Another first for me, is Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta (or Fx4 as I've seen others use). So, without further ado, here's my first Fx4:
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday Foto Finish Fiesta (8-29)
Another first for me, is Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta (or Fx4 as I've seen others use). So, without further ado, here's my first Fx4:
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Just Finished: The Undomestic Goddess
I finally finished "The Undomestic Goddess" by Sophie Kinsella! It took me a while to get into it, and then it was slow at times, but I did enjoy it.The only thing that irked me a bit was the ending!!! No "5 years later" or something.
Is there a sequel?
I enjoy Sophie's books, and I recommend this one! It proves that there's hope for all of us!
Next book I'm reading?
"The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom. It seems like it'll be a quick read for me, and I need something right now that I can read with my increasingly short attention span! I've also considered just re-reading the Harry Potter series starting with "Order of the Phoenix." I'll probably wait until after I read "Twilight" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" though.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Big Sis' First Day of School
Yesterday was Big Sis' first day of school. She woke up excited, because I was quoting Nemo: "First day of school! First day of school!"
They were up before 6, and because I had hung up all their clothes in sets on Sunday, they were able to get dressed on their own (they've actually been doing that since Monday, when Little Sis started school). I love being organized!
My girls! So sweet!
My big 2nd grader!
So cute!
And of course, not to be forgotten, Little Sis, on her 4th day of school! I love this pic of her!
They were up before 6, and because I had hung up all their clothes in sets on Sunday, they were able to get dressed on their own (they've actually been doing that since Monday, when Little Sis started school). I love being organized!
My girls! So sweet!
My big 2nd grader!
So cute!
And of course, not to be forgotten, Little Sis, on her 4th day of school! I love this pic of her!This morning, Big Sis fell after getting off the bus, and she has a very large owie just under her knee. When she got home, she was hot and red, so I had her get in the shower to cool off (it was 104° here today). She got out, got dressed, and then I re-dressed her wound. It was nasty looking. Lots of Neosporin will be needed. I also had to take some debris out of her hand. After a large glass of ice water and her Push-Up, she feels better. Honey adjusted their bikes today and filled up the tires, so we'll probably take the kids out for a ride after dinner.
We're having tacos for dinner. I boil chicken (tonight, it's thighs), and then shred it. I put it in a skillet with El Pato hot tomato sauce until heated through. I also have refried beans and shredded cheese for some variety. For the girls, I just add some pepper and some other seasonings, since the El Pato is very hot. Mmmm...then I have a Toll House ice cream sandwich in the freezer.
We're having tacos for dinner. I boil chicken (tonight, it's thighs), and then shred it. I put it in a skillet with El Pato hot tomato sauce until heated through. I also have refried beans and shredded cheese for some variety. For the girls, I just add some pepper and some other seasonings, since the El Pato is very hot. Mmmm...then I have a Toll House ice cream sandwich in the freezer.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Awesome!
Ginny at Monkey Memories is AWESOME! She made me my new sig!!
She's very talented with her PhotoShop, and made me this to match my header.
Feel free to comment!
She's very talented with her PhotoShop, and made me this to match my header.
Feel free to comment!
Little Sis' First Day & My New Job
Ok, so I had my interviews on Friday. I got a call at 7:30 this morning, asking if I could start work TODAY! YAY! I got the Special Ed Instructional Aid position. Pay level 2 (don't know how much that is, but it sounds better than the starting wage of $11-something). I go in tomorrow, taking Big Sis with me, to finish up paperwork and for a meeting (more on that later). I officially start on Wednesday (again, taking Big Sis with me), and school starts on Thursday. Which means that I have to find care for Little Sis in the morning from 7:30 to 9, and THEN find someone to take her to preschool! Starting on Wednesday! I think I may have a solution, since I have a couple of options. One of them is $245 a month, though!
In addition to the Aid position, I was offered Workability, which helps the Special Ed students in the high school prepare for jobs. Resume work, interview prep, driving them to interviews, making sure they get their time cards in on time, etc. It's not a piece of cake, but I'm getting paid for it, that's for sure! I am meeting with the coordinator tomorrow. So, because of this, I have to find care for Little Sis from 12:30 until 3:30. This will be included in the $245 a month, though.
