1 if by Land, 2 if by Sea - A Coop/ChukkerB PTR About This Page:

[Coop]

Originally Posted by manticorjenn

I so hear you about the medical issues. I work for a group of surgeons and see it every day. Like you, I will leave it at that as no one wants to hear ranting all the time.

Can't wait to see your lists! The anniversary trip for my parents is still over a year away, but I have already started and revised mine several times. I can't wait until next week when the prices come out and the real planning and booking can begin.

Still working on the lists! But I will have some of it up soon.

Originally Posted by lauriep

It really worked out perfectly with the transfer to AKL. Good planning! Chuck just can't say "no" to a theater production! Great plays, though. I'm a huge fan of "Kiss Me, Kate". Doesn't get much better than Cole Porter. "Brush Up Your Shakespeare!"

Chuck actually loves his theater work! (he may grump and complain during tech week but . . . ) He really wanted to be a gangster for Kiss Me, Kate and do it next to his son! That would have been too cool! But alas, it wasn't meant to be.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

I so agree with you on the TIW card. We used the Dining Plan for a few years as we used to go during free dining. Once we moved our trips up the TIW worked out so much better for us. We would share when we wanted, sometimes we would share an app or a dessert, we could eat how we wanted and not what was "part of the meal". It really is a great fit for us and I love that it is good for 13 months as it always gives us two long summer trips on the same card.

Love your ADRs and plans and your dedicated eat around the World days. We were there last year for a few days for a conference. We ended up at Epcot on a Saturday and it was impossible to even enjoy ourselves with the crowds, we went back on a Monday, it was like a totally different park. We just wandered, there were low waits on the lines. Just perfect.

Glad Chuck has a break from the theater for a few weeks, definitely needed. We actually just came back from my dad's show this evening. He had two small parts in Gypsy but even when he has small parts he is there painting and building. He will now have a few weeks off as he is skipping their next production of Godspell as he will be on vacation but he has a big part in Damn Yankees so once Fall comes my mom will lose him once again to the theater

Damn Yankees was actually what started it all! That was the first play that our DS saw in HS and said he wished he had auditioned for it. That was all she wrote - he did almost all the rest of the plays in school and then started in the Community Theater thus bringing in his dad!

Originally Posted by shazza

Agree the TIW card is the way to go. Your ADRs look good, and leaving open days makes sense for F&W.

(We match with our phones - Lou has the Samsung Note and I have the 5s.)

Haha! Love the phone choices! We didn't leave open days for F&WF last time we were there for it AND we were on the Deluxe DP - so definitely no room! We aren't rookies anymore - going to do this right!

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

So glad you are using TIW! We love it and find it pays for itself quickly!
Can't wait to see your lists......you know I love lists!

I love lists too! I buy special notebooks for my "list makers". Our TIW easily paid for itself last trip - we had Cali Grill, Narcoosee's AND V&A all on it! This trip is just gravy!

Originally Posted by HollyH

You've had a busy year! Sorry about your fur baby and I hope your back is feeling better.

Couple of comments:
-Kidani Village -we love it there and prefer it to Jambo. We have always requested "near the lobby" and had our request honored. If you haven't yet taken the FREE culinary tour(s) at Sanaa or Boma/Jiko, I would recommend you check it out. At Boma we got a sample of soup and a zebra dome plus got to sample the bread service/dips at Jiko. Did I mention this was free? They are daily at 4 pm I believe. Just show up at the Boma podium or the Sanaa podium, no reservations required.
-The Cheesecake Factory -YUM! One of my favorites but I don't have one too near me, one 45 minutes away, another 1 hour away. I have to pay to park in a garage for each, so I don't go too often but I'm going this week for half-price cheesecake day .
-I just upgraded to the iphone 5s too. I love this phone! Where has it been all my life? Why haven't I gotten one before this?
-Also just got a new car, although I've moved from a mini-van to a sedan. As you and Chuck like road trips, I'm sure you'll find the van to be a good fit.

Wow, we have a lot in common, don't we?

