Saturday, March 21, 2009

Walt Disney World 2009





Wow, where do I even begin? It has been an amazing, fun, incredible, busy vacation. We began our vacation at The Magic Kingdom. We wandered around the back of the castle and ran into Fairy Godmother, got to ride Dumbo’s Flight and then it was time for brunch. Here we ate breakfast with Pooh, Eyeore, Tigger, and Piglet. That was fantastic. The characters really mingled with the girls, gave tons of hugs, and lots of kisses. From there we moved on to as many rides as we could, saw as many shows as possible, and stayed as late as possible. 



Day 2 was spent at Animal Kingdom. That was pretty cool. The atmosphere was probably my favorite part. Every time you rounded the corner, you were 100% surrounded by authentic looking buildings, foliage, and even the pavement was authentic looking!! There were plenty of animals to see and we actually got to do everything that was on our list. We got a fast pass for Expedition (AWESOME roller coaster ride), and then went to other shows. We saw a 3D show based on Bug’s Life. That was probably the best 3D show we saw the entire time but it was a little too scary for Anna! We also were able to see this great Nemo musical. The puppets were amazing. Anna really enjoyed that show. We got to meet Raffiki and Pocohontas, Goofy and Pluto and had pictures taken. 



Day 3 was a very busy day. We went to Epcot. When we arrived Jon went to get fast passes for Soarin’ (very cool, it really felt like you were flying above CA) and we ran into Daisy Duck and Stitch! Steve, Colleen, and Juana went on Spaceship Earth and then we went to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. We went to Turtle Talk w/ Crush (I swear, he was really talking to us!!).  We went back to the condo for lunch and a nap (swimming for Juana) and then headed back to Epcot to tour the world. This was very cool. There were about 11? countries set up around a lake. You could walk around each country and feel like you were there. We ended our day with fireworks.











Day 4 was a fun day spent at Hollywood Studios. We went from show to show. Anna got to see Playhouse Disney Live, Juana got to see High School Musical 3 show, and then we saw Muppets 3D, The Little Mermaid’s Voyage was cool but Anna was a little disturbed by Ursala and the eels. Anna and Juana got to play on a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground (that was pretty neat, feeling like you were the size of an ant). And that was our day!



Colleen and Steve headed back on the last day and we a relaxing lazy day. We tried to go back to Magic Kingdom but it was too busy for us so we headed back to the condo for swimming and naps. For dinner we went to a neat restaurant called Joe’s Crab Shack. The food was great, the staff would break into dance every once in a while, a balloon man walked around making balloon animals for the kids, and there was a small playground for the kids!! I wish there was a Joe’s Crab Shack in Knoxville! Finally, we ended our vacation with ice cream at the Cold Creamery. Mmmm.


The drive back was long but we landed in Knoxville by 10:30 pm, tired but happy. We had a wonderful time and I can’t wait until we go back!!


Check out the photo albums. I loaded all the pics there. Beware there are 140!! (That’s trimmed down from 815, trimmed down from over 1200!!)  You can view and download all of our pictures from this website.


http://gallery.me.com/deleri0usly#100391

Bumper Stickers??





While at Disney World, coming back from a busy day at one of the parks, we found this on our car.

Now what gives this person the right to leave a comment about my bumper stickers? I suppose that person felt the need to use their 1st amendment right to counter my right to free speech but REALLY? Was it truly necessary? Especially considering the fact that I was obviously on vacation, visiting a family - oriented location? Why do others feel that they need to comment in such an aggressive way?

 

Obviously this person was trying to provoke me. Were my stickers sooo offensive? I didn’t think so. I deliberately tried to choose stickers that would provoke thoughts but not get people upset. I try not to upset others. I prefer to be that quiet voice in the background - softly giving my opinions - but not forcing them on others. Here is a closer look at the offensive stickers.

 

Now the second one is the one the person found so distasteful that they had to comment. Honestly, I don’t listen to any talk shows. I prefer to make my own opinions and do not allow such obvious people as Rush Limbaugh’s opinions influence me. In truth, when I choose this particular sticker, my thoughts weren’t of conservatives but to all people who believe that their views are the only right ones.

 

Of course, this incident has only strengthened my desire to have more bumper stickers. My gut reaction is to find the most offensive, liberal (because obviously this person is a right-wing, Rush Limbaugh - lovin’ fool) bumper sticker. Instead I think I will search out my next sticker... Any suggestions? ;-) 

 

Sunday, March 8, 2009

New Haircut


I didn’t want to spend the extra money to get my hair highlighted so instead, I got a major hair style change. This is the shortest hair I have ever had!! So far I really like it. I washed and styled it this morning w/ no problems! Yay!!


    On another note, we are just busy here getting ready for the trip! I am so excited to be taking Anna to see “The Mouse”. I realize that she is probably too young to really remember this, but since we won’t be living so close to Fl for much longer, this seems like a great time to go (money-wise). We are really saving a lot of money by driving down, using our own car, and getting a condo off the property.

    I’ve been busy buying souvenirs for Anna at the dollar store, the dollar bin at Target, and other various places. I plan to surprise her every morning w/ a special something. 

   We are also bringing a girl that I mentor. She is a fantastic person and it makes my heart so happy to be able to share this experience with her. I only hope she doesn’t get too homesick!

    Well, I look at the clock and see that it is ALREADY time for bed (darn ol’ time change!). I love the longer light but losing that hour... Yikes! Everyone have a wonderful week and I’m sure you will be seeing more posts soon (think Disney World on Friday!).

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

    What is it about rock climbing that I find so exhilarating? There are several reasons but the number one has to be that feeling I get when I am climbing. I am scared, sweating, and thinking about every step but once I find my hold and when I am pushing up to that next step all I can think is “Wow, I’m really doing this!” It’s this rush a adrenaline that propels me to climb higher, to challenge myself to reach to the top. 



    Well, I’ve convinced about 3 people (poor, innocent, hapless friends that have listened to me nagging for quite a while now) that rock climbing is awesome and that they should try it. They did, and throughly enjoyed the wall. Now Jon and I have a date to go indoor climbing Friday night. I’m super excited to be climbing again so soon. Additionally, I’m thrilled that Jon wants to try this with me. Stay tuned for pictures of this latest adventure!!