Little Sis had a good day at school, today, too! She said she met some new friends and enjoyed her lunch. They listened to music, played outside (I bet that was comfortable -- 99° at 10am), and she chose the slide over the swings (I don't blame her -- the slide is under the awning, the
swings in the sun). I was a tiny bit late picking her up at the bus stop, but no one told me what time they'd be there. And then they told me the times will change! But if she ends up going to day care, it won't matter. I'll pick her up at 3:30 from there.
So that was my day. We had E tonight. I also made Peking Chicken. Instead of pork chops in the recipe, I sliced up some boneless, skinless chicken breast and again, I used teriyaki sauce. SO YUMMY! Big Sis put up a fuss, but Little Sis (our picky eater) ate two pieces and all her creamed corn. And 5 slices of pineapple! E also ate her mashed potatoes but only 2 slices of pineapple. Tomorrow, we'll be having peas, and no one's happy about that (except Mommy. Mommy loves her some peas!)
I'm excited to start work! Cha-ching!
In addition to the Aid position, I was offered Workability, which helps the Special Ed students in the high school prepare for jobs. Resume work, interview prep, driving them to interviews, making sure they get their time cards in on time, etc. It's not a piece of cake, but I'm getting paid for it, that's for sure! I am meeting with the coordinator tomorrow. So, because of this, I have to find care for Little Sis from 12:30 until 3:30. This will be included in the $245 a month, though.
Little Sis had a good day at school, today, too! She said she met some new friends and enjoyed her lunch. They listened to music, played outside (I bet that was comfortable -- 99° at 10am), and she chose the slide over the swings (I don't blame her -- the slide is under the awning, the
swings in the sun). I was a tiny bit late picking her up at the bus stop, but no one told me what time they'd be there. And then they told me the times will change! But if she ends up going to day care, it won't matter. I'll pick her up at 3:30 from there.
So that was my day. We had E tonight. I also made Peking Chicken. Instead of pork chops in the recipe, I sliced up some boneless, skinless chicken breast and again, I used teriyaki sauce. SO YUMMY! Big Sis put up a fuss, but Little Sis (our picky eater) ate two pieces and all her creamed corn. And 5 slices of pineapple! E also ate her mashed potatoes but only 2 slices of pineapple. Tomorrow, we'll be having peas, and no one's happy about that (except Mommy. Mommy loves her some peas!)
I'm excited to start work! Cha-ching!
Little Sis' First Day of Preschool!
Today was Little Sis' first day of Preschool at her new school. She was very nervous. She woke up excited, ate Cheerios for breakfast and watched Wonderpets and The Backyardigans. She got herself dressed, and I brushed her hair. She was rushing me at 8:30, so I didn't grab my camera (bad mommy should have been prepared with it already in my purse).
Anyway, we got to the school very quickly, since it's only a couple miles from home. When we got there, there was one other little girl with her whole family, but many other children arrived soon after that. I had gotten a call from the teacher on Friday, saying it was OK for us to get there early. I was hoping to take Little Sis in the classroom to get her used to everything. But they had us all wait outside. And it was already 90° outside!
We waited for a while, and she got more nervous. I kept reassuring her that everything would be fine, and she would have fun. She helped me make her lunch of a cheese sandwich, Cheese-Itz, and applesauce.
I did get her to smile to take a pic of me, though! This turned out better than I thought, since it was very dark on my screen.
She loves her new backpack! My grandma had actually bought this for Big Sis a couple years ago, but she didn't need it, and then wanted a different one. All that's in it is her clothes, her lunch, and a folder.
Here's Little Sis and Big Sis. Big Sis is getting excited for her first day, too!
While we were waiting, both girls decided to play with the hula hoop that was on the playground. These pics are decieving, though. She couldn't get it to stay up for more than 2 turns!
Look at her go!!
Here we are in line to go into the classroom. We were towards the end of the line, and they weren't letting parents in the classroom with the kids! Freak out time -- for kids and for this mommy! Little Sis started tearing up a bit, too. While we had been waiting, an adorable little girl, smaller than E, but who's 3, was very friendly, and went into the classroom without hesitation. So, I told Little Sis to go in and play with her. She would go in, play, listen to the teachers, have lunch, and then she'd get to ride the bus home!
