Good morning everyone! I don't have a lot of time this morning for replies - so I am just trying to catch up on a few - so I don't have to spend so much time on them this weekend.
Good morning D, I've so enjoyed following your trip reports and especially love your house renovations. i look forward to getting up in the morning ,having my coffee and checking for updates. Is that sad? Ha! You really have a talent with your creations and your decorating style and it certainly has passed down to your girls.i'd like to say it has inspired me to get up and going with some of my own projects ... we'll see. Thanks for the great trip report. Joanne
Awwwh - I am so happy to hear that you've enjoyed my TRs and our house renos... Life is crazy sometimes - and it's been a chaotic year... It's kind of nice to have that "sigh of relief" after it's all over.
It sounds like you and I have our coffee together most mornings.
Thank you for all of the compliments - I am happy to hear that you are working on your own projects - it's fun isn't it?
Thanks for stopping by - it was nice to meet you!
That is nice to hear that Allison got a new job. It is hard to know what you want to do with your life when you have a very limited experience with what the options are. Our son has had a bit of a rough road. Our youngest daughter got a degree in one field, graphic design, worked in that field for years, and then went to nursing school and is now an RN and works in a hospital. So you never know what your kids are finally going to end up doing.
I've enjoyed your trip report. Your final evening and next morning looked very relaxing. Your resort room had a lovely view and it was nice that you could take advantage of it.
You sure got your money's worth out of that annual pass, though.
I bet she hoped all the stuff didn't crash down on her.
It is nice that your resort room had a balcony. What did you do when you stayed at POFQ?
We were always ready to go home after about six nights when we went traveled with our kids. We got tired of eating Disney food, too. We enjoyed the trips when we stayed in a villa and had a full kitchen. Being able to make a real breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon and orange juice was really nice.
They sure take their own paths - don't they? Allison seems to be flourishing with working hard and having a reason for it... I think this is going to be a good lesson for her - whether she realizes it soon or not.
Thank you - we sure enjoy staying at SoG - especially the price... Can't beat it!
When we stayed at FQ - I just sat in our room at the table and did my morning FB/Dising.... It was nothing spectacular - believe me.
I still enjoyed it though... Even without the balcony - any morning in WDW is a great one!
That sounds lovely though... When Suzi and I stayed at AKL - we didn't even touch the kitchen once, even though we very well could have.
How great that you are getting a lot done in your sewing room.
I hope you can find some time to visit your dad the coming week.
I Google Dave Ramsey and found his 7 Baby Steps. I see his advice is to have $1000 for emergency found. In Norway they recommend that you have at least 2 months worth of your salary as an emergency found. So I have at least that. They only thing on his 7 Baby Step list I haven't done is set aside money for retirement. Which I should have started a long time ago.
I practiced getting my electrical wheelchair out of the car again on Monday. It went better than the last time because I did it a little different than last time. This time I was able to practice twice before I felt that it was enough at the time. I found out that I need to get tape on the floor of the car to mark where the wheelchair has to be to be in the middle of the car so I can get out of the back door the best and easiest way. Today I went to the store to buy tape. Tomorrow the plan is to get the tape on the floor of the car so everything is ready to practice again on Thursday.
Yes - it's so nice... The week I was able to work pretty far ahead - which is always nice! It's kind of been a relief to not have a trip on the horizon - then I can just concentrate on my normal work load.
I think we are heading up there sometime this weekend.
That's the plan as of now - weather and travel should be good.
Well - the $1000 emergency fund is only a temporary emergency fund - while you are paying off debt. Once the debt is paid off - then you build your permanent 3-6 month of expenses emergency fund. Bringing the fund so low while you are paying off debt is supposed to create an "urgency" feeling to get it done quickly - as most people (including me) don't like to have so little in funds. The program has worked out well for millions of people - so I have a lot of hope that it will work for us too.
Glad you were able to get some practice with your wheelchair and your van - I think the tape on the floor is an excellent idea - I hope it works out well for you!
i FINALLY get on the dis since i have some time to myself and find this DONE? Trip over? ugh if i could cry for you i would.
WHAT?
there is so much to comment on but i can't remember everything. your PP pictures are so cute as always, I DO like the main street ones different perspective and i love them.
You and your dis meets are a huge part of your life glad the girls don't get upset about having to stop for them! LOL.. Love your girls.
Speaking of.. Someone had red shoes with Mickey on them.. They were so flipping cute!
The last of you bags you switched are adorable!!
Chip! You had some fantastic character interactions!! makes it all worth it!!
