Hi from Florida. We had a great time in Epcot even with rain and cool temps. It was great after the rain stopped in the morning. Soarin' was amazing and we even got the new one and were in the middle section. I think I liked the 50° temps better than the 90's we had last March. We even park hopped over to Magic Kingdom which we've never done before. We're taking a day off already to give my son, who joined us yesterday, a day to adjust as he works nights. Delta had a system shutdown yesterday, but luckily he was in the air. It did take almost an hour to get off the plane as they couldn't find an empty gate.
How exciting to get out of debt. It will be interesting to see your updates on how you do it. My daughter's family got so far in debt with her dh getting new credit cards with no interest and transferring all his balances. The bad part was he's very smart but not very logical. Every time he did it he felt he didn't have to pay much so it kept getting worse. My husband tried to tell him he could pay more off since he wasn't paying interest. He said why would I want to do that? So now they're in a program to pay it off. It helps now that my daughter found a full time teaching job instead of subbing.
It's starting to warm up now and after today it will be in the 70's. Our pool is wonderfully warm and we plan on using it and probably sit mostly in the hot tub as the high is supposed to be 63°. Tomorrow we will go to HS and our first time at SciFi.
Yay!!! Keep your eyes open for Suzi - she is down there right now.
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time! Enjoy!!!! Glad to hear that your son made it safely despite the shut down.
We are making progress towards debt - so that's good.
Credit cards are evil - interest free or not.
I hope your dd and sil are able to find their way to financial freedom... Check out daveramsey.com - an excellent program.
Enjoy your vacation and enjoy SciFi - it's a great place.
I'm sure it's great to have the truck back. Has to make your running around easier.
Did v get her drivers license yet?
Dh is in full Disney food planning mode. Between him and my girls our list of where they want to eat is out of control. Good thing we have a while to plan it out.
It's wonderful to have all of our vehicles back and being able to go when I need to go - even though it's my goal at the moment to stay home as much as possible.
No, V does not have her drivers license yet... Not for any other reason - aside from the fact that she hasn't mentioned the desire to go get it done. I figure when she is ready, she will ask - and until then, I will enjoy not having to pay for the inflated insurance prices.
Yay for Disney planning !!! So fun!!! I hope you all are able to compromise, yet enjoy the meals that are most important. Happy planning!!!
As of today, I've been doing my 30DS for a full week I've been trying to make better choices for my meals and haven't snacked at all (which has been THE hardest part of all!!!!) Yesterday, I gave myself a rest day from the workout, but we went out for breakfast and had a big birthday dinner and drinks for my Dad, so my eating (and drinking!!!) was not so great. Back at it this morning with an early morning wake-up, work out and off to school for the day! Not that you have to care, but it makes me feel accountable if I tell somebody what I'm up to 
Rob and I decided yesterday that we are for sure signing up for the WDW 5K in January 2018, so I set a new countdown on my phone 
Now, just have to figure out some actual trip dates and get started planning again.
Yay!!! What kind of changes are you seeing? Anything yet? I've also been trying to avoid snacking - it was going really well until this week... I made homemade pound cake on Sunday (big mistake) - and I am the only one eating it. It's going in the trash today - I need the temptation gone!
Rest days are (perhaps) MORE important than work-out days, and I do think you need more than 1 rest day per week - it's my experience that 2 is a MINIMUM... Your body NEEDS those rest days to build muscle - as it builds muscle at rest... Google it.
Aside from the fact that the burn out rate is high if you don't take a break.
I am happy to keep you accountable - and anxious to hear how the rest of your week has been going!
Yay for you - I am very excited!!! That is awesome! I am still unsure about January... I am pretty gung-ho on this "paying off debt" thing, and it's entirely possible that we could be debt free (not including the mortgage) by the end of the year - IF I don't do a Disney trip... Or put it off for a few extra months beyond January... So, we'll see.
I hope you're having a great week!
I'm so glad the truck is back! I laughed about "3.5 vehicles" -- what's the ".5"? I am working on a secret for my husband...I've been working towards being able to pay of his car loan a bit early and it looks like I'll be able to pay it off this month as a surprise for him. Yea! And then I'll apply that payment amount to Alyssa's car payment and we'll be able to get her car paid off ahead of schedule.