So she went in all by herself! She hung up her backpack and walked in without turning back. As Big Sis and I walked away, I had to control myself because I was ready to cry! I can't wait until she gets home so I can find out all about her day!
Anyway, we got to the school very quickly, since it's only a couple miles from home. When we got there, there was one other little girl with her whole family, but many other children arrived soon after that. I had gotten a call from the teacher on Friday, saying it was OK for us to get there early. I was hoping to take Little Sis in the classroom to get her used to everything. But they had us all wait outside. And it was already 90° outside!
We waited for a while, and she got more nervous. I kept reassuring her that everything would be fine, and she would have fun. She helped me make her lunch of a cheese sandwich, Cheese-Itz, and applesauce.
I did get her to smile to take a pic of me, though! This turned out better than I thought, since it was very dark on my screen.
She loves her new backpack! My grandma had actually bought this for Big Sis a couple years ago, but she didn't need it, and then wanted a different one. All that's in it is her clothes, her lunch, and a folder.
Here's Little Sis and Big Sis. Big Sis is getting excited for her first day, too!
While we were waiting, both girls decided to play with the hula hoop that was on the playground. These pics are decieving, though. She couldn't get it to stay up for more than 2 turns!
Look at her go!!
Here we are in line to go into the classroom. We were towards the end of the line, and they weren't letting parents in the classroom with the kids! Freak out time -- for kids and for this mommy! Little Sis started tearing up a bit, too. While we had been waiting, an adorable little girl, smaller than E, but who's 3, was very friendly, and went into the classroom without hesitation. So, I told Little Sis to go in and play with her. She would go in, play, listen to the teachers, have lunch, and then she'd get to ride the bus home!
So she went in all by herself! She hung up her backpack and walked in without turning back. As Big Sis and I walked away, I had to control myself because I was ready to cry! I can't wait until she gets home so I can find out all about her day!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
My new haircut!
Ok. I've been getting request for a pic of my new haircut. You've seen Big Sis' dramatic change. You've seen Little Sis' trim.
Here's mine!
What do you think?
**EDIT**
Lots of people have said they didn't know what it looked like before, so I should say it was VERY VERY long. It was to the bottom of my back, or the top of my tooshy, whichever you prefer. I'll see if I can find a good before pic, but since I usually wore it up, it'll be hard.
Here's mine!
What do you think?
**EDIT**
Lots of people have said they didn't know what it looked like before, so I should say it was VERY VERY long. It was to the bottom of my back, or the top of my tooshy, whichever you prefer. I'll see if I can find a good before pic, but since I usually wore it up, it'll be hard.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Just Finished: The Other Boleyn Girl
WHOO!!! I'm FINALLY finished with this book!
And WOW, was it good! Very good! I knew how Anne's fate ended...we all know if you paid attention in history class. But the rest of the ending was bittersweet.
And every part of me was excited reading this book: the history lover, the girl who used to live in England, and the woman who loves a good sappy love story.
If you haven't read this, I highly suggest it. I'm waiting now to see the movie. There's no movie rental place here, and we're saving right now, so no Netflix. I have a friend visiting this weekend from Arizona, so I'm going to see if she can stop and rent it for me.
I'm not sure what I'll be reading next. Any suggestions from my "to be read" list on my side bar? I'm thinking something light, probably "The Undomestic Goddess."
And WOW, was it good! Very good! I knew how Anne's fate ended...we all know if you paid attention in history class. But the rest of the ending was bittersweet.
And every part of me was excited reading this book: the history lover, the girl who used to live in England, and the woman who loves a good sappy love story.
If you haven't read this, I highly suggest it. I'm waiting now to see the movie. There's no movie rental place here, and we're saving right now, so no Netflix. I have a friend visiting this weekend from Arizona, so I'm going to see if she can stop and rent it for me.
I'm not sure what I'll be reading next. Any suggestions from my "to be read" list on my side bar? I'm thinking something light, probably "The Undomestic Goddess."
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Locks of Love!
Big Sis got her hair cut today! It hadn't been cut since sometime in '05, if I recall correctly. It was VERY long and down to her tooshy. She and I had been talking of cutting it and donating it to Locks of Love for a while now, and today, we finally did it!