As for the shirts for pirate night, I made some Mickey pirate t-shirts for us from a site I found via Pinterest. If you're interested in the link, PM me.

We sure do have a lot in common! I'm going to have to check out the tour at Jiko or Sanaa - that sounds cool!

Originally Posted by HollyH

Oh, and I want to add that Kidani Village has a cool collection of African art displayed around the resort (mostly by all the elevators on each floor) and there are African proverbs painted on the walls around the resort (again, mostly near elevators). I found this really cool -worth knowing about if you like this sort of thing.

We love the theming of AKL resorts! We didn't have too much time to check out Kidani last time as we were only at Sanaa for dinner.

Originally Posted by xwewhisper

You've had a busy first half of the year, but this trip is going to sneak right up on you before you know it!

We booked the tour directly through the chocolate factory and walked ourselves over. 10-15 mins from Port and mostly easy to find (we found the hotel, not the chocolate factory at first, but they are all right there) Graycliff Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas - Graycliff Coffee and Chocolate What's funny is we did end up touring with a Disney group, so it's weird that it's not coming up as an option for you, because it was a full class with them!

I'll look into that chocolate tour! I'm sure it's there. We still may just stay on the ship that day.

Originally Posted by Cam22

I the month by month summary. When I read you all ate at Cheesecake Factory I remembered our first visit there in Chicago. June and I ordered half salads because we wanted room for cheesecake. The salads came out in what I would describe as the large serving salad bowl. June asked if these were the half sizes and was told, Yes! She and I both commented that we should have shared. When it came time to order dessert, our waiter let us know the cheesecake was also large if we wanted to share. We both said no way.

It was just a short synopsis of how our trip and planning was going.

[Coop]

Originally Posted by KMB733

Just getting all caught up. The plans are looking great for your upcoming trip!!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by lindawdw

Sounds like you had a busy winter and that you both certainly deserve a nice Disney trip to look forward to! Glad you got the minivan for your drive down to Florida. It will make for a very enjoyable trip. I agree about the portion sizes at Cheesecake Factory! I always enjoy my meal there and then get to have the leftovers for lunch the next day! It was great that you were able to make the switch to AKL and extend your trip a little more All your plans are coming together and it will be here before you know it.

We're still getting used to the minivan but we are excited for a road trip!

Originally Posted by MikeL

Just found this and glad to hear you will be going back to AKL know how much you two love that place.
Love that you will be driving this year another thing that you both revel in. Sorry about the camping gear we went through an issue like that recently hopefully all will be corrected soon
Chuck Kiss Me Kate and Jesus Christ Superstar you are ambitious Bravo

Hey! Mikey showed up!!

Originally Posted by taylan1

I am so sorry about the loss of your furbaby. May she rest in peace. Things are coming along with your trip. The chocolate tour sounds interesting, I hope you get to do it. We love our Town & Country minivan, it is a dream to drive (especially on a trip) and you can fit a lot into it when you need too. We love the Cheesecake Factory and are happy that they opened one really close to us just recently. But you are right portion sizes there are huge. You can share a meal and save room for that fabulous cheesecake and still walk out full. LOL

Thank you. We are still getting used to our Town and Country but it will work out well for our trip!

Originally Posted by TheMadonna3

Sorry about your kitty

WOW! AT FIFTEEN DAY DISNEY VACATION!! I am so jealous! Can I ask how many points it cost because I'd like to talk hubby into buying that many points so we could do something like this!

I am most excited about your Disney cruise. I'm fascinated with the cruise line, but I haven't gone on one yet. We're waiting for DH to finish school and get to work so we can take more vacations and increase the budget of those vacations.

It does sound kind of indulgent doesn't it? The stay at Kidani was around 169 points and the cruise we paid for out of pocket. We are very excited for the cruise as it's our first!

Originally Posted by disneydreamer33

Sounds like you start to the planning has flown by, as has ours. It will be here before we know it!!!
We love the Cheesecake Factory! Yes, the portions are huge. The girls and I always get two entrees and share between the three of us and the same thing with the cheesecake. Lauren & I have our fav now though. Rasberry lemon creme! Yum!!!
Happy belated birthday to you and Chuck and Happy belated Anniversary!

