Sunday, February 26, 2012

Disney Fun - My Future as a Baton Twirler?

Well, last weekend, Mike and I headed to Disney. I had to be at a conference for work starting on the 20th, so we took advantage and spent the weekend before at the parks.  Mike was in charge of finding a hotel for the weekend, since I was staying at the Contemporary for the conference, and we didn't want to spend $350 a night!

He found the Wyndham at Downtown Disney through a discount available to employees at AT&T.  We thought the Wyndham was a good name and the hotel would be okay. Apparently, they don't think much of their employees.

We got there (after a way-to-brief stop at the outlets) and found that we were in an "outside" the Tower room with external access, next to the loading dock. Even better, it was a room designed for disabled access. This meant all the controls and hanging rods were waist high. The best part - the shower and toilet were all in one area with no divider! Mike even took a video and posted on his facebook with a video tour.  Hotel Room - deeply discounted..... Look on Mike's face - PRICELESS

We were there over President's Day Weekend, so everything was pretty crowded, but on the plus side I learned that there is a Vera Bradley outlet in Orlando!

We decided to purchase Annual passes while there. We plan to head down a lot this year, and with an annual pass, you get free parking and discounts on Disney merchandise, restaurants, and hotels (no more Wyndham!).

We spent most of our time at Magic Kingdom, where Mike totally kicked my butt at Buzz Lightyear and I remembered how much I LOVED the Electrical Light parade.



But as a special treat before the light parade, we had a parade of baton twirlers from all over the country. Before I jump into this, let me just say that as a child, I ALWAYS wanted to be the one wearing the sparkly costumes, and if it came sequins and boots with fringe - I was all in. (Apparently as a child in the mid-to-late 70s, I also refused to wear pants of any kind and preferred full-on dresses with crinolines or short-shorts. Not sure if I planned a future as a Dallas-cowboy cheerleader or some other less savory profession.)

Anyway - back to the twirlers... We had great seats for the parade - on the cement curb in front of the train station. (When I say great seats - we could see everything up close, but my rear end was completely numb when I stood up.) I was watching the twirlers and mentally judging their costumes (ugly,  cute ribbons, too short, spandex pants?, oohhh sparkly!)  Mike was amusing himself by playing games on his i-Phone. Then we heard a cheer from the people on the parade route before us.

Coming down the road, twirling their hearts out....... the Senior Adult women of Texas! They were wearing short sparkly red skirts, white/blue tops, with sequined silver cowboy hats and white fringe boots! Not a one of them was under 70!  I am ashamed to say that I did not snap a pic. I was way too emotionally involved in the cheering. The absolute best part was the lady who was being pushed in a wheelchair - just a-twirling away!

I just could not help myself - I joined the standing ovation and cheering. I think it's fantastic to see older people who are active and really enjoying themselves (especially in glitter boots with fringe).  I hope I have the moxie (and the legs)  to twirl at Disney when I'm old. Of course, Mike would be far too embarrassed to push my wheelchair!

Hmmm..  I wonder if it's too late for me to take baton lessons......


Anyway... off to pack for a trip to Newark (again for work). From Disney to Newark... what a difference! The happiest place on earth to..... well.... Newark. 

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Busy Month Ahead!

So how come it feels like Fourth of July is right around the corner, and Thanksgiving is just down the block? I feel so pressed for time right now, but was remembering how the months of January through may just D....R....A.....G......G.....E......D by when I was in school. I couldn't wait for the summer, then it was here and I was ready for school to start up again.  (Which probably indicates a complete inability to be content and appreciate the moment.)

Now, I'd settle for an un-busy weekend! But, it doesn't look like that is in my future.

This weekend, we are all about getting hair done, Dish Network installed, and getting the Westside house ready for renters (an answer to prayer, and a story for later).  And my favorite - Inaugural Girl's Night!

 Next weekend - Disney here we come!

I have a work conference from the 20th to the 22nd to go to in Orlando (at the Contemporary) and I am so excited to stay at the original monorail hotel!!!  Mike and I are headed down the weekend before to relax and play at the parks. We'll get our FL Resident Season passes and try to spend more time down there. (I have a feeling I might not be having dinner at the conference - not with a pass and monorail access!)

We'd have done the Play Three Florida resident special, but it isn't good on a holiday weekend. President's Day... while I'm grateful for the holiday and would normally be off work, it seems a little dull. I think there should be great holidays like Queso&Chip Day - where there are no calories and Carb day - where you can eat all of them without "carb-face" the next morning.  (Can you tell there have been no carbs for a few days? I'm, a little obsessive.) Oooh or how about mani-pedi day where there is no guilt because you should be more productive.

I'll be back sometime on Wednesday, then on Sunday, I'm headed to Newark. (Could I write that with any less excitement? Probably not.) It's a great opportunity for work, but really.... Newark?  I'll be back in town sometime on the 2nd of March, assuming I can get out of Newark on time (I'm not sure that's even possible!). And there you have it - the rest of my February....

By the way - I feel like I should admit that I think my Couch to 5K iPhone app is mocking me.. When it says, let's run - it sounds all sarcastic, like "let's see if you can do it, sucker." Then when she says, "whew, that was tough," I think her tone says something different. "That was tough for you maybe, but I think a beached beluga could have done it without the heavy breathing."  Now that I've added emotions to my iPhone app, and not just emotions, but mean girl emotions, I think my work here is done tonight.