Here she is getting her hair braided by the lady. We were actually at a "barber" shop, but she said she's done women's hair before, she just switched to men's because it's less drama.
A little apprehensive perhaps?
The braid. And don't ask me why the date says that.
Getting ready to cut!!!
All finished!!
Posing for her "donor" pic I'll be sending to LOL.
I'm so proud of her! She was a little sad after the initial cut, but once I talked up how easy her short 'do will be with school starting, she started to enjoy it! She was even rewarded with new barretts of her choosing when we went to Walmart today. I was reading some of the information to her from the LOL website, and when I read that approximately 80% of the donations are from children who want to help other children, I started crying.
The only drawback: She looks SO MUCH OLDER than 6-going-on-7!!
Little Sis and I got our hair cut, too, but nothing as dramatic or selfless as what Big Sis did. I'll post pics of us later!
Here she is getting her hair braided by the lady. We were actually at a "barber" shop, but she said she's done women's hair before, she just switched to men's because it's less drama.
A little apprehensive perhaps?
The braid. And don't ask me why the date says that.
Getting ready to cut!!!
All finished!!Posing for her "donor" pic I'll be sending to LOL. I'm so proud of her! She was a little sad after the initial cut, but once I talked up how easy her short 'do will be with school starting, she started to enjoy it! She was even rewarded with new barretts of her choosing when we went to Walmart today. I was reading some of the information to her from the LOL website, and when I read that approximately 80% of the donations are from children who want to help other children, I started crying.
The only drawback: She looks SO MUCH OLDER than 6-going-on-7!!
Little Sis and I got our hair cut, too, but nothing as dramatic or selfless as what Big Sis did. I'll post pics of us later!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Little Sis is sick
She woke up at 3:30am this morning, and was trying to get back to sleep when Honey woke up and closed her bedroom door so he wouldn't disturb her. She freaked out a bit and I told her to come and lay with me so she could go back to sleep. Big Sis joined us in bed at about 9am, and I slept until 10. Little Sis slept until 10:30, and while I was making breakfast burritos, she got sick.
She has no fever, and has only had water. E got sick over the weekend when she was drinking tap water, and Little Sis pulled what I think was a bottle of tap water from the fridge. I dumped them, washed them, and have been giving her Pedialyte and bottled water all day. She's taking her second nap now, the first after she took a cool bath to relax her.
I'm hoping this is short lived. I'll be making chili dogs for dinner, but I think Little Sis will be having chicken noodle soup and saltines.
She has no fever, and has only had water. E got sick over the weekend when she was drinking tap water, and Little Sis pulled what I think was a bottle of tap water from the fridge. I dumped them, washed them, and have been giving her Pedialyte and bottled water all day. She's taking her second nap now, the first after she took a cool bath to relax her.
I'm hoping this is short lived. I'll be making chili dogs for dinner, but I think Little Sis will be having chicken noodle soup and saltines.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Kids say the darndest thing...
Our printers are still out of ink in the house, so I had to run to the coffee shop to print out my resume, job history, and transcripts that I'm turining in today at the School District with the application I picked up on Friday.
While there, I ordered a mini pizza for the girls and me to share and a couple of drinks. Before we got it delivered to our table, Corie, a lady who was in there with me on Friday, who also needed the computer, showed up. My girls enjoy talking with her, and Little Sis was just a little chatterbox today.
I wish I had written down some of the things she had said.
Corie came in wearing 2 pink tank tops, and Little Sis asked her why she was wearing 2 shirts. Previously, she had said that she had to "wear shorts under her dress so my chonies don't show." So Corie said that she was wearing 2 shirts so her bra wouldn't show.
Both girls were asking many questions. What was Corie's son's name? What was her husband's name? What were her brother's and sister's name? On and on. I'm glad Cories was cool with it. I'd hate to make a bad impression on a local in this little town! Corie has a little boy, who's 1.5 years old. She's invited me to her playgroups on weekends. I forgot to give her a call last weekend, but I think I'll call her for this weekend, especially since E won't be here to keep the girls occupied.
And I'm going to start carrying a small notebook around to write down the things that Little Sis says. Because sometimes, it's hilarious!!
