Grand Villa at Old Key West in March...and lots of plans to be made.

[brewcrew80]

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

The weekend was good. I shopped more than I ever have. But, Christmas shopping is now almost done. And, my jeans are all starting to be way too big on me, so, I needed some new ones. So, productive weekend.

Stayed at a hotel in Bloomington, MN. It was weird NOT checking airfare on Thursday and Friday. Like I've said, I've been looking every day. So, on Saturday morning, I went on the lobby computer, and guess what I found.......The $74 flights from Milwaukee to Orlando that I barely missed out on and mentioned in my second post in this thread. So, this time, I jumped on them. And called my parents to let them know. Tom and Angie were there for Thanksgiving too...So, I talked to Tom, and he said he might book 'em. Talked to him the next day and he booked a ticket. I asked if it was just him or him and Beth. He said, "just me...for now." so, We'll fly out Saturday the 20th at 5 pm. and get to Orlando at 9. Probably get a cheap hotel with shuttle service to the airport and get up early on Sunday to check into OKW.

Still need a flight back, but I'm not too worried about it. Knowing I can get there for a cheap price is a good piece of mind to have. But, I would really like to fly out on Saturday. Not sure how everybody else would feel about that or how easy it'd be to change hotels. If my parents are up for it, it won't be a problem, but if they end up leaving friday, the trip might be a day shorter than I'd like it to be.

So, plans finally made. I fully expect the my sister and parents to book flights soon now that 4 of us have the party started.

 

[brewcrew80]

Also, I have to say, I love how many Wisconsinites I have following along!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Also, I have to say, I love how many Wisconsinites I have following along!

And it looks like lots of Brewers fans too. My dad and I are actually leaving a day later for our April trip so we can go to the home opener.

 

[brewcrew80]

And it looks like lots of Brewers fans too. My dad and I are actually leaving a day later for our April trip so we can go to the home opener.

I just read that. fun stuff. I'm a big fan too. I have gone to the home opener 4 of the past 5 years with a group of friends. It's always our one weekend to act 10 years younger. Anyway, last year, we didn't go because it was against the stupid cubs and tickets were way expensive. So, instead, we went to 2 games in the next home weekend series. It was a lot of fun. We're torn as to what to do this year. Can't beat the Miller Park parking lot on actual opening day. But, the money we save going to a different game is real nice too. especially since it'll be weeks after a Disney trip.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I just read that. fun stuff. I'm a big fan too. I have gone to the home opener 4 of the past 5 years with a group of friends. It's always our one weekend to act 10 years younger. Anyway, last year, we didn't go because it was against the stupid cubs and tickets were way expensive. So, instead, we went to 2 games in the next home weekend series. It was a lot of fun. We're torn as to what to do this year. Can't beat the Miller Park parking lot on actual opening day. But, the money we save going to a different game is real nice too. especially since it'll be weeks after a Disney trip.

haha, it was the same with us...the past couple years we've gotten one of the 9-game plans that includes the home opener as a tenth game. But since they were playing the Cubs this year we skipped it.

 

[lovealldisney]

haha, it was the same with us...the past couple years we've gotten one of the 9-game plans that includes the home opener as a tenth game. But since they were playing the Cubs this year we skipped it.

We managed to get tickets for the home opening weekend. I wanted to experiance a game against the Cubs. Never again! The section we were in the police had to come and escort a few rowdy Cub fans out of the park. I also went on a field trip a few years back with my DD and her class to a game at Wrigley Field they were playing the Brewers. It was fun until the drunken idiots in front of us started heckling the kids. I mean come on they were 6th graders! I have to say our stadium is awesome compared to Wrigley.

 

[brewcrew80]

Most Cub fans are just useless on an epic level. I went to a Brewer-Cub game at Miller Park a few years ago. It was about 95 degrees and the Brewers lost 10-3. heat+annoying Cub fans+lopsided Brewer loss=NOT a good time.

But, I'd go again. gotta do my part to make sure there are always more Crew fans the cub fans in Miller Park.

 

[wdwgirl03]

We managed to get tickets for the home opening weekend. I wanted to experiance a game against the Cubs. Never again! The section we were in the police had to come and escort a few rowdy Cub fans out of the park. I also went on a field trip a few years back with my DD and her class to a game at Wrigley Field they were playing the Brewers. It was fun until the drunken idiots in front of us started heckling the kids. I mean come on they were 6th graders! I have to say our stadium is awesome compared to Wrigley.

