Mad. I spent all that time in Florida not to far from Universal Studios. Why did they not have the decency to open up the Harry Potter Wizarding World 3 days earlier when I was there? Clearly - big fan right here. I did not want to be taunted by Daniel Radcliffe on Fox News this morning talking about the park and all the rides and the buildings. I am Bitter. Yes, it needs the capital B.
In another side note, I am thinking about applying for an assistant coaching position with the cross country team. I'm horribly out of shape and have an awful knee, but that does not erase 3 years of running in high school - earning 5 varsity letters, and 2 years of running cross country at one of the best division 3 colleges in the country. Does that sound good enough for my letter? Do you think Silvio will be mad if I am not around all the time to play with him? Even better do you think he has the stuff to be a team mascot?
Day 159
First day back from my Disney trip a la 2010. I have loads of little things that I need to get done. But that is besides the point.
I left on Wednesday last week (the 9th). That was a fun filled day - dropped off Silvio at the pet resort. Quick back to the house to make sure everything was taken care of there, then drove 2 hours to KCI. I got to Dallas no problem and actually took the first class upgrade (45 dollars - I wasn't giving that up). I had an enjoyable flight and even spent a portion of the time talking with my neighbor. Dallas is a fantastic airport. I am convinced of it. Yes it has some draw backs - but really, they made it easy to get from one terminal to another. Plus, I got to sit down and eat lunch at TGI Friday's as opposed to running around getting take out. The flight from Dallas to Orlando - ended up being about 45 minutes late. Boo. Plus, we can not forget the hour time zone change. I didn't actually get to the hotel to meet up with the parents until nearly 9 at night. I think I spent over 12 hours traveling in some form or another.
Saratoga Springs is a humongous resort. Really - Disney could put another theme park on that plot of land - it's that big. Talk about getting exercise - nearly a half mile walk from our room to the Front Desk, or food, or the big pool. Thank goodness we had a quiet pool nearby. I felt really disconnected as opposed to the other resorts we have stayed at. At the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach Club, you get a really feeling of hustle and bustle and people moving around. It's really quite dead at Saratoga Springs. I guess that just isn't my speed.
I purchased my ticket on Thursday. I really would like to thank Disney for the Military Salute promotion. What normally is a nearly 300 ticket - 4 day park hopper pass (with tax), I only paid half that price. Sometimes the military is good for something (if only my hubby was with me).
We snuck through Epcot - growing to be one of my favorite parks. We tried out Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions and created our own roller coaster. Raytheon, which runs the exhibit, tells you it is all about the math and science that we can create these great rides. It got me to thinking. I think I would like to create a on-going roller coaster project for my algebra 2 students - build different roller - coasters by piecing together different types of functions (we explore a lot of them in algebra 2). But it would be something that I would really need to work on like...right now. We also played the The Great Piggy Bank Adventure. It was really fun - more geared to smaller kids to learn about saving through 3 video game like activities. But we had a blast playing the games. I think we made more noise then the kids playing the games (you played in teams). We went on the Nemo ride in the Living Seas - not particularly spectacular - except for the part were it was the actual huge fish tank and they projected the characters on that. We roamed around the countries and got some sushi in Japan. Then we headed to Hollywood Studions (MGM - it will always be MGM - stupid name changing). We went on the Toy Story ride, which I think is more fun than the buzz lightyear ride. It might be because I can score more than 6000 points on it. After that it was time for dinner at Hollywood and Vine. Yummy buffet - good after a day of park hopping.
