what so let her sort of navigate how she was feeling. I didnt want her to feel like she had to stay but also knew there was nothing she could do if she went home. I gave her the option and she decided to stay. Epcot was very hot that day and she and Gab bugged out a little early to rest. Im so glad they did.

After we purchased our wristlets, we walked over to WS and F&W. I had done a fair amount of research, or so I thought. Holy wow! On our last two trips we really got just a small taste of WS. It was hot, kids were much younger, and we didnt get to spend a lot of time there. This trip would be much different.



Chris and Joshua. The kids are really such fun friends. I swear, youd never know we met only 5 years ago, it seems like weve known each other forever:



I didnt take pics of everything we tried but we sampled a lot. We were greedy on this first go but quickly learned that we were going to need to share to be able to sample more. I found some booths to have great deals and others to be big old rip offs. For example this $6 thimble of ice wine from Canada. Redick! The mushroom filet was delicious though.



And Alison, you were 100% correct, Ireland rocked! We ate this twice during the trip:



And how could we not eat snails:







I had been texting with Jennifer and trying to find a meeting time and place. Jenna and I really wanted to meet her and we knew today would be the only day..........

The rest of these photos may be out of order but the important part is we had a great day at our first F&W fesitval.

Jenna and her crew minus Chris:



Jenna and I really wanted to try the Cosmo slushies so we sent the boys to fetch them:





Me and my guy:



Once in Japan the kids went into the BIG store to shop but not before I got a pic. About that time I got a text from Jennifer and she was on her way.





I went in to the store to check on Chloe, knowing it was a very real possibility that she'd blow the bank. When I came back Jen was there! Yay! We'd all been chatting on FB for a while and were so eager to meet her.

We must have been looking at Nates camera in this one:



And then Michaels:



And then a candid which are Michaels favorite to take:



She was as cool as I thought shed be. Some people you meet and click with and she is one of them. Jen for dragging your buzzed *** over to meet us.


continued in next post:

[rentayenta]

Some odd random not-really-sure-why-he-took-these shots. I think Michael was stalking me. Or messing with the camera settings:





Feels like I am at a Dead show by the drum circle:



Pork slider. Fabulous:



Candid payback:



And because I’m an anxious freak, I had to see what attractions were open for tonight’s plan to attend MK’s EMH:



We were in need of a break if we were going to stay the whole night at MK so off we went. Our FP return time for Soarin’ wasn’t for another hour but we were ready to go. The *new* FP enforcement took a few days to get use to for sure. We knew we’d be back to ride our beloved Soarin’. A break would be more valuable due to the heat, cocktails, and full bellies. Jenna and her crew were going back to swim.

The bus arrived quickly and we were on our way. Once we got back to the Springs, the kids ran in to trade with that sweet CM with the pin board while I snapped a few pics:










A THV bus came while they were trading but I decided to be a nice mom and not ditch them. Once they got back I made Joshua pose with me. I think SSR is so beautiful:



Thanks again Michael:



And we were back *home*:



Gab and Kayla were sacked out when we got back. Chloe and Joshua soon followed. We decided to let the kids really sleep so we could get the most out of MK’s 1 am EHM. Instead of eating at MK, we grilled. Have I mentioned how fan-freaking-tastic the THV are?



Brats and dogs were on the menu. Sure they made fun of the groceries I bought but they were so happy to be able to enjoy a meal without effort......


Up next MK andf EMH

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by DrMomof3

I'm incredibly far behind! No power for 10 days will do that to you.
Love your pics and your updates!

Amanda

Oh my gosh Amanda, I'm so sorry. How are you and the kids and Tom doing? Did your home suffer damage? I was glued to CNN and the devistation is just tragic.


There is a TOC in post 4 for easier catching up.

[Ms. WDW]

After an afternoon of trying to find a gas station opened and WITH gas, looking at these picures was a little bit of Heaven!!

Which reminds me...it's almost time to make next October's reservation!

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by Ms. WDW

After an afternoon of trying to find a gas station opened and WITH gas, looking at these picures was a little bit of Heaven!!

Which reminds me...it's almost time to make next October's reservation!

When do the rations start? Growing up we owned a Union 76 station and I remember the gas rationing days too. I believe we were an even day. What a pain. How are you?

Do you go every October?

[PrincessInOz]

Amazing update. I love Food and Wine...just wished I lived closer. And I'm with Michael. Is it wrong to admit that I loved the candid shots of you?

Nice to have a DisMeet. I've always found all my DisMeet buddies to be awesome!

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Amazing update. I love Food and Wine...just wished I lived closer. And I'm with Michael. Is it wrong to admit that I loved the candid shots of you?

Nice to have a DisMeet. I've always found all my DisMeet buddies to be awesome!

Thank you We had such a good time and meeting Jen was a treat. I love how meeting people in real life after meeting them online now carries virtually no taboo. Jenna is a dear dear friend and I met her on a Disney website.

I'd love to do an adults only F&W trip and stay at the BWV or BCV.

[kaoden39]

I am loving your updates. I just don't comment much.


We were an odd day.