Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: 2 updates 5/20 p. 85

[kaoden39]

Originally Posted by franandaj

Michele,
I really hope that you get some answers.....

Thank you, Allison.


When is your next cruise?

[franandaj]

Originally Posted by kaoden39

Thank you, Allison.


When is your next cruise?

Everything is my signature, the cruise is after my next WDW trip...I don't have a TR for the cruise since I'm still trying to wrap up the Destination D thing, but I do have a PTR for my WDW trip.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by franandaj

Michele,
I really hope that you get some answers.....

I hope so too Michele.

[lisaviolet]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

To the non Disney fan, I'm sure I sound silly but around these parts, YOU ALL GET IT!

I will post a full, very detailed report of our day at Disney and Club 33.

So true on the first and yeah on the second.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

the sun hasn't shown/shined for about 5 days. Even in the cold, I need to see the sun.
?

So true part deux. I live in a sunny city that has suddenly become VERY gloomy. So strange. I too need the sun. It was sunny all week after weeks of gloom and it's like you wanted to smile simply for a blue sky. Actually the smile came and then the realization!

Originally Posted by kaoden39

The waiting has been awful. He is frustrated, he is always tired. It is hard on him because he is normally a physical person. He likes to run and ride his bicycle and most days he has no energy. Plus his work is crazy right now, so he isn't off much and that is exhausting. The reason they waited to do the second biopsy is because they wanted his prostate to heal before they did it again. He is not looking forward to it because it is so painful and so is the recovery.

I know I'm a stranger - but I'm so very sorry.

[kaoden39]

Originally Posted by franandaj

Everything is my signature, the cruise is after my next WDW trip...I don't have a TR for the cruise since I'm still trying to wrap up the Destination D thing, but I do have a PTR for my WDW trip.

I am going to go over there now.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

I hope so too Michele.

Thank you Jenny.

Originally Posted by lisaviolet

So true on the first and yeah on the second.



So true part deux. I live in a sunny city that has suddenly become VERY gloomy. So strange. I too need the sun. It was sunny all week after weeks of gloom and it's like you wanted to smile simply for a blue sky. Actually the smile came and then the realization!



I know I'm a stranger - but I'm so very sorry.

Thank you.

We had the first beautiful and warm day here in a while today. It did a lot to improve my mood.

[Native NYer]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

I'm beyond elated! Sadee too who knew nothing of it but now can't believe how lucky she is.

I bet GFV will for $120+ per point through Disney. And I bet it'll be worth it!

I'm hoping there are model villas to tour this summer.

[Native NYer]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Mini birthday update. Today Michael booked the Disneyland Hotel for me for the night we arrive to California. He knew I'd want to wake up to the magic. I am so excited I haven't stayed at the DLH since 2005. The rooms have since been refurbed. He was able to manage using banked and current points. This is going to be a birthday for the books. I feel very very blessed.

Joshua is also making me a mega list of the souvenirs to bring him. He wants a cozy cone cup, a vinylmation, and a Club 33 cookie.

That's fantastic!!! I can't wait to see your photos.

[rentayenta]

Sorry about the delay in updating, my Photobucket was giving me mad grief so I finally just opened a second account. Im super smart like that. Haha!

Our plan for the day was to enjoy AK to the fullest, like we did, and then head to Epcot that evening for an ADR at Rose and Crown, watch Illuminations, and enjoy some F&W. We were also meeting Jenna et al after Rose and Crown as they were going to enjoy the kiosks for dinner. Guess who didnt know that F&W shut down during/after Illuminations? This girl. Not to worry, we still had a blast, we just made some minor...okay major... adjustments. Because I thought F&W stayed open I canceled our Rose and Crown ADR. I know, smoth move numero dos in deciding tonights plans. Thankfully my family is never 100% aware of anything I've got planned so they don't know if I've messed up.

Earlier I had text Cynthia and we were going to get the chance to meet up tonight. I was really looking forward to meeting her because between here and FB, I felt I already knew here.

After AK, we went back to the THV. I made some grilled cheese, cut up fruit, and chips. We wanted to get back to WS by 8:30 in time to squeeze in a decent spot to watch Illuminations and then snack our butts off. A little later than planned we left the THV and arrived at Epcot with about 20 minutes before the show. We only snacked a little at the THV as I was sure we'd have many kiosk options to indulge in. Not so much.

I grabbed a spot for Illuminations with Joshus while the others doddled along. The girls wanted to check out the store right as you enter WS so Michael took them in there. I text: good luck finding us suckers. Joshua will always stay with me, he's the best vacation partner. From fireworks to parades to pool time, he's always happy to do whatever I suggest. He's the best one. No really.

We grabbed an easy close spot for Illuminations. There were a few trees in our view but for 10 minutes before showtime, I thought we did great! Plus we weren't smashed into other people at all.

As usual, the photos are a mix of camera and iPhone but mostly camera where Michael was standing which was a good 20 feet back from me and the kids.