Friday we took it easy. Did some shopping at Downtown Disney and a nearby outlet mall. Kinda out of character. Then we went to eat at Kouzzina by Cat Cora. Greek food. Totally yummy. Fantastic meal - it is housed in the same place that Spoodles used to be on the Boardwalk. I am really a Greek food newbie. Never really branched into that food culture. Okay it was my first foray into Greek food. I had Avgolemono, Traditional Egg-lemon Soup with Chicken and Rice. So lemony and soooo delicious. Then for dinner I could not decided what I wanted. So I went with the Kouzzina Trio which was tasting size portions of Pastitsio (Greek lasagna - cinnamon infused), Char-grilled Lamb Burger (spicy burger), and Cinnamon-stewed Chicken with Orzo. For dessert, loukoumades - freshly Made Greek Doughnuts drizzled with warm Honey. Reminded me of tiny zeppoles covered in honey and not powdered sugar. I am making my mouth water just thinking about that meal. I hope that I can find a good recipe for the Avgolemono. I would love to try it on my own. Clearly we needed to walk off our fantastic dinner. So we set off around the lake. We caught Illuminations and then finished our walk around the lake.
Saturday, mom and I set off for the early morning park opening at Animal Kingdom. 8 am park opening and we got there at about 8:10. It was very light foot traffic wise. We were surprised. We headed straight to the safari and got picked off the line (hurray for being a small party of 2) to go on one of the handicapped trucks. So lucky! It was barely 8:30 and there was still breakfast food out for all of the animals. So they were out and about munching on breakfast. Fantastic. We got super close to the giraffes and the white rhinos. Craziness. Probably some of the best pictures I have ever taken of the animals. We went on the gorilla trail and the tiger trail. The we headed back because it was hot as...well you can fill in the blank. Spent part of the afternoon at the pool. Then got ready for a nice meal at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian. That meal was depressing after dinner in Kouzzina. We were all ready for some seafood and just totally disappointed. I will leave it at that. But afterward we headed to the Magic Kingdom for the comeback of the Main Street Electrical Parade. I think we nearly sat in the same spot from our very first videotaped trip to Disney in 1987. Am I dating myself? The music is slightly a bit more techno-ified but I love it. They added some new floats which look great. But the lights - compared to the old bulbs - these LED lights are so bright and fantastic. I tried to capture it with my camera.
We got up a little later on Sunday to head back to Epcot. We had lunch reservations at Le Cellier in Canada. Before that we Test Track, got fast passes for Soarin', and rode the Journey into Imagination (i could probably spend an entire post on how Disney messed that one up). Lunch at Le Cellier was totally yummy. I had the cheddar cheese soup - and was able to snag the recipe from the kitchen. Score! Then we had the Filet Mignon with wild mushroom risotto. Needless to say there were 3 very clean plates. For dessert we ordered this chocolate whiskey cake - oh to die for. If we weren't walking around and sweating our behinds off in the 100 + degree heat, I would probably have gained about 5 pounds. We could not resist a stop at the Maelstrom or a chance to walk around the shops. Disney is bringing back some of the original t-shirt designs and I love it. Nothing major for dinner since lunch was so yummy.
Monday was the last day in the parks - so we headed to Magic Kingdom. Can we say crowded? There was a Pampered Chef convention in town too. I could use some more pampered chef. (Gosh it all comes back to food doesn't it?) We went on Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, the Laugh Room (I really enjoy that one - plus you spend a lot of time in the air conditioning and you see people do things they normally wouldn't do.), and Pirates of the Caribbean. Had a little lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern and high tailed it out of there because it was another bloody hot day.
Yesterday - was a long day. Up at the crack of dawn to get on the Magical Express back to the airport. A sad day. I wish Matt and Andy had been able to come. Or that it had been longer. Oh well. A few more steps closer to the end of this year. :o)
I left on Wednesday last week (the 9th). That was a fun filled day - dropped off Silvio at the pet resort. Quick back to the house to make sure everything was taken care of there, then drove 2 hours to KCI. I got to Dallas no problem and actually took the first class upgrade (45 dollars - I wasn't giving that up). I had an enjoyable flight and even spent a portion of the time talking with my neighbor. Dallas is a fantastic airport. I am convinced of it. Yes it has some draw backs - but really, they made it easy to get from one terminal to another. Plus, I got to sit down and eat lunch at TGI Friday's as opposed to running around getting take out. The flight from Dallas to Orlando - ended up being about 45 minutes late. Boo. Plus, we can not forget the hour time zone change. I didn't actually get to the hotel to meet up with the parents until nearly 9 at night. I think I spent over 12 hours traveling in some form or another.
