The We NEED This Vacation / It's Now Or Never 9/18-9/27 PTR - COMPLETE!! 9/18 About This Page:

[Wolfy6688]

Originally Posted by Cam22

Continuing And loads of for getting everything done in the time that is left.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by heatherwillmom

I just discovered this thread & I read all of it. I'm sorry for all of the bad things that have happened to you this year. Despite it all, I think you have a good attitude. You have coped well. I think you are thoughtful to take your brother with you. I think Disney will be good therapy for you. I wish you all the best in your vacation & your life as you get back to the real world afterwards.

Thank you very much! I worry sometimes that it seems like all I do is complain - I'm really not complaining (well, all of the time) but that's just the way it's been lately! Thanks for thinking I'm coping well and have a good attitude - that really means a lot, because I've really been trying.

Originally Posted by countrykid

Like I said before what comes around goes around....And Honey you do A Lot of good!!!! I just know great things are in store for you!!!
I had a hard time finding shorts, really any summer stuff...well I mean on sale I am not paying full retail!! I may end up in a lot of the same clothes too. Oh well we are going to be in Disney no worries...just pixies!!

Thank you! I'm hoping to find some nice sales, but like you said - we'll be in Disney either which way! I won't care much about my shorts (or lack of variety) once we're down there.

Originally Posted by disneydreamer33

That is amazing about your Great Aunt Mabel and Dena. That is just a wonderful way to celebrate someone's life. I am so glad you are both getting these trips because of your grandmothers.

I thought it was so cool!

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Continued pixies! Not much longer!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by KMB733

getting everything taken care of before you leave. Not long to go!!!

Thank you! The time seems to speed up when you have things to do!

Originally Posted by honeybee723

Here's a few more pixies... . You can never have too many right?!? I had the same problem with clothes after my second brain surgery, thankfully, I wasn't going to Disney any time soon, but it's surprising what happens to your body after your out of commission for a while. This time, however, I needed to get a new pair of denim shorts because I finally got rid of all that baby weight and my old pair was a little too big...what a mistake that was. Shorts are out and fall clothing is in. Finally, I found a pair, and the best news was that they were on clearance. So hopefully you'll find something, and the best part is that it should be a lot cheaper!

Thanks for the pixies! And also for telling me you had the same problem, that makes me feel a lot better . It's surprising how quickly your body changes. I hope I can find some good sales!

[Wolfy6688]

Okay! Time to finally finish up my last 3 days of plans!

• First though, the Dog Walk for Cancer got rained out Unfortunately, they decided to cancel it AFTER we already unloaded the trailer full of equipment and set the whole ring up! I was soaked worse than I ever had been. After unloading the equipment and setting the ring up in the pouring rain, we had to dismantle everything and re-pack the trailer - in the pouring rain. By the time I got home (a 40 minute drive), all of my clothes were soaking wet. Even my bra and underwear. There is a rain date, but we won't be able to make it because it's one of the Sundays that we'll be in Disney I hope I'm able to go next year, it looked like a really great fundraiser.

• Today I went to my orthopedist. He gave me a cortisone shot in my shoulder because he still felt the spasms and knots. I'm glad that he felt them; I don't want him thinking that I'm faking anything - we see a ton of fakers in the pharmacy. They limp up the window, begging for their medication ASAP because they're in such horrible pain, and as soon as they pay for it they walk away from the counter like they've never had pain The worst is when they start calling their customers or supplier or whoever AT the counter, telling them "I'll be over soon with the pills." I can't stand it, but it's the manager's job to intervene, and they don't.
  

• Depending on how I react to the cortisone shot, he might send me to a pain management specialist for a series of shots
  

• I'm out of work another 3 weeks, which I'm happy for . After we get home, I'll have at least a whole week to spend with Layla and Casey. Plus, I'm cat sitting for my aunt and cousin while they're in Disney, but one of their cats recently was diagnosed with diabetes . I'm going to have to give him two insulin shots a day, every 12 hours. It's going to be really bothersome having to drive 30 minutes away twice a day, 12 hours apart, but it's not the cat's fault that he got sick. It'll be a lot better now that I don't need to work these shots in to a work schedule.