While there, I ordered a mini pizza for the girls and me to share and a couple of drinks. Before we got it delivered to our table, Corie, a lady who was in there with me on Friday, who also needed the computer, showed up. My girls enjoy talking with her, and Little Sis was just a little chatterbox today.
I wish I had written down some of the things she had said.
Corie came in wearing 2 pink tank tops, and Little Sis asked her why she was wearing 2 shirts. Previously, she had said that she had to "wear shorts under her dress so my chonies don't show." So Corie said that she was wearing 2 shirts so her bra wouldn't show.
Both girls were asking many questions. What was Corie's son's name? What was her husband's name? What were her brother's and sister's name? On and on. I'm glad Cories was cool with it. I'd hate to make a bad impression on a local in this little town! Corie has a little boy, who's 1.5 years old. She's invited me to her playgroups on weekends. I forgot to give her a call last weekend, but I think I'll call her for this weekend, especially since E won't be here to keep the girls occupied.
And I'm going to start carrying a small notebook around to write down the things that Little Sis says. Because sometimes, it's hilarious!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Meatloaf...
No, not this guy:
We had meatloaf for dinner. It was amazing! So very good for just a packet of seasoning and 2lbs of ground beef in a crock pot! Very moist, too! Honey and I ate 5 pieces each, and Big Sis and E both ate what I gave them. Little Sis, however, is going through "Middle Child Syndrome" so she put up a huge fuss about eating, then threw a tantrum when she didn't get any ice cream. But I digress.
Honey is taking the left overs for lunch tomorrow. Not that there's much left. Less than 1/4 of what I originally made. Next time, I'm adding my own touches:
Instead of 2/3 cup of water, I may do 1/3 cup water and 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce.
I'll definitely add fresh onions and garlic.
Add additional seasonings: ground pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, maybe some of Emeril's Essence.
It was very good...my first ever attempt at making meatloaf, in addition to eating meatloaf. My mom never made it when we were kids.
When I make it again, I'll post my recipe and let you know how the family liked it.
We had meatloaf for dinner. It was amazing! So very good for just a packet of seasoning and 2lbs of ground beef in a crock pot! Very moist, too! Honey and I ate 5 pieces each, and Big Sis and E both ate what I gave them. Little Sis, however, is going through "Middle Child Syndrome" so she put up a huge fuss about eating, then threw a tantrum when she didn't get any ice cream. But I digress.
Honey is taking the left overs for lunch tomorrow. Not that there's much left. Less than 1/4 of what I originally made. Next time, I'm adding my own touches:
Instead of 2/3 cup of water, I may do 1/3 cup water and 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce.
I'll definitely add fresh onions and garlic.
Add additional seasonings: ground pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, maybe some of Emeril's Essence.
It was very good...my first ever attempt at making meatloaf, in addition to eating meatloaf. My mom never made it when we were kids.
When I make it again, I'll post my recipe and let you know how the family liked it.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Playing with the Camera
I found a new feature on Honey's camera. Color accent! Take a look at some of the pics I took with it:
Friday, August 1, 2008
AUGUST!
WOW! I can't believe it's August already!
Today, I will be going to the school district to apply for a few jobs they have open. I'm totally excited about it. I can't wait!
Big Sis starts school in less than THREE weeks! Whoo-hoo! While I'm at the district office, I'll pick up her enrollment package so I can get it filled out before I have to enroll her on the 11th.
Tonight, I'm making Peking Prok Chops, thanks to Tena at Punky Monkey's. She actually sent it to me in an email, but I figured I'd share it here. So far, it smells YUMMY, and I'll update on how the kids like it (I can guarantee Honey will like them).
Peking Pork Chops:
6 pork chops, about 1" thick
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup soy sauce (I was out of soy sauce, so I used teriyaki sauce)
1/4 cup ketchup
1-2 cloves of garlic, mashed
salt and pepper to taste
Trim excess fat from pork chops and place in crock pot. Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over meat. Cover, turn to LOW and cook 4 to 6 hours, or until tender, Season w/ salt and pepper, if needed. Serve with steamed rice or even Chinese noodles. (We'll probably have them with Ramen noodles with the soup drained)
Today, I will be going to the school district to apply for a few jobs they have open. I'm totally excited about it. I can't wait!