I really need to work on lowering our grocery bills. It's ridiculous how much we spend on groceries. But I have started shopping at Aldi for produce, and I generally do the rest at Target (love the red card discount)...but I still think it's ridiculous how much we spend on groceries for three people.
Great trip report! I wonder why the food was causing stomach upset during the trip...? Any thoughts on that? So fun to be able to meet up with friends while you're at Disney.
I just got scheduled to go to Florida for a day for work next month. Last time that happened I added a day to my trip and did a one day at Disney with a friend from work who was also on the work trip. Not sure I'll do that this time. We expect my father-in-law to pass away any time now, sadly...the doctors are saying possibly up to six weeks but honestly, we think it will be sooner. Hospice was called in last week but after a few days they told my mother-in-law that his needs exceed their abilities right now and so he's going into a care center today. We think that, once he realizes he's in a care center, he's going to just give up the little bit of will to live he had left. But my mother-in-law physically can't care for him at home...she's had to call for help to move him because he's unable to help move himself. It's so very sad. So it looks like we'll be making a trip out to Utah in the next several weeks for his funeral...it's so sad and we're having a hard time coming to terms with it.
Sorry to go off on a sad tangent... Anyway, as much as I'd love to add a Disney day to my trip, I just don't think it's in the cards for next month. Too many unknowns right now...
I really, really want to see Hidden Figures!
Fun TR update!!!
Hahaha... The .5 vehicle is Josh's Jeep Wrangler - it has a soft top on it - so he typically only drives it during the non-snow months.
It's also a manual transmission - and even though I was once a seasoned manual driver - it's been nearly 2 decades since I've owned one, so I prefer not to drive the Jeep. Once in a while - if it's nice - he'll take it to work in the winter, but not often... So, it only gets the designation of .5.
That would be an AMAZING surprise for your DH!!! Keep me updated - I'd love to hear if you are able to accomplish this!
I have made it our mission to stay within our grocery budget - which is hard... At $450/month for 4 of us, I find that I need to be diligent to stay under this. Prior to the "truck incident" - we've always had a "grocery budget" - but I would find myself at the store almost daily grabbing things that I missed, because I never decided what was for meals until the day of - or sometimes the day before. The truck almost forced us (did force us) to re-evaluate our spending in a big way... Since Christmas, I have started menu planning - and this has helped immensely... I sit down the Sunday before I shop and I plan out my 2 week's worth of meals - and I am ONLY buying for what is on my meal list... And I double check the pantry beforehand - so I don't buy something I already have. It's a struggle - it truly is... We would totally nose dive if it wasn't for Aldi's produce - there is no way we could eat semi-nutritionally with out Aldis. And - the red debit card extra 5% off - doesn't sound like much, but it helps greatly... Cartwheel too. However - now that I am planning meals and making double sure that I have every ingredient on hand - this takes maybe an hour out of my Sunday mornings... But it's keeping me OUT of the stores during the week - which has been a God-send!!! I have yet to have to go back to grab something I'd "forgot" on my list. I highly recommend this - it's been an eye opener and a "duh" moment all at the same time for me. LOL I know we are all busy - but I feel like, even though this does take some time for me on Sunday mornings - it's a total time saver during the week and I get that hour back 10 fold with a plan in place.
I am not sure what the Disney food was doing to me... If I go back and read some of my previous TRs - I find the same thing over and over again. I think it's just the Disney food in general - it's too heavy and too much - and something my body just isn't used to.
What a terrible and difficult situation for all of you. Praying for peace for all of you during this time.
It's such a sad time and very difficult to watch, knowing that nothing can be done - yet trying to help where you can. Sending big hugs!!!
I totally understand about not being able to add a Disney day to your trip - hopefully, maybe next time you'll be able to.
I highly recommend Hidden Figures - it was very good!
Thanks!!! I hope you're having a good week!
It's nice to have some days that you don't have to do anything.
I don't know the dates we are going to be in the Netherlands yet. We have a rough plan at the moment of where we are on which dates. But I know that will change because we are not sure how fast we are able to drive each day.
Ulf and I went to my parents house yesterday to ask if we can borrow their caravan for 5 weeks next summer. We haven't decided if we want to use the caravan or a tent on our trip. There are pros and cons to both options. At the moment we are leaning most towards the caravan.
Yes - I seem to be having lots of them - not complaining though.
Well - let me know when your dates are more firm, and I'll pass along the info to V.