Thank you! I didn't realize that the portions were so huge!

Originally Posted by Hugmonster

I love reading your trips. Now you have me checking for if KTW is better than dinning plan for us. We like to eat like you do.

Thank you! TIW works wonderfully for us. I really recommend it, esp if you don't want to be tied down. You don't have to worry about "getting your money's worth" or "wasting credits" which is really just throwing $ out the window. Plus, if you like to have a cocktail - it's included in the discount!

Originally Posted by mommapants

oh yay another Coop TR. Signing on. Sorry about the fur baby. I had a scare with my dog over the winter. But he is doing really well now. just got bloodwork on him and the vet said he is in remarkable shape for a 15 year old dog.

All you plans sound wonderful and the cruise - heavenly.
looking forward to reading more.

Wow! 15 years is great for a dog - glad he's doing better! Welcome to the whirlwind that is a Coop/ChukkerB PTR!

Originally Posted by DMA

Plans sound great so far! Such a great time of year to enjoy a Disney! Looking forward to hearing all about it.

THanks!

Originally Posted by MikeL

Under 90 days
Sorry to hear about the Lions
Aren't you just a tad too old to play SCOUT in Mockingbird

I know! Can't believe we are under the 90 day mark! Now it's more like 71!

Originally Posted by Irenaroo

Thanks for sharing your plans. I realized that our ADR at Tutto Italia isn't needed as that is a F&W day! So I made one for Via Napoli instead. I figure we may need a cool spot to sit so still wanted an ADR. I still may cancel Via Napoli and just eat around the world. I saw your no ADR days and realized that. Great plans!

Thanks! Via Napoli is wonderful! But we didn't really plan too many ADR's let alone any at Epcot. We just are keeping it loose.

Originally Posted by KMB733

With all you've got going on, the 90 Days will go by fast!!

It really will! We still have a bunch to do but at the same time we are kind of prepared. If that makes ANY sense.

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

Chuck - if I ever make it out to Michigan, I will certainly be sure to catch you in a show!! I find it exciting your involvement!

I will hold you to that! Sometimes I like to have someone else in the audience with me! Then I wouldn't feel like a "theater widow" so much.

Originally Posted by Cam22

I love the story of To Kill a Mockingbird! Enjoy your guild season!

Thanks Cam! He will be a busy man for a while.

[Coop]

Originally Posted by ChukkerB

FYI, All you "Mockingbird" fans, I'll be auditioning for "Bob Euell" nasty, NASTY man. I'm gearing up by spending a few midnight hours with Coop in the ER. That'll make me mean and ornery!

HEY NOW!!! Watch it Mr!

Originally Posted by lauriep

Oh, Chuck, I hate you already! Mean and ornery is right, but what a great scene to be in! (I sort of pictured you in my mind as Atticus.)

He can play mean and ornery! He was Juror #3 in 12 Angry Men.

Originally Posted by DawnK

That is awesome Chuck!! You don't look the nasty type!! LOL!

He can do it. Believe me! LOL!

Originally Posted by Cam22

Boo Hiss, Bob Euell!

Hahaha! Chuck said "I have to say some pretty bad things" I have to remind him - it's ACTING nobody really thinks that YOU mean those things!

Originally Posted by ChukkerB

Laurie, there's about 12 guys in our group,and others that would be WAY better at Atticus than I would. There's only a couple of us that could pull off Bob Euell, plus you have to say the "N" word A LOT, and that's something I'm not comfortable with, but it's part of the craft.
Under three months to go, normally I'd be starting to pack by now, but now that we've been a few times, No need to panic. I don't even have to worry about how everything will fit, as we're driving this time. I usually start making cd's for the road, but now we have a few ipods, my new Note3, Satellite radio, and the car holds a TON of music in it's memory. Rough estimate of total time: about 600 hours of music for a 19 hour drive there and back! I think were covered.
Because we're doing a cruise as well, we have that great "UNKNOWN" of the specifics of that. Personally, I don't want to know too much. I have been on another cruise, in 1987,it was a Carnival, so not a lot of comparison. I know there's a TON of information about EVERYTHING, but I just want to experience it fresh,and if we run into any questions/problems it's Disney, how much will it take before everything is MAGIC again?!