I forgot we went to the Cubs game on Easter this year and I guess I was prepared for the worst after all the horror stories I heard. Surprisingly it was not too bad (we only had one Cubs fan near us and he was pretty quiet). We also went to one of the games against the White Sox and they were totally obnoxious. That's pretty bad about them heckling kids!

Sorry for totally hijacking your PTR, brewcrew.

 

[brewcrew80]

I forgot we went to the Cubs game on Easter this year and I guess I was prepared for the worst after all the horror stories I heard. Surprisingly it was not too bad (we only had one Cubs fan near us and he was pretty quiet). We also went to one of the games against the White Sox and they were totally obnoxious. That's pretty bad about them heckling kids!

Sorry for totally hijacking your PTR, brewcrew.

Hey, no need to be sorry! Happy to talk about the Brewers during the planning down time.

Probably won't have any real news to report for a couple weeks.

I was thinking about celebrating the 100 day mark (1 week from today) with a list of the things I'm most excited for and a day by day plan that is obviously not gonna be even close to what happens.

 

[brewcrew80]

Some Random Thoughts....

-I'm going to the Packer game tonight! My brother-in-law's friend gets a lot of tickets through work, and he called last night to tell me he had 2 extra tickets. So, the wife and I are going....for free! Gonna be a great game.


-Speaking of football....It's shaping up to be a good year for me in fantasy football. 2 money leagues are both looking pretty good. I know at some point in this Disney trip, there is gonna be something that I'll want to spend money on that Kelly may not totally agree with. So, any fantasy football winnings are going to the Disney funds. Hah, I knew I'd find a way to relate football to my Disney trip.

-No other real updates. Returning flights are still high. I'm not worried. I am waiting to book a hotel until my parents book their flights. So, kinda at a standstill. I also fully intend to volunteer and get a free Disney ticket. I think everyone going on this trip will be doing the same. But, of course, need to wait until January for that.

-Weight is down to 206.5. My highest was 220 in June, so, doing pretty well. Christmas should be interesting. Haven't seen my brother or his wife since June. I think they'll be quite surprised.

-So, that's all for now. Mostly lame update. Thursday is the 100 day mark. I think I'll celebrate with some personal Disney history and specific things I'm most excited for for the trip.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

-I'm going to the Packer game tonight! My brother-in-law's friend gets a lot of tickets through work, and he called last night to tell me he had 2 extra tickets. So, the wife and I are going....for free! Gonna be a great game.

-So, that's all for now. Mostly lame update.

Oh no, no, no. There is nothing lame about getting tickets to a Packer game. I'm under 19,000 on the season ticket waiting list. My wife and MIL put me on the list one year for my birthday. At the rate I've been going up the list, I think it works out to be 2073 before I get my seats.

Have fun at the game!

 

[DisneyDaddy-O]

-Weight is down to 206.5. My highest was 220 in June, so, doing pretty well. Christmas should be interesting. Haven't seen my brother or his wife since June. I think they'll be quite surprised.

Congrats on the weight loss, it's really tough but well worth it. I have about 20 lbs to lose yet. Christmas is always the hardest time of year, moderation is the key. Good luck.

-So, that's all for now. Mostly lame update. Thursday is the 100 day mark. I think I'll celebrate with some personal Disney history and specific things I'm most excited for for the trip.

Don't forget to do your double digits dance!!

 

[brewcrew80]

Oh no, no, no. There is nothing lame about getting tickets to a Packer game. I'm under 19,000 on the season ticket waiting list. My wife and MIL put me on the list one year for my birthday. At the rate I've been going up the list, I think it works out to be 2073 before I get my seats.

Have fun at the game!

Thanks, I will. I'll give a full report tomorrow. Since, this PTR has also turned into a good discussion forum for Wisconsin sports...and I'm MORE than ok with that.

Don't forget to do your double digits dance!!

Normally, I'd just say that nobody wants to see that..but, double digits, plus a friday...yeah, might have to happen.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Woo hoo, have fun at the game! Go Packers! I went to a game for the first time a couple years ago and am hoping I'll get to go again in my lifetime.

 

[brewcrew80]

Game was fun. Really didn't seem that cold. got there about 45 minutes early, bought a brat and a beer. Ah, sitting in Lambeau Field with a brat in one hand and a beer in the other. Doesn't get much better than that.