Hopefully you are able to figure out soon which vehicle you want to take, then you can set some more firm plans into place.
I hope you are having a great week!
D- I am so happy for you that you got the truck back! Sounds like you had a nice low-key weekend. I love the update- I just hate that it's coming to the end. The last time at Magic Kingdom on a trip always gives me the "feels" too. I usually like to just stop at the end of Main Street and just turn around for one last look at the castle.
I completely understand about wanting to pay off your debts. One of the reasons my DH wanted to come here is because we get extra cost of living allowance (cola) & a lot of people leave debt free if they just put that extra toward bills instead of spending it- which is what we have been trying to do. It's hard when you want to do something or buy something, but in the long run, it will benefit the whole family.
I've had an uneventful weekend as well. Quinn has been yucky for the last week with a cold, so I've had to constantly chase her around wiping her nose . Today is my last day on Whole30! I made it!! I just wanted to say sincerely, thank you for all your encouragement and tips and for inspiring me to do this. I have to say that I am nervous about reintroduction but also resigned that there is no actual "end" when it comes to being healthy. I just feel over-all better about myself and ready to begin the next part of the journey. Anyway- thank you, Dorine.
It was a nice low-key weekend! I feel like we have too many of them under our belt recently and more to come... meh - but it is, what it is and it's OK.
I can't turn around when I am leaving MK for one last look - then I certainly would cry... I am better off looking straight ahead and saying to myself "see ya real soon!"
That is awesome!!! I hope that you and DH are able to reach your financial goals while you are in Japan!
That would be awesome for your homecoming!
CONGRATULATIONS on completing your first W30!!!!
I am sooooo incredibly proud of you!!! It's such a hard thing to do - yet the mind game is the hardest part - once you get past that, I think it gets easier.
You had a lot of obstacles to get around and you did it!!! Amazing!!!! I cannot wait to hear how your reintro is going and how you are handling it - yes - the REAL food eating is the biggest eye opener and it sticks with you - doesn't it... It's certainly appalling at how much our food supply really isn't food at all, isn't it?
Proud of you, my friend!!! So. very. proud.
Hi D,
Just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm still here and reading along. I am so sad that you guys are on your last day. I so enjoy reading your trip reports. I still have about 220 days until our next trip, so I've been living vicariously through you. Thank you so much for sharing your trips and your day to day life with all of us. It's been fun!
Hey!!! Thanks for stopping by! I know - I cannot believe I am already writing about our last full day - it's so sad!!! I am glad you are enjoying reading along though - thanks!
I love sharing it all with you guys - all of you keep me accountable - both for TR finishing and just LIFE in general.
Thanks for following along and joining in!
Hi D,
I booked my trip to WDW today! Late August / Early September, we are going to be staying at Port Orleans - Riverside (Alligator Bayou section). We could change to 2 rooms somewhere, if money starts growing on trees.
Glad you got your truck back. Always nice to have vehicles running. I have my van sitting in driveway, waiting to be fixed. However, since my kids are doing absolutely nothing to learn to drive (well, one is in Japan, so I will give her a break), no reason to fix it for them.
We got stuck on CoP in 2 different scenes. One was in between decades. The other time was the last scene. That was our first visit to WDW and my kids first experience with it. Sadly, it was their last. They have refused to ride it ever since.
Marissa is all moved to her new host family. It is a 3-story, single-family house. She fell down the stairs on her first day and is pretty much bruised all over. She is really close to the Skytree. It is like the Space Needle in Seattle, but the Skytree has the honor of being the tallest structure (man-made) on earth. Not sure if she will do the observation tower or not. She actually has a bed in this room (although she needs to fold it up each morning). The toilet seat is NOT heated at this house. She said she would miss that. Other than that, she said the family seems nice and they love Star Wars. The new place is 4 train rides from school. Her last place was only 2 train rides. She just finished her last class, so she is on her 2 month break. She isn't sure exactly how she will occupy her time until the next semester begins. She will go to Disney again (special college days these next 2 months). Some of the friends she made over there are heading back home. So there has been many changes the last few days. She did go to a rabbit café as a farewell dinner with a friend. I don't think she has been to a cat café yet. There are restaurants that have live animals you can hold. I saw pictures with her with them holding bunnies. Very cute.
Hope you have a good week.
Yay!!! Congratulations!!! That is so exciting!!!
