franandaj
I'm so happy, I could BOUNCE!
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2009
Hey look, teenager! There's no lines over at Space Mountain!
Said no one!
Hey look, teenager! There's no lines over at Space Mountain!
Kinda means "on call". No regular schedule and no guaranteed hours. Of course no benefits either.I never heard of a per diem employee. Time for Polly to google..
Yes, ginger works quite well!I've never thought of that, maybe even some ginger caplets...
Sweet! I can't wait to hear what shannegans go down when all of you get together!
I never heard of a per diem employee. Time for Polly to google..
I heard a statistic that actually shocked me the other day. Only 72% of American own one. REALLY?! I thought it'd be more like 95%. Interesting anyway.
Kinda means "on call". No regular schedule and no guaranteed hours. Of course no benefits either.
I’d find out if my faith in humanity would be upheld… or shot down like a “a good idea” coming out of an HR Dept.
I set my sneakers to warp speed and was at the ride's disembarking platform in no time. Because warp speed does that to time. More or less. No, I won't debate you on this.
But before she would hand it to me, she asked me to enter the passcode while she watched. Savvy, Disney. Savvy!
And nowadays everyone has a cell phone. (Except my husband. He commutes to work with a horse and buggy too. But that’s another discussion for another day. )
Maybe? Would someone really tell you, though, if they had been waiting forever for you and were anxious to get on with the day?
I saw someone waving from a bench near the ride exit and assumed it was her anyway, so I said HI! from across the courtyard. Good thing it was her! That’d been pretty awkward if it wasn't. Then again, I do a lot of awkward things and still seem to have one or two friends.
She introduced me to the guy sitting next to her, and I guessed correctly it was her husband.
Finally I heard back with a typical, “Where ARE you?!” As if I was the one not doing my part to meet back up. Dryly, i replied, "Right here by the ride exit where I told you to meet me!” “Okay, be right there.”
I think we would probably call it agency work unless it is a zero hours contract. Liesa are you directly employed by the hospital? My favourite phrase using the Latin diem is Carpe diem meaning 'Seize the day'. A motto I try to live by.
I see. Thank you. I think @Princess Leia is right we call this agency or bank.
I'm all caught up!
I struggled to get the E in the photo competition. I went... UK, Britain, Great Britain..they don't begin with E. Aww England!
I loved your Hallowe'en photos.
I feel for you on the phone. On our 2015 trip Hannah left hers on a bus!
I suppose that's still a lot higher than Americans who own a passport. Statistics are always an interesting thing in that there is such a wide variance between sources. As the saying goes 'There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics' or 'Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable'. As for politicians...we're not allowed to discuss them.
Since you asked... currently reading a cozy mystery series by Becki Willis called The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series. I'm on book 3 out of 4, and I really like the main character, Madison. Next up for my book club is Stone Song: A Novel Of The Life Of Crazy Horse by Win Blevins. Then, for my holiday in February I have The Princes Of Ireland by Edward Rutherford, Property Of A Noblewoman by Danielle Steel, and Commitment by Julie Ellis, as well as a couple of audiobooks for back up... (secretly I long to be a book proofreader...)
Glad you found your phone. We spent yesterday morning going through the house looking for Judy's wristlet. The last place she could remember using it was a pizza place where she had brought home a pizza earlier in the week (I was away on business), but she was sure she brought it home. Finally I said, well why don't you call and ask them if they have it there. She did, and they had it. Much relief, but we thought it was strange that they never called to say, "hey, we have your little purse". They have our phone number to be sure that we won't order a pizza and not pick it up.
Is there anyone in America that likes their HR department?
You got those Flux Capacitor shoes, then.
Is it 12345? Same combination I have on my luggage.
And here I thought I was the last holdout on cell phones. He wins!
This also would have been awkward if you were wrong.
Parenthood is so glamorous sometimes.
Actually, no. Well, I supposed it could be that. But in my case, I am a direct employee of my ambulatory surgical center, and it's more of a Zero Hours Contract. I am not guaranteed hours, get no benefits nor PTO. BUT, and here's where it works to my own advantage: I get a higher hourly payrate, can opt out if called in or say no to shifts if I have other stuff going on, and don't HAVE to work a minimum 20 or 30 hours (pt/ft) in order to keep said bennies. Luckily, I don't need the bennies due to my husband getting them with his job with the State of Oregon. Insurances are covered as well as most of the retirement he thinks we need. So for my situation it's a win-win. Does that make more sense?
no new Corvettes (do you see the little tear running down my face?),
In fact, I got exactly ZERO hours this whole week.
Having been soundly disappointed with Soarin’,
It took an interminably long time, made more anguishing knowing that in about 10 minutes, I’d find out if my faith in humanity would be upheld… or shot down like a “a good idea” coming out of an HR Dept.
I set my sneakers to warp speed and was at the ride's disembarking platform in no time.