Yeah - it's such a different ambiance isn't it? We are definitely more laid back this time I think.

Originally Posted by lauriep

I'm sure you'll be a great and really despicable Euell, Chuck. Playing against type, for sure.

You are going to have a great trip and I'm looking forward to hearing how you like cruising with DCL. I like the "no planning" approach to the cruise. That's what cruises are for. Just read the Navigators each night so you don't miss anything you really want to do, and then just sit on your veranda!

We are just kind of doing that this entire trip Laurie. Very laid back - which I love and we both need! And yes, he is playing against type. He did a very angry Juror #3 in 12 Angry Men. He had a hard time wrapping his head around that one.

Originally Posted by MikeL

Have to agree with Laurie you will be playing against type. Not sure how your two ladies will go for it though. But then it is called acting. Think you have enough tunes for the trip

I usually run lines with him. He's the one that has to get his head right. He had a hard time getting so angry in 12 Angry Men.

Originally Posted by ChukkerB

So if any of you are wondering about us in Detroit, we are ABSOLUTELY fine. We had about two feet of water gurgling up the drain from the flood yesterday. We lost a bunch of personal items, but nothing that matters more than life itself.
What a crazy day. We received our passports, Robin Williams ( A Detroiter) died, and we had a flood.
We are close to ten weeks till we depart. We also received some vacation stuff from Amazon. Packing cubes,and some shaving cream for me. ? Shaving cream from Amazon? Yes, a small tube of shaving cream for use with a shaving brush and bowl. I've become a bit of a diva when it comes to shaving these days. Not only the face, but I'm shaving my head a few times a week. I'm done trying to pretend there isn't a gigantic bald spot on my dome.
As for actual vacation stuff. about 2 weeks till we can do our fast passes. We are also trying to not bring our whole closet with us, just because we're driving. We are thinking about Pirate costumes for the cruise, AND MNSSHP, I know, I've always boo-hoo'd the pirates at the MNSSHP, but...

Finally! You admit your diva-ness!!!

Originally Posted by shazza

Glad to hear you are okay after all the flooding - although it sounds like there might be some clean-up involved.

Congrats in receiving your passports (and shaving cream!).

Chuck took yesterday off to clean up. But there's a lot more to do! It's a long messy arduous process and I'm so thankful for Chuck!

Originally Posted by KMB733

Glad you and Coop are fine! I saw some pictures from Detroit and its unbelievable! Congrats on receiving your passports!

It is the worst we have ever seen! We were used to some streets flooding and such but there were freeways that had 13+ feet of water (up to the overpass). There were at least 5 freeways that were impassable. This made getting to work very tricky!

Originally Posted by manticorjenn

Glad to hear you are okay and that things are progressing for your trip!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

We keep plugging along!

Originally Posted by Cam22

Glad you all are fine after all that flooding!

Thanks Cam! Physically fine, emotionally maybe a little worse for wear.

Originally Posted by lauriep

I was definitely thinking about you two as I watched the reports on the flooding yesterday and today. Glad you and your fur folk are ok, and hope there was no structural damage done by the water.

Thanks Laurie. We actually were lucky. Our basement isn't "finished" (dry wall, carpet etc) So that made some clean up easier. As for structural - that we may have to see. So far, there's nothing wrong - no erosion or anything that's visible.

Originally Posted by chezp

Glad to hear you're Ok after the flooding. I have to confess that news didn't make it over here. Glad you've got the passports now as well!

I'm actually surprised that news went farther than Detroit or Michigan! Thanks.

Originally Posted by kingfamily1129

so glad you and Coop are fine. It was super sad to hear of Robin Williams passing sorry you guys had such a crazy/rough day! Your Disney plans sound like they are coming along good. Oh and P.S., my husband and I buy toilet paper off of Amazon...so...yeah... lol

THanks. Chuck LOVES Amazon.