• Also, we have an interview set up for Thursday for the pet sitter.

But, on to the Disney plans!!!

Day 7: Magic Kingdom Day

Yes, another Magic Kingdom day! I'm really hoping that Russ loves the park as much as I do. Magic Kingdom is easily my favorite

We'll try to hit all of our favorite attractions, and hit any that we might have missed. I'd like to try Tom Sawyer Island this year. We've never done it, and I'd like to try and find one of their paintbrushes for a prize

I also want to try the Liberty Square Riverboat. I haven't done that one before, either. Last year it was down for refurbishment, but I hope to make it on there this time.

We have an early dinner at Crystal Palace at 4:40 pm. We ate there last year and really enjoyed it. Russ can eat like a horse, so any buffet is a good value for him! He once ate a whole 6 foot sub, by himself, in one sitting. I don't know where he puts it. He's not skinny, but he's not overweight either. I hope it's not a tapeworm

I'm trying to get an earlier reservation time for Crystal Palace, because that evening we have reservations at the Wishes Dessert Buffet!!

Last year I treated Pat to it and we loved it. Although, it was about $10 cheaper per person last year I thought it would be another nice treat, especially for Russ, so I booked it. I'd like to get an earlier dinner time so we have more room for desserts , but I'm sure we'll manage either which way

Magic Kingdom's only open until 9 that night. We'll probably head back to the room (or at least, the hotel) right after that. Epcot has EMH until midnight, but I doubt we'll go there since....

Day 8: Epcot

Same plan as Magic Kingdom - hit our favorites and any things we've missed.

I really want to try the Behind the Seeds tour. I'm very interested in agriculture. One of my new favorite TV shows is called "America's Heartland." It's on at 2 am by me, but one of the most fascinating, informative shows I've found. It's all about different types of farming (not necessarily crops) in America - lobster, cattle ranches, turning wool into clothes, etc. I've learned why bananas are yellow and curved, why zebras are considered by some to be better pets than horses, how they get those huge spirals of hay, and a ton of other things. If you ever see that show on TV, I highly recommend it.

But, that's enough of my review of a TV show! I'd really like to see the tour. Worst case scenario? It's only 45 minutes out of the trip.

The big deal about today is, dinner at Le Cellier!!! After the mistake with the ADR system last year and not being able to eat there, I'm really looking forward to it . I hope we're not building it up in our minds too much, but I guess we'll find out. I love steak, but I also love salmon. Not sure which one will win out

Day 9: Our Last Full Day

We have breakfast ADR's for Chef Mickey's. That's become a bit of a tradition for us, having breakfast at Chef Mickey's on our last full day. Last year it was easily the worst meal of the trip . Horrible service, horrible character interaction, and just decent food. I'm willing to give it another shot though before we decide to move on to something else.

After breakfast, we'll head back to POP to pack a bit and get our boarding passes. Pat usually handles the boarding passes and I stay in the room getting things together.

After that, we might head to DTD for one last Earl of Sandwich The closest Earl of Sandwich to us is in Boston's airport. I sincerely hope that Russ and Pat don't get the idea to take a drive/flight up to Boston just for sandwiches.

For the evening, Magic Kingdom (of course!) They have evening extra magic hours. We'll watch Wishes, stay until closing. Hopefully we'll ride Haunted Mansion as close to 11 pm as possible - I like having the absolute last ride be the same as the absolute first ride. Silly, right?

We don't plan a lot for the middle of the day, in case there's something we missed or really REALLY want to do again. Last year, we went to Epcot just for one last ride on Soarin'. We try to leave it open to head to another park if we want to.

After Magic Kingdom, we'll head back to the hotel and try to force ourselves to sleep early, because DME will be picking us up early

Our flight home is the earliest departure we've had. The plane leaves Orlando at around 9:30 am, so DME might pick us up as early as 6:30 am At least the food court opens at 6 so we could get breakfast or cash in our snack credits or something.

I have a feeling this trip is going to just fly by!
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So much to do before the trip, not even counting packing!

