The We NEED This Vacation / It's Now Or Never 9/18-9/27 PTR - COMPLETE!! 9/18 - Page 8 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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We go on to the joy and through the tears
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It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
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If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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I had to take Casey the Lab to the vet today - he has a horrible hot spot on his hip. (If any of you haven't heard of a hot spot, it's like a moist eczema; the dogs gnaw at themselves to the point of mutilation and the saliva spreads, causing a larger wound - it's horrible!) He got 2 weeks of antibiotics, a steroid shot, and 2 sprays. I have a picture of it, but it's pretty gross so I won't post it :
One good thing about the vet though - Casey got weighed today. When I first met Casey (he's technically Pat's dog; Pat's had him since he was a puppy, but I consider Casey to be more of my dog now since I take full care of him), Casey weighed 120 pounds!! He was the equivalent of being morbidly obese. He couldn't roll over on his back or anything. I whipped him into shape and was curious to see what 3 years in Amy Bootcamp would result in. He now weighs...70.2 pounds!!He lost FIFTY POUNDS!! I didn't think he lost THAT much weight, but now he's in the proper weight range and therefore is (hopefully) healthier all around. (Don't worry - this has been about a 3 year process, I haven't been starving him or anything )
We had online checkin today!!! I updated my credit card info and when I got my email confirmation, it showed the old credit card. I called Disney to see if there would be a problem (there won't) and while I had them on the phone, I asked them if our room requests were in their system, and they all are
Since it's now after midnight, we're officially in the SINGLE DIGITS!! I can't believe how fast time is moving!!
While I was online doing the online checkin, I checked the Dining site. I've been checking off and on to see if I could change the time for our Cali Grill reservation (hoping for a later time to see Hallowishes) and Crystal Palace (hoping for an earlier time). No luck on Crystal Palace so far, but I was able to switch our Cali Grill ADR from 7:40 pm to 9:20 pm!! I'm very happy, and surprised! I've been checking pretty frequently and hadn't had luck up until now. I guess it goes to show that you should keep trying!
I'm ready to give the Teva Mush Flip Flops that I'd bought with the main intent of this trip my thumbs up! I definitely think they'll be able to handle the walking, especially the fast pace walking. I had to powerwalk through a store today to get gauze pads for Casey's wound and halfway back to my car I realized that they'll be just fine. They aren't too comfortable when you're standing, so hopefully we won't have any crazy long lines. Or maybe I'll just have to slip out of them while we wait
According to the USPS Track & Confirm site, my Baggallini Messenger bag should be here either tomorrow or Friday! I'm pretty excited about it.
Things are moving so quickly! I still have a ton to do, and it's only 9 days away! !!
Coming up....The rest of our plans and The To-Do List
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Sorry about your dog’s hot spot my mom's dog used to get them...no fun! Great work getting him into shape your a wonderful mommy to your pups! Yippee on your ADR!!!! That is soooo cool!! I have never heard of the flip flops you wrote about. I am going to look then up now! I am afraid my feet are going to burn up in tennies. Single day dance!!!
Just read your PTR... what a year! I feel your pain (figuratively) as we've had a pretty crappy year here, too. But what a blessing that you're able to go have some fun in Disney!
I have to know... what happened with Pat's brother?? I was so angry when I read about him wanting to tag along and was looking for an update. I assume he hasn't mentioned it since? Looking forward to the TR!
__________________
Jessica
Disney Freak since '99!
Engaged at Chef Mickey's on 5/31/06
Had my Fairy Tale Wedding on 5/31/07 at Yacht Club
Everybody was single digit dancin, it is close as ever. I hope the cute doggie is feeling better, poor baby! I hope she doesn't need the cone of shame. (My baby kitten had to wear a cone of shame when we got her spayed it was too cute)
Sorry about your dog’s hot spot my mom's dog used to get them...no fun! Great work getting him into shape your a wonderful mommy to your pups! Yippee on your ADR!!!! That is soooo cool!! I have never heard of the flip flops you wrote about. I am going to look then up now! I am afraid my feet are going to burn up in tennies. Single day dance!!!
Thank you! They're really comfortable so far, but not if you're standing still for too long. I found mine on clearance at Sports Authority, but so far I'm really happy with them
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Congrats on single digits, checking in online, and getting a later time for CG! Pixies for the puppy!
Thanks!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee723
WOW! You're almost there! I'll be doing online check-in on Monday and that's when it will be official...so congrats!!!