(Ok, ok. Yes, it was my phone.)
To be very honest, I had thought my chances of recovering that phone were better than not. I knew right where I’d lost it, and well… it’s Disney.
(Except my husband. He commutes to work with a horse and buggy too. But that’s another discussion for another day. )
Although I haven’t yet, before my trip in March I’ll be getting a tile to put on the phone,
And c) I don't want some of my stuff ON the Cloud.
I had a phone call to make… to Shelly, aka @DISNEYMOON10121991 .
(Maybe? Would someone really tell you, though, if they had been waiting forever for you and were anxious to get on with the day?)
so I said HI! from across the courtyard. Good thing it was her! That’d been pretty awkward if it wasn't.
actually spent a good 20-30 minutes talking while the kids went off to do Mission Space.
By 14 and 18 they can puke their way home on a Disney bus all by themselves.
Aren’t my parenting skills astounding?!
Finally I heard back with a typical, “Where ARE you?!” As if I was the one not doing my part to meet back up. Dryly, i replied, "Right here by the ride exit where I told you to meet me!” “Okay, be right there.”
So, I did it. And believe it or not, I actually enjoyed it.
AND we all came out unscathed with all of our pocket technology right where it belonged- NOT in pockets!
Yes, they do like speakers with sub woofers, gloves, socks and pants.
I actually am formulating a strategy, and indeed may change a couple.
Shut yer trap. You have a Harley. I'm crying a river for you.... See?
HEY! I have an idea. I'll bring the neon green lights in from the garage and install them near the faucet so it can be more Fountain-of-Nationsesque!!
Yep. Well, not Silestone brand, but manufactured granite anyway.
Why yes! Yes, you are!
I remember a major blowout in about 2009 or so? when more than a bunch of folks were caught DISBashing on another site and were all tossed out on their noses in one fell swoop.
Well we can't get into that much trouble, we do have to set a good example for the teenager!
Hey look, teenager! There's no lines over at Space Mountain!
She's be gone a llooooooong time though...
J is for Just Me, Yet Just Amazing
Some evenings are magical. And some are almost perfect. This was one of those.
I put out the call to anyone who’d respond to join me at Victoria and Albert's.
chefs in classic white toques.
I realized that it was a major longshot to get a dinner partner for this extravagant splurge, but still thought it’d be more fun to share such an experience.
Yes, I’ve sat in front of show kitchens before; yes, I’ve had my napkin folded on my chair while I’ve stepped out; yes, I’ve had wine pairings with each course, but this… THIS!
Alas, it was not to be, and you know what?! I was TOTALLY okay with that. I have done many solo vacations and have spent a lot of time by myself just doing my thing, and I am truly, completely comfortable in my own company.
Men - Sport coat or suit jacket with slacks or dress pants; tie is optional.
Casual attire, such as jeans, shorts, capris, sandals, flip-flops or athletic shoes, is not permitted."
I LOVE dressing up! This is my kind of place! I’ve done Civil War re-enacting, sewn by hand, worn, and danced in formal 1860s ballgowns, and love costuming pretty much anything.
You know what made it even better? I found yet one more reason to wear my tiara. Who doesn’t love a tiara? (guys, I’ll allow you to skip that question.)
An hour before my scheduled seating, because most people can’t just hop on a bus and expect to be anywhere on Disney property in 10 minutes like some, ok, one, of our illustrious colleagues here, I set out.
the monorail- the only REAL way to arrive in class and style at the Grand Floridian.
I stood there in the very short line, and just in front of me stood quite possibly the fairest princess in all the land. The most beautiful little pixie I’d ever beheld. In a gown almost as pretty as she, she waited patiently with her Mom and Dad and HOLY Crap!.... we had matching tiaras!!! There was NO WAY I wasn’t going to give her royal greetings and become her friend
We continued to talk and I told her I was going to a very special dinner, so I wanted to look like a princess too. Of allllll the magical things I experienced over the course of the evening, her telling me that I did was the best of all.
It is no doubt my favorite photo of the entire trip.
We arrived at the platform and had to part ways. She was just about to the door, but suddenly turned around and ran back to me, and gave me a huge, giant hug. I nearly burst into tears.
The piano music filled the space creating a luxurious atmosphere to be welcomed into.
I’ve spent some time just sitting in this area with my eyes closed on a couch taking in the live music on past trips,
I easily found the entrance and was instantly greeted BY NAME as the door was opened for me. “Good evening, Mrs. Buren. Welcome to Victoria and Albert’s”.
Since he was in a tux and knew my name we were off to a great start.
my, not one, but two, servers, Sharon, and some other guy. Sorry, some other guy, you brought plates out to me and were there, but you were outshone by the blazing star named Sharon.