I have physical therapy Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.

I have to clean the house

I have to drive down to my doctor's (an hour each way) tomorrow to pick up paperwork to try and get it submitted before I go away - if it waits until I come back, I'll have tremendous problems with disability and work, so it really can't wait In the evening (after therapy) I have to go to my cousin's house so she shows me how she injects her cat with insulin. I've done it 50 billion times when I worked at the vet, but I want to see how she does it specifically with him (while he's eating, while he's sleeping, etc). He'll already be nervous that the house is empty; I don't want to make him any more upset than he already will be

At some point tomorrow, I want to head to the post office and mail out the box of food I'm sending down for us. I picked up some things at the store yesterday - cereal bars (Honey Bunches of Oats, Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Toast Crunch) and Special K breakfast bars, plus some instant oatmeal.

Wednesday morning, Layla has agility practice. The courses have been getting much harder. I might post a course map on Wednesday.

Thursday, the interview for the pet sitter, and more physical therapy in the afternoon.

Friday, therapy in the afternoon, have to go to my work to drop off my new doctor's note and get a refund (every 2 years we have to re-register with the Attorney General. We have to pay for it ourselves and then the store reimburses us). Pick up some last minute things up there (Airborne, EarPlanes, Zyrtec-D, new toothpaste, contact solution, etc.). Pick Russ up and probably pack for him I won't be able to just pick him up and leave; I'll have to visit with my dad for at least a little bit.

Then, rush home to pack MY stuff, clean last minute things around the house, cry 50 times about leaving Layla (who I know will be fine. She's the most independent dog ever. I know I'm much more upset about leaving her than she will be, but I can't help it! We've been together every single day since March, I haven't gone to work or left her for more than a few hours. ) and just general mayhem.

Oh, and Russ and I decided, if Pat says any type of insensitive comment about me not sleeping Friday night (he sometimes says things like, "Why don't you just try harder?" when I tell him I can't sleep), we're going to leave without him I can't control when I fall asleep! Sorry! I won't be asleep at 10 pm to get a good amount of sleep. I've been lucky if I fall asleep before 6 am. I can't help it, but I don't want to hear about how I should be able to!

Well, those are the plans so far! Wish me luck getting everything accomplished I Feel like there are too many things to try and get done that I'm not even comprehending, but I guess we'll find out when we get there

[Colexis Mom]

More great plans! Good luck getting everything done!

[disneydreamer33]

Your plans look great.
Hope you get everything done that needs to be done.

[countrykid]

Great Plans!! The last ride we rode was HauntedMansion that was over 6 years ago!! I can't wait to ride everything again!! I know there is a lot to get done but I am sure you'll get it done...you have an extra bit of Disney in your step I'm sure it will help! Good luck with therapy & the dog sitter!!

[Cam22]

Plans for your last 3 days look great! Loads of and for getting all the prep and packing done!

[sc507]

Plans look great! Good luck getting everything crossed off your list!

[Pinkyt177]

The puppies iwth be fine, no worries. I know they're not really puppies but. . .they are as cute as puppies.
On our last night in July Lily and I left MK at 1am getting back to room at 140 or so. It was a blast! She went to sleep so did I but when the alarm went off 2 hours later I decided it probably wasn't such a good idea to spend 15 hours at the Magic Kingdom. and only get 2 hours sleep. I was a grouch.

[honeybee723]

At least I'm not the only one who had a bad experience at Chef Mickey's. The food wasn't the problem, it was the interaction that was horrible, but I applaud you for giving it another try and I hope this time makes up for the last time.

You are sooo brave for getting that cortisone shot! I guess when you're in that much pain you'll do anything, but I don't know if I could do what you did. I'm not a shot person anyway, but a cortisone shot??? No way jose!

Good luck with getting everything done before you leave!

[SharonK0527]

Great plans! Hope you enjoy Le Cellier. We have yet to eat there because every time I've called the last few years I can NEVER get an ADR. I hope you enjoy Chef Mickey's too - we love that place and have never had a bad experience there yet.