Saratoga Springs is a humongous resort. Really - Disney could put another theme park on that plot of land - it's that big. Talk about getting exercise - nearly a half mile walk from our room to the Front Desk, or food, or the big pool. Thank goodness we had a quiet pool nearby. I felt really disconnected as opposed to the other resorts we have stayed at. At the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach Club, you get a really feeling of hustle and bustle and people moving around. It's really quite dead at Saratoga Springs. I guess that just isn't my speed.
I purchased my ticket on Thursday. I really would like to thank Disney for the Military Salute promotion. What normally is a nearly 300 ticket - 4 day park hopper pass (with tax), I only paid half that price. Sometimes the military is good for something (if only my hubby was with me).
We snuck through Epcot - growing to be one of my favorite parks. We tried out Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions and created our own roller coaster. Raytheon, which runs the exhibit, tells you it is all about the math and science that we can create these great rides. It got me to thinking. I think I would like to create a on-going roller coaster project for my algebra 2 students - build different roller - coasters by piecing together different types of functions (we explore a lot of them in algebra 2). But it would be something that I would really need to work on like...right now. We also played the The Great Piggy Bank Adventure. It was really fun - more geared to smaller kids to learn about saving through 3 video game like activities. But we had a blast playing the games. I think we made more noise then the kids playing the games (you played in teams). We went on the Nemo ride in the Living Seas - not particularly spectacular - except for the part were it was the actual huge fish tank and they projected the characters on that. We roamed around the countries and got some sushi in Japan. Then we headed to Hollywood Studions (MGM - it will always be MGM - stupid name changing). We went on the Toy Story ride, which I think is more fun than the buzz lightyear ride. It might be because I can score more than 6000 points on it. After that it was time for dinner at Hollywood and Vine. Yummy buffet - good after a day of park hopping.
Friday we took it easy. Did some shopping at Downtown Disney and a nearby outlet mall. Kinda out of character. Then we went to eat at Kouzzina by Cat Cora. Greek food. Totally yummy. Fantastic meal - it is housed in the same place that Spoodles used to be on the Boardwalk. I am really a Greek food newbie. Never really branched into that food culture. Okay it was my first foray into Greek food. I had Avgolemono, Traditional Egg-lemon Soup with Chicken and Rice. So lemony and soooo delicious. Then for dinner I could not decided what I wanted. So I went with the Kouzzina Trio which was tasting size portions of Pastitsio (Greek lasagna - cinnamon infused), Char-grilled Lamb Burger (spicy burger), and Cinnamon-stewed Chicken with Orzo. For dessert, loukoumades - freshly Made Greek Doughnuts drizzled with warm Honey. Reminded me of tiny zeppoles covered in honey and not powdered sugar. I am making my mouth water just thinking about that meal. I hope that I can find a good recipe for the Avgolemono. I would love to try it on my own. Clearly we needed to walk off our fantastic dinner. So we set off around the lake. We caught Illuminations and then finished our walk around the lake.
Saturday, mom and I set off for the early morning park opening at Animal Kingdom. 8 am park opening and we got there at about 8:10. It was very light foot traffic wise. We were surprised. We headed straight to the safari and got picked off the line (hurray for being a small party of 2) to go on one of the handicapped trucks. So lucky! It was barely 8:30 and there was still breakfast food out for all of the animals. So they were out and about munching on breakfast. Fantastic. We got super close to the giraffes and the white rhinos. Craziness. Probably some of the best pictures I have ever taken of the animals. We went on the gorilla trail and the tiger trail. The we headed back because it was hot as...well you can fill in the blank. Spent part of the afternoon at the pool. Then got ready for a nice meal at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian. That meal was depressing after dinner in Kouzzina. We were all ready for some seafood and just totally disappointed. I will leave it at that. But afterward we headed to the Magic Kingdom for the comeback of the Main Street Electrical Parade. I think we nearly sat in the same spot from our very first videotaped trip to Disney in 1987. Am I dating myself? The music is slightly a bit more techno-ified but I love it. They added some new floats which look great. But the lights - compared to the old bulbs - these LED lights are so bright and fantastic. I tried to capture it with my camera.