HA! you shared your sweatshirt.. Was it that chilly out for a sweatshirt? I would like to try disney with a little cooler temps!
Like suzi just had.
The Poly.. Do i even need to comment on this?
I don't think i need to.
OH! your home.. I really want you to come and redo my house. including the organizing and cleaning..
Just sayin!
I have really been thinking of an adult trip. But HOW to get away from my kids? I doubt this very much. Still good to dream.
Yes our epic Dis meets sure fell to the wayside. Again that pesky money just gets in the way! I would LOVE to come out to you... I have been looking at dog shows in your area.. bring the crazy family and let em loose at MOA.
I need a new sweatshirt
Speaking of.. I am wearing my bubba gump shirt now!
Oh this:
My house is RIGHT THERE. i can't believe you can't see that..
straight in the middle all the way up by the lake.
Here let me zoom in on it:
See? You captured it perfectly! Looks like i need some roof repairs..
Hi MO!!!! I"ve been slacking big time too! Miss you tons!!!
The girls are usually pretty good with Dis meets - most of the people they have met before - or at least heard about - so they are pretty easy going... And I don't mind if they go off on their own once they are introduced.
I try not to make my Dismeets last too long either - as I know that we all have stuff we want to see and do.
It was pretty chilly out that morning - and a sweatshirt was nice... Though later in the day - it got quite warm - but I didn't want to carry it - so I just suffered.
We ate at Bubba Gumps yesterday - as always - I thought of you girls... Miss you TONS!!!!
Oh yes - I do see your house now... I agree - I think you may need some roof work done?
I would be thrilled to come and spend your $$ to re-do your house - it would be SOOOO FUN!!!
Although - I would love it if we could coordinate another Epic Dismeet soon, it's been too long and I miss you girls like crazy! :cry: Though I agree - the $$ situation could be better.
Love ya, my friend! Sending you hugs - a lot of hugs today!!!
I understand your food overload - I feel the same way. And yes, I do want to eat at all my favorite restaurants, but we've found we just can't eat that much every trip. I've put back almost half of the weight I lost last year and I'm working hard to get it off. Found out I need to have surgery on my knee for a torn meniscus - that is scheduled for Thursday. My brother is going to take me since Charlie is working out of town. He is able to come home on the weekends, but spends all week away.
Unfortunately, we have to let our kids learn some hard lessons sometimes. I'm sorry Alison did not decide to finish her course, but as you said, its her decision.
I hope your surgery went well yesterday - thinking of you!!! Sending Pixie Dust for a quick healing!
I know the food at WDW is just too much sometimes - yet you want to fit it all in, because you don't know when your next chance will be.
It is hard - very hard... Ahhh...
It's always sad when a trip ends, but it looks like it was a great trip overall, and that's wonderful. I know what you mean about being busy... We got home from my father-in-law's funeral at 12:30 am this morning. It was a fast trip, and so busy and draining and emotional, but I'm so glad we were able to go. I came home with a cold, which is not fun.
For what it's worth (which is nothing, LOL!), I think you're doing the right thing by letting Allison learn this difficult life lesson. She'll be a better person for it. I'm glad she found a job that she enjoys. Parenting adult/almost adult children is hard...we had a bit of a bump in that road yesterday after the funeral as we were preparing to head to the airport....and I wondered for a moment if my children were 22 and 17 or 7 and 2...LOL..... Such is life!
It was a great trip!
So sad to hear about your FIL - but I am glad your entire family was able to be there to celebrate his life.
I hope you're feeling better soon.
I value everyone's opinions here - trust me!
She seems to be thriving quite well with working and having a goal to meet financially every month... Although - I am not sure I like the fact that her friends tease her for having to be on a budget... This is REAL life kids - and budget are a fact of it.
Anyways - I hope you are feeling better and you have a nice weekend.
AAACK! The last day!!! So many feels! What great memories, though! I have loved all 3 of these trip reports. Funnily enough, I have never stayed at the Poly even though we have DVC points there. My DH bought them for an anniversary gift before we found out that we would be moving to Japan. So, I know someday we will be staying there. Your pictures make me anxious to make that happen! I enjoy your life updates! Your life overhauls are inspiring, and helps to know that everyone struggles with life but commitment pays off.
So, last weekend (you probably saw the pics on FB) we went to this place- it's hard to know what to call it- it had an indoor play place for kids, pool tables, stuff like that and then it had all of these small rooms where you can eat & do karaoke. It was a command function (Marines of all ranks from the office), so it was a mixed group. It was kind of strange but a lot of fun. Anyway, someone posted a horrible picture of me on FB. I didn't want to offend her by untagging myself, but ugh! I just had to let it go, but it made me really want to commit harder to working out, etc.