Thank you!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by auntlatoya
Congrats on single digits. for your doctor's appointment today. Hope Casey starts to get better before you have to leave.
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Yay for single digits
Congrats to Casey for losing 50 lbs. That's tough for a dog! I've seen lots of pet owners struggle to help their pets lose weight.
Thank you! It is REALLY hard for dogs to lose weight, which is one reason I was so surprised that he lost that much. I'm just happy that it's less work for his heart and it'll help him live longer in the long run.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TATINEE
Just read your PTR... what a year! I feel your pain (figuratively) as we've had a pretty crappy year here, too. But what a blessing that you're able to go have some fun in Disney!
I have to know... what happened with Pat's brother?? I was so angry when I read about him wanting to tag along and was looking for an update. I assume he hasn't mentioned it since? Looking forward to the TR!
Thank you! It's been a rough year for a lot of people
So far, no new news with the brother (luckily). About a week ago, he called Pat and left him a voicemail asking what day they're going to be meeting up (for all the open ADRs he plans on getting - ha! ha!), Pat called him back but the brother didn't answer and they haven't spoken since. I told Pat that if he'd like, I'd be more than happy to let the brother know that they aren't really hanging out, complete with a list of reasons why, but he won't take me up on that offer . If I hear anything, I'll definitely mention it here - I'll be too angry not to!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
for Casey! for on line check in and single digits!
Thank you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinkyt177
Everybody was single digit dancin, it is close as ever. I hope the cute doggie is feeling better, poor baby! I hope she doesn't need the cone of shame. (My baby kitten had to wear a cone of shame when we got her spayed it was too cute)
Thanks! It's actually the black Lab who has it - which is a little surprising since Layla has soooo much more fur than him. He doesn't have the cone of shame; he has the donut of shame!
That isn't him; that's just a Google picture. He isn't too happy with it lol.
Unfortunately, the good news happened early in the day, so it wasn't really balanced out.
I woke up and checked the mail, to find my Baggallini Messenger bag AND my disability check!! One of the best mail days in awhile.
I got ready to go to the orthopedist, got to the office and checked in. They called me back up to the window and asked if I had any change in insurance, because they got a charge back from my insurance from the August visit.
Since I had no idea what they were talking about, and since I didn't have any money with me to pay out of pocket for the visit, they wouldn't see me
I already have a payment arrangement worked out with them for the things that insurance didn't cover, and they couldn't add to it or make a new arrangement. I don't really blame the doctor's office. I'm mad at the insurance company for never sending me any information that there'd be a change - let alone a termination! - of my benefits.
I got home, called my employer's Human Resource's department. They transferred me to the Mediclaim/Insurance department, who transferred me to the Unpaid Leave department.
Way in the beginning, I had state disability plus a supplemental disability through my employer. They paid the difference between what the state would pay and my regular salary, but only for about 6 weeks. The case manager of the employer's disability (we'll call her Sue, because...that's her name) is the one who singlehandedly caused almost all of the problems. She wouldn't return my calls, she'd cancel my claim without warning, and have stupid policies that were impossible to follow. For example, if I had a doctors appointment on a Thursday, she'd insist on having the paperwork by Friday - except she wouldn't accept faxes, and she's in Illinois and I'm in New Jersey. Since obviously the mail doesn't work THAT quickly, and she wouldn't accept faxes, every time I had to submit paperwork, she'd cancel the claim and cause more delays.
Well anyway. The supplemental disability was only for the first 6 weeks of my disability. When I stopped receiving the supplement, I called and asked her why, and she explained that it goes based on years of service and that's all I'm entitled to.
She never mentioned that after that time period, if I didn't apply for a leave of absence, they'd cancel my coverage!
I never got the paperwork that she was supposed to send (honestly I doubt she ever sent it) and she never brought it up during any of our constant phone calls.
So, not only is my insurance terminated - it's been terminated as of APRIL 30TH!!! I never got ANY notification whatsoever.
I'm getting charged for all of the doctor's visits and physical therapy (3 times a week) from May 1st until now.
I can apply for a retroactive leave of absence, but it's not guaranteed, and it takes time too.
In the meantime, the doctor won't see me (I have to come up with the $$ to pay out of pocket for a visit) and I had to cancel the rest of my physical therapy for this week.
He wouldn't fill out the new disability form - the one time they sent it to me early! They said since I wasn't evaluated, they legally couldn't sign off on anything.
So I can't go to the doctor to find out if I can go back to work to get money and insurance.