We got up a little later on Sunday to head back to Epcot. We had lunch reservations at Le Cellier in Canada. Before that we Test Track, got fast passes for Soarin', and rode the Journey into Imagination (i could probably spend an entire post on how Disney messed that one up). Lunch at Le Cellier was totally yummy. I had the cheddar cheese soup - and was able to snag the recipe from the kitchen. Score! Then we had the Filet Mignon with wild mushroom risotto. Needless to say there were 3 very clean plates. For dessert we ordered this chocolate whiskey cake - oh to die for. If we weren't walking around and sweating our behinds off in the 100 + degree heat, I would probably have gained about 5 pounds. We could not resist a stop at the Maelstrom or a chance to walk around the shops. Disney is bringing back some of the original t-shirt designs and I love it. Nothing major for dinner since lunch was so yummy.
Monday was the last day in the parks - so we headed to Magic Kingdom. Can we say crowded? There was a Pampered Chef convention in town too. I could use some more pampered chef. (Gosh it all comes back to food doesn't it?) We went on Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, the Laugh Room (I really enjoy that one - plus you spend a lot of time in the air conditioning and you see people do things they normally wouldn't do.), and Pirates of the Caribbean. Had a little lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern and high tailed it out of there because it was another bloody hot day.
Yesterday - was a long day. Up at the crack of dawn to get on the Magical Express back to the airport. A sad day. I wish Matt and Andy had been able to come. Or that it had been longer. Oh well. A few more steps closer to the end of this year. :o)
Day 150
We can officially turn the page on 5 months of this deployment. I am surprised that it is here.
**Interlude: While starting to write this, I was interrupted by the doorbell. There is another church that is looking for members. This is probably about the 5th or 6th time since we have moved here since this has happened. Mind you - they are all different churches. As much as I would love to be a member of so many wonderful organizations, I am a card carrying Roman Catholic. Yes, what some would say is one of the more structured belief systems out there. But that's okay, I like structure. Anyway, I just never really remember this happening so much back home. Maybe it is a mid west sort of thing?**
Back to our regular programming. This means that we are 30 days away from the half way point (supposing things do not change). I am not sure if this deployment feels easier or faster compared to the previous one. I am just happy 5 months are done.
I also managed to complete all of the assignments for my last online course. It feels satisfying. To be honest - I think I have hit the end of the road with schooling. I am done. I have no desire to take courses for credit, get any more degrees, nada. Not that I do not enjoy learning. I just am done with the pressure of having to perform. Now if I found some fun cooking classes, or maybe some piano lessons (that would require having a piano to practice on first, doh) I would be all for it.
Other than that - just spending loads of time watching the news (depressing), cleaning (or getting me dirty), or reorganizing (throwing old crud out and buying fun plastic tubs to put the rest of the stuff in).
**Interlude: While starting to write this, I was interrupted by the doorbell. There is another church that is looking for members. This is probably about the 5th or 6th time since we have moved here since this has happened. Mind you - they are all different churches. As much as I would love to be a member of so many wonderful organizations, I am a card carrying Roman Catholic. Yes, what some would say is one of the more structured belief systems out there. But that's okay, I like structure. Anyway, I just never really remember this happening so much back home. Maybe it is a mid west sort of thing?**
Back to our regular programming. This means that we are 30 days away from the half way point (supposing things do not change). I am not sure if this deployment feels easier or faster compared to the previous one. I am just happy 5 months are done.
I also managed to complete all of the assignments for my last online course. It feels satisfying. To be honest - I think I have hit the end of the road with schooling. I am done. I have no desire to take courses for credit, get any more degrees, nada. Not that I do not enjoy learning. I just am done with the pressure of having to perform. Now if I found some fun cooking classes, or maybe some piano lessons (that would require having a piano to practice on first, doh) I would be all for it.