I'm sure Layla will be fine. Let us know how the interview with the pet siter goes. I understand about the insulin shots because I have a diabetic cat too. Good luck with all you need to get done. Just think, your much-needed vacation will be here before you know it!

[Wolfy6688]

Originally Posted by honeybee723

You are sooo brave for getting that cortisone shot! I guess when you're in that much pain you'll do anything, but I don't know if I could do what you did. I'm not a shot person anyway, but a cortisone shot???

I had no idea it was going to be like it was! I was expecting something like a vaccine. I don't mind needles except for when they're taking blood. I'm fine with injections, but I feel the blood leave my body and it's usually enough to make me pass out. I have to lay down if they take blood.

I asked the nurse what it would feel like since I've never had one. She said, "Have you ever had those shots where it feels like someone punches you?" and I said "....noooo....." and then the doctor came in, and I asked him, "Does it go in the skin or the muscle?" and he said, "Oh, no, it goes right into the joint." I said, "The joint?! Isn't that going to hurt? " and he says, "Oh, yes! *stabs me with the needle* !!!!

It wasn't as bad as when I got the MRI before my surgery. My brother had his MRI (in the same spot) about a week before mine and said it was the single most painful thing he ever had. We each had to have the kind with dye, where they inject you with dye before the MRI itself. He said the pressure was unbearable.

I didn't have a problem with the pressure from the dye - I had a problem with the gauge of the needle! An insulin syringe is usually around 30gauge. This one was 20 gauge!! The same size to give spinal injections!! THAT was the worst

[Wolfy6688]

Ahhh still so much to do!!!

I was able to get the forms from my doctor - had to drive over an hour each way yesterday as well as over an hour each way to pick them up. More running around tonight, tomorrow, and every day until the trip.

I went to the post office and got a box to mail down snacks and things. Pat decided that he'd rather pay for an extra suitcase...except we realize AFTER we paid for it that we won't have a DME tag in time

I called DME and they said if we give them the ticket at the Welcome Center they should still be able to intercept it.

Here's a video of Layla's most recent (and first) agility trial. She got 2nd place, and 95 points out of 100. She lost 5 points because the third obstacle she took, the A-Frame (that looks like an upside down V) wasn't the right order. I tried blocking it with my body but she snuck behind me That's why I had to walk her so slowly to the Teeter afterwards; if she jumped back on the A-Frame we would've been disqualified.

She did really well for her first time - especially since she was running with the intestinal blockage! I felt horrible. Hopefully we'll be back to competing in the fall, when my disability problems get settled down.

YouTube - NoviceStandard060410.MOD

[disneydreamer33]

I am the same way with shots and getting blood taken.
I had an MRI with the dye and I don't ever want to do that again.
Good job to Layla.

[countrykid]

I am sorry about that shot!! It sounds awful!! My DH has had shots in his back now for a few months now. At the first of Sept. they went into his spine & did some kind of nerve kill or something like that with a laser. It's supposed to make his back feel much better! I sure hope it works!! Thanks for sharing the video! Your dog is soooo cute! It's awesome how you work with her!! I seen your hair is almost as long as mine! I am going to donate 10 to 12ins to Locks of Love tomorrow. My hair is a big deal to me! My mom kept it cut short when I was little, so I told her "when I grow up I am growing my hair all the way to my butt!" Well I have! I have donated 2 times already! I let it grow to my butt then donate it to little kids who don't get the chance to have hair. I that program!! Keep the updates coming! I sure hope we see each other in Disney...if nothing else get a chance to wave!! So if you see a crazy lady waving just smile & say I think I know her from PP's lol!!

[honeybee723]

Oh Lord!!! I'm no good with needles. So just reading about that MRI shot did me in. I've had many MRIs but thank goodness mine don't require dye injections. My husband gets them all of the time, but he says it doesn't bother him...he's a trooper! I can't have anything in my spine, so at least I will never have to deal with that either.

Good to hear you were able to get those forms, and don't worry about the DME tag, they will definitely be able to help you out there.

It's getting so close now!!!

Btw, Layla did a great job!