[Colexis Mom]

Sorry about the flooding!

[Coop]

Hi all

Sorry for the delay, you know - life gets in the way.

1st - as Chuck already mentioned, we were flooded. EVERYONE was around here. We actually got lucky, it could have been worse. Yes, we lost a lot. It is very emotional and taxing. But I know people who lost EVERYTHING! They had their bedrooms and living spaces in their basements. Ours was just more for storage. We lost pictures and videos of the kids when they were little. We lost some wedding photos (we only have 3 polaroids because we eloped) and Chuck's journals and stuff from his first theater experience (programs and the like). We lost a pool table and our Mickey waffle maker. All of our appliances still work. We got the water heater relit and now have hot water. Our washer and dryer, freezer and furnace are all ok. But honestly, it's nothing of monetary value - mostly sentimental stuff. That's what makes it so hard. But we have everything we NEED and we and the animals are safe. That's the important part.

2nd - I've been battling with the health care industry yet again. This time for something totally different. My back is better. Has it's moments but I'm able to walk and move so that's a plus! This time I'm battling with trying to get seen in a timely manner. See, I'm losing my hair. Not just like a lot in the hair brush but more like I've got a quite large bald spot! It developed over about 1 month so I know something isn't right. I've had my thyroid checked recently and it's fine. I know stress, hormones, diet and emotional factors in as well as just plain autoimmune. Everyone has been giving me their opinions - like I'm not a nurse and haven't thought of any of this. But I've been trying to get in to see the dermatologist. When I called, they gave me an appt 1.5 months away! I tried to get it moved up but they weren't working with me on that. The only other appt I could get was 4 days earlier but about 1 hour drive further. I said "Nevermind, I'll keep the appt I have" So I won't see anyone until Aug 25! Meanwhile, I just keep taking photos because it's just getting bigger.

When Chuck first noticed it - about mid-late June



Mid July



Beginning of August



Now, as you may know, I'm not adversed to VERY short hair. I pulled a "GI Jane" once when I had hair to my waist. The hairdresser just wouldn't go short enough - no matter how much I asked. She was worried that I'd regret it. So I went home and pulled out the clippers and shaved my head myself! I'm not cutting my hair until I see the Dermatologist and THEN I plan on shaving my head again. 1st, because if it isn't going to grow back and just get bigger - I will give in. 2nd - if it IS going to grow back, I want it to be the same length as the rest. (I'm tired of trying to hide it). I'm not worried about being bald - I'm worried about WHY I'm going bald. It's ok though - good thing Chuck likes my hair that way! I've also warned him that if it IS permanent, then be ready for all the accessories I will want - scarves, hats, eyeglasses (frames), earrings, make up, etc!

3rd - we did a refinance on the Mini with a debt consolidation for our credit cards. We paid off our credit cards and closed all but one (our Delta). With the refi on the car and the cards - our payment was about $150 less than the car alone! And we got rid of about $500/mo in credit card bills! So I thought that was cool - we could use the $650/month savings - more Disney money!!!

Now - on to the lists that I promised!

To Do
Sort clothes
Put $ on prepaid cards
make tip envelopes (for the cruise)
decide on costumes and purchase (either costumes or have tee shirts made)
Cook and freeze meals for kids for when they house sit
ACLS (I have class in Sept)
Make FP+ choices (8/26)
Do Online Check In - for both land and sea
8/25 - Dermatologist appt
Make reservations for our overnight stays on the drive down and back
pack
clean the house
take dog to the vet for yearly shots
Order up our Owner's Locker


To Buy
Costumes (or tee shirts) for Pirate Night/MNSSHP
New Bras
HBA stuff (since we are driving, I'm going to take the opportunity to "restock" our Owner's Locker) -
- shampoo (maybe? we may not need it LOL)
- OTC Meds - Tylenol, Motrin, Pepto, Zantac, Tums, Immodium and the like
Groceries
- stuff to make freezer meals for the kids
- snacks and stuff to bring on the road trip
- travel liquor bottles for the ship

Otherwise, we are pretty good with clothes, shoes, etc.