I really enjoyed the game. The 2 guys behind my wife and I were these 2 guys in their 60s. Think Statler and Waldorf. They second guessed every play. It was hilarious. They were just stereotypical old fans that probably still think the forward pass is too gimmicky. They both had think northern WI accents too. think Fargo. Kelly and I were both laughing out loud and stuff they said. I think by the end, they were doing it for show.

And, of course, the Packers won. Playoffs are looking good! Got home at 11:30 and went to bed. Gonna need some coffee today.

 

[brewcrew80]

Surprise Update!

So, I was sitting at work when I got an e-mail from my mom. Subject was "Florida." As soon as I saw that, I figured they booked flights. And they did. They are flying to Orlando on Friday morning, which wasn't an option for us because Kelly would be unable to get off work that day. And flying back the following Friday night. Direct flight leaves Orlando at 8:50. I looked at the one way prices for that same flight and they were as cheap as our flights out. So, I jumped on them.

This is good for several reasons.

1-$$$$$$$$ The amount we have spent on airfare is considerably less than the amount we planned to spend on airfare.

2-I was torn between wanting an extra day (leaving saturday)...but, not wanting to deal with the inconvinience of moving hotels for part of one more day. The fact that this flight leaves so late is the best of both worlds.

3-Being on the same flight as my parents is also a big win. They can drive us to the airport (they will be renting a car) on Friday.

And, as I was writing this, my brother Tom e-mailed me asking how much I paid...I told him and asked if he was in...We will see.

So, there it is. The trip is OFFICIALLY from Saturday, March 20th - Friday NIGHT, March 26th.

All the advantages of a Saturday-Saturday...very few disadvantages.


So, let's review. In the past 48 hours, I:

-Got free Packer tickets

-Watched the Packers get a big win

-Lost another lb

-Booked flights home from Orlando

Things are good in brewcrew80land.

now, time to hope the Brewers can get a deal done with Randy Wolf.

 

[lovealldisney]

How are all you Wisconsinites surviving the snow and now the deep freeze? Milwaukee wasn't hit so bad but boy west and north of here really got it!
Stay warm!

 

[brewcrew80]

How are all you Wisconsinites surviving the snow and now the deep freeze? Milwaukee wasn't hit so bad but boy west and north of here really got it!
Stay warm!

Yesterday was in interesting day. My wife works in a school. they decided to call it a snow day the night before. My work has a hotline for inclement weather. They said last winter than any decisions would be made by 6 am.

So,

6am-woke up. laid in bed for 15 minutes. dialed the hotline. work is open.

6:20-after getting the warm clothes on, I shovelled. just my half of the driveway for now...I just wanted to get to work. still took 40 minutes.

7am-showered.

7:15-walked out the door. roads were bad. I've driven on worse...but, about halfway to work, the wind really picked up and visibility was BAD. the drive usually takes just under 20 minutes.

7:45-almost to work. 2 things happened simultaneously.
-heard the Gov. called it a state emergency and advised only to drive during emergencies.
-felt my phone vibrate. text message from a co-worker. i knew exactly what it was.
"you know work is closed today, right?"
-well, NOW i do. so, turned around and headed home. they made the call at 7. my boss called me, but i was showering.

8:30-FINALLY GOT HOME after a pointless hour of driving.

rest of the day, just played in the snow with wife and daughter. did round 2 of shovelling at 7. This time it took 2 hours. The plow made the snow waist-high. I am so sore today.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

How are all you Wisconsinites surviving the snow and now the deep freeze? Milwaukee wasn't hit so bad but boy west and north of here really got it!
Stay warm!

I live in Racine, 3/4 of a mile from Lake Michigan. Tuesday night's storm all fell as rain here. Even on Wednesday, snow was flying all day, but hardly any of it stuck. The kids were getting antsy to go play in the snow yesterday, but we didn't have any!

 

[wdwgirl03]

brewcrew, glad you got to see a Packer win! I was getting a little nervous after Baltimore scored and then didn't they fumble the kickoff right after that?! (I thought that's what they said on the radio).

How are all you Wisconsinites surviving the snow and now the deep freeze? Milwaukee wasn't hit so bad but boy west and north of here really got it!
Stay warm!

I was at school today and my office had ice on the window. On the inside. I don't think that is good. We barely got any snow here...kind of bummed since I was hoping for a snow day. Oh well.