Other than that - just spending loads of time watching the news (depressing), cleaning (or getting me dirty), or reorganizing (throwing old crud out and buying fun plastic tubs to put the rest of the stuff in).
Day 148
I'm not sure if this is considered momentous or what. But I suppose it should be documented.
I sliced my finger this morning with a serrated knife. Okay, that sounds a heck of a lot worse than what happened. I was preparing to cut some more slices of bread from the loaf I baked yesterday. *Probably a good thing I had managed to cut two slices just before the incident and managed to eat breakfast. I most certainly would have been forgoing breakfast if this happened first.* I can barely even explain how my finger got there, but all of a sudden...knife to bread and then... knife to left middle finger. Being I have the lowest threshold for pain imaginable stopped myself going - "WTF my finger hurts!!!" Then I saw blood. I knew I only had mere seconds before - for no reason at all - I would be fainting on the floor. Since I am a 5 year old when it comes to cuts, scrapes, and bruises - finger went straight in mouth as a ran to the bathroom and turn on the faucet. Why I ran to the bathroom sink when there is a perfectly usable kitchen sink not 2 ft from me - I have no idea. I think I screamed like a little baby for about 2 minutes and tried to keep myself from hyperventilating. Fortunately for me I spent part of yesterday putting all of the band-aids and neosporin away in the closet. My finger stopped it's bleeding just long enough for me to fumble one-handed through everything. Bandage complete. Laid down on the floor for 10 minutes while Silvio just licked my right hand.
I spent the rest of the day cleaning the house. After that - I got cleaned up.
I inspected the cut this afternoon. Thankfully for my killer instincts I just ended up with what looks like a mother of a paper cut. Nice and deep. Not deep enough to warrant a call for help. Since I got the neosporin on there real fast it even looked as those it was starting to heal up nicely.
Now I am slightly embarrassed. I do not even want to come close to that bread knife. Nor do I want to cut a slice of bread - no matter how much I want it and how tasty it is. I guess I won't be baking for a while - until I become comfortable with the bread knife again.
I sliced my finger this morning with a serrated knife. Okay, that sounds a heck of a lot worse than what happened. I was preparing to cut some more slices of bread from the loaf I baked yesterday. *Probably a good thing I had managed to cut two slices just before the incident and managed to eat breakfast. I most certainly would have been forgoing breakfast if this happened first.* I can barely even explain how my finger got there, but all of a sudden...knife to bread and then... knife to left middle finger. Being I have the lowest threshold for pain imaginable stopped myself going - "WTF my finger hurts!!!" Then I saw blood. I knew I only had mere seconds before - for no reason at all - I would be fainting on the floor. Since I am a 5 year old when it comes to cuts, scrapes, and bruises - finger went straight in mouth as a ran to the bathroom and turn on the faucet. Why I ran to the bathroom sink when there is a perfectly usable kitchen sink not 2 ft from me - I have no idea. I think I screamed like a little baby for about 2 minutes and tried to keep myself from hyperventilating. Fortunately for me I spent part of yesterday putting all of the band-aids and neosporin away in the closet. My finger stopped it's bleeding just long enough for me to fumble one-handed through everything. Bandage complete. Laid down on the floor for 10 minutes while Silvio just licked my right hand.
I spent the rest of the day cleaning the house. After that - I got cleaned up.
I inspected the cut this afternoon. Thankfully for my killer instincts I just ended up with what looks like a mother of a paper cut. Nice and deep. Not deep enough to warrant a call for help. Since I got the neosporin on there real fast it even looked as those it was starting to heal up nicely.
Now I am slightly embarrassed. I do not even want to come close to that bread knife. Nor do I want to cut a slice of bread - no matter how much I want it and how tasty it is. I guess I won't be baking for a while - until I become comfortable with the bread knife again.