To Pack
jeans
capris
shorts
t-shirts
tank tops
blouses
swimsuit
sundresses
underwear
socks
bras
costume

sandals
tennies
flats

hairbrush
toothbrush
toothpaste
shampoo (? )
soap
shower pouf
meds
make up
sunscreen/after sun
lotion

I pad
Kindle
chargers
camera
HD cards


It's an ongoing, fluid list. Changes as the ideas come. And I welcome any insight to anything I may be missing.
It's 70 days! It's going fast. I feel totally ready and not ready at all at the same time. I wanted to lose weight and be on a walking regimen by now, but my back had different ideas. I know there's still some time and I plan on utilizing that but I'm not where I wanted to be by now. But it's like Christmas - it's going to happen whether I'm where I wanted to be or not. And like Christmas, it will happen and I will have a great time. So why worry, right?

Up next - hopefully, I will have an explanation and our FP+ picks

[Coop]

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Sorry about the flooding!

Thanks!

[shazza]

Lists look comprehensive. And, good deal on the monthly savings arrangement.

I can imagine you would like to find out what is causing the hair issue - sorry it takes so long to get an appointment. Love your attitude. As someone who is currently rocking the bald look, I can say there are certainly advantages to not having to worry much about hair care. (Edited to add: of course, I'm not wishing this for you! )

[lauriep]

Very frustrating that you can't get in to see a dermatologist quickly. As you say, it's not about vanity, but losing your hair like that is not "normal" and you need to know what's causing it.

The lists look very good!

[Cam22]

Hope you find out soon what is causing the baldness! All your lists look great, so with getting the items ticked off.

[ChukkerB]

What a crazy week! As it turns out we got so much luckier than almost everyone we know. I did manage to lite the water heater, and KEEP it lit, so that's good. I have a "Bachelor weekend" coming up,so I have 3 days to knock it out and finish cleaning up that mess. I also have a theatre thing, and a fundraiser for our Friend who is battling Lupus.
After this weekend, it's gonna be focus on Disney time. We'll have ten weeks, and lot's to do. It's gonna be more like only 4-5 weeks for me,as I'm crewing
"39 Steps" With my best friend Dave. It's my favorite type of play with a small cast, and little complications. We do have quite a Diva couple in Alan, and Ross but they are super tight, and don't get too crazy.
I'm doing the list thing, and actually had sort of a brainstorm since we are staying at Kidani Village, that Coop and I could do a "Photo Safari" I'm making a list of "Targets" and could use ALL of your help in what we should "hunt".
Remember, Coop is quite a photographer, and I am more of a hack, but we'll let you be the judge. Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

[manticorjenn]

I hope the dermatologist can give you the answers you need. I am glad the water damage wasn't too extensive. Your lists look great!!!

[chezp]

How annoying it's taking so long to see the dermatologist. I hope they can give you some answers.

So sorry about the memories you lost in the flooding. I always think things like photos are the worst to lose, as you can't replace those.

[rhinohunter]

Sorry to hear about the lose of the memories and the continuing lose of your hair. I hope that you will be able to find out what is causing it and that it can be reversed. Your planning list looks great.

[lindawdw]

So sorry to hear about your flooding issues but glad that you were able to salvage the big things, although sentimental things can't be replaced which is heartbreaking sometimes. Hope you get some answers from the dermatologist in August as it must be very distressing to not know why this is happening. Your Disney trip is going to be here before you know it! Love your lists - you're so organized!

[lfredsbo]

So sorry about the flooding - I too would be devastated at losing the sentimental items One of my biggest fears.

I have been following your hair ordeal on FB - and first of all - I love your attitude about it - can't say I would be so calm and collected But I do hope that they find out what the heck is causing this!!!! You just might have to be rocking some really cute hats in Disney

Chuck - my brain is freezing up right now on the photo hunt...........will have to get back to you on that..............other than the obvious - that Kidani is full of wonderful African Art work - and the proverbs all over are really interesting - to me anyway