Love POR - I've never stayed there, but I have spent a bit of time there - it's a great resort! I am so excited for you!
It's nice to have all of our vehicles running again! I totally understand about your van - I'd make the exact same decision too.
Hahhaa - it's a great ride, but being trapped on it is no fun either. LOL So I understand their reluctance to get back on it... However - I'd much rather be suck on CoP vs. Space Mountain - I think I'd freak out on that one if I was on it and all the lights came on - I've heard stories. LOL
I am happy and relieved to hear that Marissa's move went well... It's such a bummer that she had to move at all - but it sounds like she is very resilient and making it work out for her. I am so happy to hear that she is getting to experience so much while she is there - she will have such fond memories when she comes back. How are you holding up???? I know it's so hard to have them gone and so far away!
Yeah for having the truck back! I know the bill hurt but it's worth it.
Hahaha! I'm glad I'm not the only one! CoP and Hall of Presidents did me in.
Yes - it definitely hurt - but it was an eye opener that we needed to have. Even though I am a stickler about paying cash for our trips - there is still a lot of other financial stuff that we need to get our act together on, and THIS is the year for us - I am determined!
Yup... And the American pavilion in Epcot... Finding Nemo in AK... Lots of great opportunities for naps. LOL
Just stopping by to say hi D and getting caught up on your TR updates. Last day at MK - so sad. But, I feel another trip for you is around the corner. Love the idea you had to get books signed for the littles. Too cute. The BOG theme is really amazing.
I was thinking the same thing; was the rich Disney food every day starting to make you feel sick? I know if I get too far off my grid in eating I start getting stomach issues. There is just too much good food there.
I was wondering the same thing; did V get her license?
Yay for getting the truck back and paying cash. I wish I could get my food budget down; but eating healthy is more costly. And about 90% of the time DH takes him lunch; I take mine always. And we all eat something from home for breakfast. That adds up. And you can't seem to find coupons or sales for the more healthy options at the store.
Take care D; hugs and prayers.
Yes - I sure hope another trip is around the corner - it may be a while though... Gotta get a few more priorities done first.
The books turned out really cute - I would have liked to have had more signatures on them, but oh well... Next time we will try to think of things like this a little more in advance. LOL
Yes - I am sure... All of my TRs mention food issues through the years - there's just so much there and so much about it that is an unknown... I am sure my body just freaks out at eating all of the stuff that I don't normally eat. And as much as I love it and dream about it while I am not there - I can only realistically handle so much. LOL
V does not have her license yet... Not for anything other than her not mentioning that she wants to go do it... And I am certainly not going to force her or do it for her... I am flat-out enjoying the fact that I don't have to pay for under 18 insurance premiums at the moment. LOL
Yes - having all of those meals at home does add up! I eat mostly at home and I find that eggs are a great budget saver - I have them almost every morning for breakfast and they are my go-to for lunches too, if I don't have leftovers to choose from.
I typically buy about 6 dozen every two weeks!
I am also finding the menu planning is helping a lot - go read my incredibly LONG paragraph response to Stephanie above - there are some great ideas in there - if you are interested.
Aldis has been a lifesaver for produce - do you have one of those near you?
Take care Carol and I hope you are having a good week!
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Wow!!! I am a bit shocked at myself, that I haven't been here to do responses since Monday... Shame on me!
I haven't been doing much of anything... Working... Working out... Working at Target... a bit of reading and Facebooking... Pretty boring stuff and certainly not stuff that's interesting to write about. LOL
I am super into Dave Ramsey right now and our budget... Almost obsessively so... For those of you who don't know him - I suggest reading up on his principles... As, you'll likely be hearing a lot about him in this TR or my PTR in the coming months.
And his podcasts are super motivating as well... Guess what I am listening to now while I am sewing? LOL I guess there are worse things to be obsessed with...
We had some great news the other day... We are having a surprise visitor next week and we are all very excited!!! I am not sure if I should tell you all who it is or not???? I can't decide... Maybe I'll let you guess and I"ll reveal it later? LOL Gotta keep some excitement going here...
That's about all... Nothing else is new or fun... Oh - I've been stalking Suzi in WDW and Ariana in DL... Two great friends on opposite sides of the country enjoying Disney.
I hope you all are having a great week. Sending prayers and pixie dust out to all of you!
D~
But that is all at least a year away so I will just have to keep reading trip reports.