“In 1971, the term Kabinett was officially noted in German wine law, and it was given its current definition which applies to wines which are light and non-chaptalized. Kabinett's current definition differs greatly from its etymological implications of it being areserve wine. Before 1971, the terms Naturwein (natural wine) orNatuerrein (naturally pure) were used in place of Kabinett. These terms designated non-chaptalized wine, where no other designations, such asSpätleseorAuslese, applied.[5] “
There are also some additions you could add for an upcharge, like Wagyu instead of the Kobe.
Here is my personalized menu to guide you through the courses:
Now, close your eyes. Imagine, if you will, a harpist softly strumming songs from Classic Disney movies, the delicate, occasional clinking of silver utensils on plates, soft conversation. The delicious aromas of cooked breads and meats and wine fill the air.
the dining room you see elegant tables bedecked with red roses, gigantic bouquets of fresh flowers, fabric wallpaper, fine linens, candles, wine glasses filled with beautiful red liquids, people with smiles, perfectly composed and well-behaved. Quietly around the edges the wait staff stand ready to attend to any anticipated needs of their patrons, decked in tuxes with towels over arms. Yes, it was just like in the movies.
Yes. Why in fact that is a mother of pearl hand carved spoon that I shall dine from.
If there is a food in Heaven, this is it. I’m pretty sure God Himself was in the kitchen and prepared this. Literally, if that was the only thing brought out to me all night long, I’d have gone home happy.
It was about this point that I knew why this establishment has earned the 5 Diamond status. Every single course that followed was unbelievably delicious in every meaning of the word.
It was carefully paced to make the evening as relaxing and elegant as possible.
The first fish course was the sablefish and was served with a little heap of fresh grated horseradish served on a sharkskin paddle.
At this point, I mentioned to my “other waiter” that I lived in the Willamette Valley winery area and have this very label’s tasting room within mere miles of me. This immediately brought the Maitre d’ to my table who wanted to know about my area, and talk about Oregon wines.
I don’t know a lot about wine actually, but I could carry this conversation well and it was fun hearing about how they compared with the French Noirs that grow in similar Laterite soils. Don’t I sound hoity-toity? LOL!
Got lost trying to find my table again.
I was totally mortified. I wasn’t even that juiced up, but I am CERTAIN he was like…”Sharon, cut that chick off!”
In my defense, once you get past the dining room, it’s a bit of a maze back there and I wasn’t paying any attention when I left my seat as I passed the chocolate truffle cart and got a little.... distracted.
No. Way!Have you ever had a dish served to you literally served IN its smoke? It came served under a domed glass dish, and when the server lifted it, the smoke came swirling out all around me. So. Cool.
Safely back at my table and noshing on duck, at some point I got a little chilly and Sharon noticed me rubbing my bare arms. She unobtrusively came a little closer and asked quietly if I was chilled. I confessed I was a bit, and without another word she appeared with a silk pashmina and gently wrapped it around my shoulders. I thought it an extremely classy and thoughtful move. There is nothing V&As doesn’t consider.
If this isn't food porn, there is no such thing.
I am a bit of a coffee and a cheese snob.
Sharon went WAY above and beyond at this point and offered to take my phone to the kitchen and get pictures of all the labels from the 5 selections I would be tasting.
Here is the presentation of the cheeses; I will spare you from the cheeses' labels.
Yes, I ate the gold leafing:
Now, I’m gonna be honest. I started to peter out right about the middle of the cheeses. JUST. TOO. MUCH. Too much food. Too much wine. Too full!!!!
This was not good coffee. It was GREAT coffee,
brewed using a method I’ve never seen before. It is prepared using a vacuum method and hard to describe. Best just to see it yourself.
“Liesa, sorry to bother you, but the table of 4 just over there, is asking for the pleasure of your company for coffee and conversation.”.
Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhh, ok!
“Please tell them I accept.”
“Hello. My name is Something MacLaren. “
“No. Way! My maternal grandmother was full Scotch, and her father was Clan MacLaren. He was from the Highlands and immigrated just before the war.”
“Hello. My name is Something Else MacLeod”.
Okay, now things just get.... bizarre.
My Grandmother's MOTHER was Clan MacLeod. We joked together a lot about the Clan MacLeod’s tartan… “Loud MacLeod”.
I turned to the first gentleman and he exclaimed (a bit loudly in heavy brogue), “I blimey just invited the family to dinner!”
I sat with them at least another hour
and we were the last ones out of the place and probably had the most fun of all the patrons that night.
All told, it was came to $348.67 including tax and tip and 2 glasses of purchased wine.
And it was TOTALLY worth it. TOTALLY.
Normally, each guest would choose their truffles from a cart wheeled tableside, but wisely they chose to let our conversation continue without interruption. Again, attention to detail and impeccable service.
SEE?! I found my monorail home no problem!
I can’t recommend this experience enough. It is perfectly magical in every sense and something I will remember forever.