Waiting for Illuminations. Cleary the girls found us:



Our view:



My buddy. Loves that hat:



Waiting for the show:



Illuminations:



















My view was much better than his.

Cont. in next post...

[rentayenta]

After Illuminations we were heading to La Cava to meet Cynthia and her friend along with Jenna and Nate while all of the kids rode in Mexico. It was a walk on.

Now forgive me here but it had been a long day and I dont remember the names of the margaritas. What I do recall is how sweet Cynthia and her friend were along with my sweet hubby buying everyone their drinks and taking a few photos for me.







Because the kids did not want to stay in Mexico we took our drinks to go and were in search of some grub.



From left: me, Cynthia, Pat, and Jenna. to the DIS for helping me meet some truly amazing women that have fostered into great friendships.

As we strolled we realized quickly that all the kiosks were closed with a capital and bold C. Knowing not a lot would be open, almost all of us liked Morroco, and it was close we opted for their CS. It wasn't very busy so not only did we get some delicious food we also got some fun entertainment from the staff. Had the kiosks been open we never wouldnt have been able experience this. I swear, when at Disney, it always turns out better than I could hope.

Like they were just waiting for us to have some fun:











Michael getting in on the action:



Nate ordering, note him wearing Joshuas Yeti hat. Best. Buy. Ever.



Shwarma platter:





Emma wasn't thrilled with the food options here so Jenna took her to China to grab something.

By the time we ate and Jenna returned it was late and we were all tired. We chatted a little more and then bid our farewells. Although it didn't go according to plan it was a fun meet and we had a good time.

Of course my girls couldnt resist the phone booth with their love of One Direction and all. Their CD cover has a booth on this like it.



Happily locked in:




Our plans for the next included:
- a day relaxing at the High Rocks Springs pool, you all know by now how I love my pool time
- a possible DIS meet with Cynthias friends at Rose and Crown in Epcot at 1:30
- Michael to grill tri tip for the 11 of us
- MNSSHP

We got back to the villa without any issues and everyone got ready for bed. I did take the two tri tips out to thaw.


To be continued......

[disney ny]

I am so enjoying your report. You have a beautiful family and it looks like you all had such a wonderful time and enjoyed being together. I hope someday my kids will be well behaved and normal......right now my four year old is making me fear things will never get better.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by disney ny

I am so enjoying your report. You have a beautiful family and it looks like you all had such a wonderful time and enjoyed being together. I hope someday my kids will be well behaved and normal......right now my four year old is making me fear things will never get better.

Mine are only normal at Disney, that's why I love it. But seriously, I was talking to my good friend last night and I think the toddler years were by far the most difficult in terms of my emotions. They're too young to really reason with so it was frustrating for me as a parent. I promise it gets better. My kids had their share of Disney melt downs as toddlers. I remember one at Disneyland where DS lost it right before the fireworks.

[PrincessInOz]

Great update. Love the fireworks and the last minute replanning option!! Those drinks at the Cave are potent.

Looks like a great time at Morocco.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by lisaviolet

So true on the first and yeah on the second.



So true part deux. I live in a sunny city that has suddenly become VERY gloomy. So strange. I too need the sun. It was sunny all week after weeks of gloom and it's like you wanted to smile simply for a blue sky. Actually the smile came and then the realization!



I know I'm a stranger - but I'm so very sorry.

Its so true. The lack of sun now here, going on Day 10 I think is insane. I need some sunshine! At this point, I'll stop complaining about the cold if I can get a sunny day.

Originally Posted by kaoden39

I am going to go over there now.



Thank you Jenny.




Thank you.

We had the first beautiful and warm day here in a while today. It did a lot to improve my mood.

Glad you got a little sunshine. Its amazing what it can do for the soul.

Originally Posted by Native NYer

I'm hoping there are model villas to tour this summer.

That'd be awesome! Do they have an opening date?

Originally Posted by Native NYer

That's fantastic!!! I can't wait to see your photos.

I'm so excited. I've been googling pictures and sending them to my friend daily.

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Great update. Love the fireworks and the last minute replanning option!! Those drinks at the Cave are potent.

Looks like a great time at Morocco.

Their drinks are potent. It was my first time there. If the kiosks would have been open we would have sent the kids on their way and stayed for another drink.

Morocco was a blast. I love when everyone gets into the fun.

[Goofyluver]

So, I've leaving this update with the following:

I want a shwarma platter, and I want to dance with Moroccans?

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by Goofyluver

So, I've leaving this update with the following:

I want a shwarma platter, and I want to dance with Moroccans?

It was pretty cool. I had never read about it in any report before so it was a fun surprise. I like when people enjoy their jobs. Morocco remains my favorite country in Epcot. The platter was delicious. The hummus was outstanding. As were the greens but I can't remember the name. The whole plate was delicious and HUGE and around $12; total bargain. I had the lamb.

I found it on allears:

Shawarma Platters - served with side of Hummus, Tabouleh and a Tangierine Couscous Salad with fresh Moroccan bread
Chicken & Lamb Combo $13.99
Chicken $11.99
Lamb $12.99