Unrelated, but very Disney Related- my husband starting talking about meeting my parents in Hawaii for Christmas next year. THen he talked to my brother about it & after a lot of back & forth; we have a house rented for Christmas! And we are trying to figure out a way to do 3-4 days at Aulani before or after the whole family arrives. We have the points now, but I am afraid anything we can afford will be gone at our 7 month mark. I am determined to make it happen, though. I am hoping to get some advice here on the Dis about trading points or something as I know nothing about it. So that also has me committed to getting into better shape. I am really excited about it! A bucket list trip and also, I get to see my family!!
I have to agree with another poster above about the phase 2 30Day Shred. Holy Planks, Batman! You did warn me, though, LOL!
Looking forward to the wrap up posts here & the new PTR. Let me know when to pack up for the move: I should be a pro at moving at this point, LOL. Have a great week.
Yup - we survived another trip! LOL
Oooh - yes, you NEED to use those points at the Poly! Life doesn't get much better than that resort - IMO... Although - I've never "technically" stayed there, and likely never will - staying at SoG and using the Poly as a "hub" is probably the closest I will ever get. LOL It's OK though.
I did not see the pictures you were referring to - I don't think... But I know exactly how you feel - I have SEVERAL of my own, all of them recent - which make me feel much the same way. At least it's motivation - even if it's hard to get past. Wishing you lots of success in this area, as I know how hard it is to overcome and see the change in yourself.
Ooooh - that is SUPER exciting!!!
Congrats!!! I cannot wait to hear about your planning for this!
Yah - that Level 2 is murder! I hate doing it!
Thanks - have a wonderful weekend!
That was me!! I did level 2 for the 3rd time today and still feel like I'm flailing around like a fish out of water!! 
My hands even hurt from always being on the floor.....hopefully it gets better. Thankfully I have people here who understand because no one else wants to listen to me!
Yah - I've been doing Level 2 off n' on for 3 years - and I still look like I am crazy - LOL I don't think it ever gets better? LOL Though I totally understand.
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Sorry guys - I'll do the rest of the replies tomorrow - I just didn't have enough time this morning...
As usual - it's been a crazy week! I've been working a lot! A LOT! I am making so much progress with work that it's very motivating to keep going.
I am working out and eating well - most days - or at least trying... I've been terrible about entering all of my food in MFP all week - I need to get back to that asap! I detest it... I wish I could just eat intuitively and have that be the end of it - but alas, I cannot.
The girls and Josh and the dogs are doing well - nothing new to report there...
We did get to meet up with Myrthe and Machteld yesterday for lunch - something we were all very much looking forward to. Myrthe flew in to MN with her parents on Tuesday... and she leaves today - though her parents are here for a few more weeks. Her trip was a whirlwind trip and we are so thankful that we were able to spend some time with her... I am so thankful to have her as an ally and a Sister-in-Law!
A few pictures from the MOA yesterday... We had lunch at Bubba Gump's.
And - as always - she brought our favorite treats from Europe... She replenished Allison's favorite tea and she brought V's favorite Lays Paprika flavored chips (called Wokkels)...
I didn't take pictures of my favorites... but my favorites are spekulaas (it's a ginger-bread type cookie and sometimes comes in a cake variation, as well)... and Biz (lime flavor) - which are actually from Brazil - Myrthe's sister lives in Brazil and always sends extra Biz for me.
Josh's brother sent over a few of his favorite Belgium beers for Josh to enjoy - he was pretty excited about that!
As always - it's terribly sad to say goodbye to her... One of the sweetest and real people I have ever had in my life - someone I strive to model my life as - though I never seem to get it quite right. LOL
Today is grocery shopping day for me... It's supposed to be pretty warm here for Feb - in the 40's... So, I am thinking flip flops and capris are in order for today... I've been on winter strike for weeks - wearing my flip flops with jeans - I am so OVER long pants & shoes at this point. LOL
I hope you all have an amazing day!!!
I will check in tomorrow to do the rest of the replies - and any new ones, and I also plan to do a few TR updates this weekend! Sending prayers and Pixie Dust out to all of you!
D~
. Turns out, we had about an inch here at my house, roads were clear all the way to the city, however my brother lives a bit further out in a more rural area. I know he would have been stressed about getting out and getting to my house on time. All is good. Thanks for your good wishes!