I can't go to physical therapy to get healed to be able to go back to work.
All because of the one woman! She's caused so many problems that I won't get into here. It's just so frustrating because it's not anything I could control - she wouldn't let me send faxes or paperwork in, so it's 100% her responsibility - but I'm the one that's suffering for it.
Even if I get the leave of absence approved, in the meantime I have to go without treatment/healing - what a horrible cycle, no money because I can't work, can't work because I can't go to therapy/the doctor because I have no money, and no money because I can't work!!
Sorry about that...had to vent!!
Also, Pat's suitcase broke. We took it out of the closet, and look what happened to the zipper:
I don't know how it happened, but the coils are the teeth of the zipper. They like, unraveled somehow. I really don't think that's fixable. Now we have to find someone who has an extra suitcase we can borrow.
Casey's feeling a little bit better. The wound is healing, but the medicine is making him feel sick. The cortisone shot is making him have to pee sooo often, almost every 1/2 hour. And not just a little bit either, a full bladder every time. And the antibiotic is giving him an upset stomach, just like they do for some people.
Geesh! I don't even know what to say. They say what goes around comes around, but that isn't helping the matter at hand. All I can say is I hope things work out for you in the end of all this.
you all need this vacation & it's going to be awesome!!! Just rest on that thought for now! I am sooooo sorry about all this! That lady (lets call her Sue...cause that's her name...lol but that cracked me up)...is awful & I agree with Melissa what comes around goes around!!! I am glad your pup is getting better. I noticed my lil Pom/ Chihuahua dog is chewing her backside lately. I think it might be from dry skin. I hope it passes soon. Here’s a {{{HUG}}} & some pixies for you!!
All caught up. Congrats on the Baggalini - I've been using the Baggalini Messenger Bag for years and it!! Sorry to hear about your lab - our West Highland White Terrier that we had when I was growing up used to get hot spots all the time and we had to bathe him in this horrible sulfur-smelling medicated shampoo. Hopefully your pup will be feeling better soon. Any luck on finding a pet sitter? We have used the same pet sitter for years now and trust her completely. This vacation, my neighbor and friend Renee is going to watch our pets for us to save us money. She'll do fine - I'm not worried about it. But, as I'm familiar with Malamutes (like Layla), I know what escape artists they are and that is what makes me worried when someone else watches our Husky. If she gets loose at all, she's GONE and there's no catching her. Sorry to hear about all the insurance troubles - I hope it all gets worked out. You SO need this vacation!
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He was the equivalent of being morbidly obese. He couldn't roll over on his back or anything. I whipped him into shape and was curious to see what 3 years in Amy Bootcamp would result in. He now weighs...70.2 pounds!! 
He lost FIFTY POUNDS!! 
I didn't think he lost THAT much weight, but now he's in the proper weight range and therefore is (hopefully) healthier all around. (Don't worry - this has been about a 3 year process, I haven't been starving him or anything 
)
I definitely think they'll be able to handle the walking, especially the fast pace walking. I had to powerwalk through a store today to get gauze pads for Casey's wound and halfway back to my car I realized that they'll be just fine. They aren't too comfortable when you're standing, so hopefully we won't have any crazy long lines. Or maybe I'll just have to slip out of them while we wait 
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Pixie Dust
I have never heard of the flip flops you wrote about. I am going to look then up now!
Pixies for the puppy! 
Cassie
Just rest on that thought for now! I am sooooo sorry about all this! That lady (lets call her Sue...cause that's her name...lol
but that cracked me up)...is awful & I agree with Melissa what comes around goes around!!! I am glad your pup is getting better. I noticed my lil Pom/ Chihuahua dog is chewing her backside lately. I think it might be from dry skin. I hope it passes soon. Here’s a {{{HUG}}} & some pixies for you!!
it!! Sorry to hear about your lab - our West Highland White Terrier that we had when I was growing up used to get hot spots all the time and we had to bathe him in this horrible sulfur-smelling medicated shampoo. Hopefully your pup will be feeling better soon. Any luck on finding a pet sitter? We have used the same pet sitter for years now and trust her completely. This vacation, my neighbor and friend Renee is going to watch our pets for us to save us money. She'll do fine - I'm not worried about it. But, as I'm familiar with Malamutes (like Layla), I know what escape artists they are and that is what makes me worried when someone else watches our Husky. If she gets loose at all, she's GONE and there's no catching her. Sorry to hear about all the insurance troubles - I hope it all gets worked out. You SO need this vacation! 
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