Day 146
Well I did it. After the Hair debacle of Lawton, I finally got it cut. It feels fantastic. I keep brushing my hands through my hair in wonderment. Yes it really is that short. No, I do not have to worry about blow-drying hair that comes down to the middle of my back. Yes it was long. Plus, I splurged on some hair products - a really really nice flat iron (bye bye 15 dollar Conair iron), new shampoo, plus other fun hair creams and sprays. Gosh i feel so girly.
Silvio had his annual vet appointment. He is doing well. The vet thinks he is hilarious. He even sat nicely while they gave him every shot imaginable. Needless to say, right now he is passed out on the chair behind me. So much excitement for one day. Little downside - he needs to lose a couple of pounds - he is 23 pounds. Yikes. He doesn't look like Kona - but he is a bit chubby. More walking outside for us then.
I did a little bit of work today. That is a bit of an understatement - I did a bit to get ready for Disney but that was it. Tomorrow I need to get at least one of these papers completed and start cleaning the house. Dirty house is not fun. If anyone would like to clean it for me - you are more than welcome too!
Went out last night to Harry's with the Yellow Ribbon Social. Lots of fun - plus I miss going out to eat. I really need to be more comfortable with going out to eat by myself.
I watched An Education tonight. It was a really good movie. Hmm, no wonder it was up for an oscar or two.
Silvio had his annual vet appointment. He is doing well. The vet thinks he is hilarious. He even sat nicely while they gave him every shot imaginable. Needless to say, right now he is passed out on the chair behind me. So much excitement for one day. Little downside - he needs to lose a couple of pounds - he is 23 pounds. Yikes. He doesn't look like Kona - but he is a bit chubby. More walking outside for us then.
I did a little bit of work today. That is a bit of an understatement - I did a bit to get ready for Disney but that was it. Tomorrow I need to get at least one of these papers completed and start cleaning the house. Dirty house is not fun. If anyone would like to clean it for me - you are more than welcome too!
Went out last night to Harry's with the Yellow Ribbon Social. Lots of fun - plus I miss going out to eat. I really need to be more comfortable with going out to eat by myself.
I watched An Education tonight. It was a really good movie. Hmm, no wonder it was up for an oscar or two.
Day 144
Book update:
Textbook for special ed online class is finished. No more reading that for me.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - enjoyable quick read...I think there are 2 other books by Larsson that go with it.
Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn - just started reading it. If only I could get away with not giving homework - do you think that is even possible?
Summer Reads:
My Life in France by Julia Childs - I wanted to read it before I attack the cookbooks.
Julie & Julia - confession, yes I watched the movie - but I'd like to read it too after Childs' book but before cookbooks
What Einstein Told His Cook - science and food - the kitchen revealed, I just couldn't resist.
Beer & Philosophy - okay this is more for Andy but I have a feeling I might speed through it before I send it to him
Book on the horizon:
On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen by Harold McGee - this is the original science/chemistry/food investigation type book - I'd call is summer reading but I do not feel like lugging a 700 page book around (plus I think I have to order it online)
How To Cook Everything by Bittman - yes I think this is last major cookbook I want to add to my collection - for now.
Off to not stare at the computer. I could probably do that all day if I really wanted too.
Textbook for special ed online class is finished. No more reading that for me.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - enjoyable quick read...I think there are 2 other books by Larsson that go with it.
Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn - just started reading it. If only I could get away with not giving homework - do you think that is even possible?
Summer Reads:
My Life in France by Julia Childs - I wanted to read it before I attack the cookbooks.
Julie & Julia - confession, yes I watched the movie - but I'd like to read it too after Childs' book but before cookbooks
What Einstein Told His Cook - science and food - the kitchen revealed, I just couldn't resist.
Beer & Philosophy - okay this is more for Andy but I have a feeling I might speed through it before I send it to him
Book on the horizon:
On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen by Harold McGee - this is the original science/chemistry/food investigation type book - I'd call is summer reading but I do not feel like lugging a 700 page book around (plus I think I have to order it online)
How To Cook Everything by Bittman - yes I think this is last major cookbook I want to add to my collection - for now.
Off to not stare at the computer. I could probably do that all day if I really wanted too.
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