Big Sis starts school in less than THREE weeks! Whoo-hoo! While I'm at the district office, I'll pick up her enrollment package so I can get it filled out before I have to enroll her on the 11th.
Tonight, I'm making Peking Prok Chops, thanks to Tena at Punky Monkey's. She actually sent it to me in an email, but I figured I'd share it here. So far, it smells YUMMY, and I'll update on how the kids like it (I can guarantee Honey will like them).
Peking Pork Chops:
6 pork chops, about 1" thick
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup soy sauce (I was out of soy sauce, so I used teriyaki sauce)
1/4 cup ketchup
1-2 cloves of garlic, mashed
salt and pepper to taste
Trim excess fat from pork chops and place in crock pot. Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over meat. Cover, turn to LOW and cook 4 to 6 hours, or until tender, Season w/ salt and pepper, if needed. Serve with steamed rice or even Chinese noodles. (We'll probably have them with Ramen noodles with the soup drained)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Earthquake!
It's all over the news here in Southern California! I live in the little circle towards the bottom right. The EQ registered at 5.8 at 11:42am. The original shaking was pretty strong, and it kept going for a few seconds, close to 20, since I was able to call Honey while it was still going!
So far, according to KTLA, no injuries have been reported, and no big damage. We didn't even lose any pictures or anything off the walls (I contribute that to good hanging). My grandparents, who live a little farther north, closer to the Epicenter, felt it, and my grandfather felt it while he was driving.
Here's the link to the information on the EQ: http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Quakes/ci14383980.html If you felt it, fill out the "Did You Feel It" questionnaire.
Now I'm thinking about Earthquake Preparedness...and I am in no way prepared! Time to start working on that. I think I'll make it a project for my Girl Scouts when we start up!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Disneyland Trip Report 7-17-08!
Like I mentioned in my previous blog, I woke up at 5am on Thursday, July 17. I tried waking Honey at 5:15, but he didn't get up until 5:40. We left at about 6:15am, and after a LOT of driving, we made it to Anaheim at about 9:00. Once we parked and I made it to the Esplanade, it was just after 10am. I made it there before Honey, because I needed to meet my friend Cassidy. Because of us, he missed the first meet of the morning, The Jungle Cruise. He wasn't too upset, though. He's such a great guy!
While we were waiting for Honey to show up, we saw some Green Army Men trying to get out of the Esplanade to get to the Toy Story Midway Mania stage just outside the Esplanade. Honey finally showed up, and we made it into the park!
As we went under the Train Station, we saw the 53rd Birthday Sign! Of course, I had to take a pic! I also have a pic of Honey and me with the sign, and also the reverse of the sign, that just says "Happy 53rd Birthday Disneyland!."
We made our way over to Splash Mountain to get our Fastpasses for the 7pm meet that I was hosting. After, we hopped on the Train and went around to Tomorrowland so we could also get Fastpasses for Space Mountain, which we planned on riding later that evening, after all the festivities. Since we had about 30 minutes before we could get another Fastpass, we went into Innoventions. There was some cool stuff in there, but most I have seen before: Windows Media (which Honey has on his computer already), XBox 360, Karaoke. We planned on seeing the Dream Home, but realized that it was approaching Noon, and we had to be over at the Big Meet. So we got our Fastpasses for Space, and headed over to the Lunch Meet.
The Lunchtime Lounge was very fun! Honey and I mingled with other LPers. I have pics, but have a policy about posting pics of other people outside my family on my public blog. Check out LaughingPlace.com for more information and public pics! Honey ended up getting Carne Asada Tacos from Rancho Del Zocolo, which I tasted, and they were yummy! Oh, yeah, threeundertwo, from Lit and Laundry, won a much-coveted Golden Doobie! Congrats, 2/3!
After the Lunchtime Lounge, we headed over to the Tiki Room meet. I got my Dole Whip, which was very very yummy, as always. We had a LOT of LPers there, probably about 50, and we all sang like the birdies sang, tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet.
After the Tiki Room, Honey, Cassidy and I decided we were going to see the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show, since my favorite group was performing: "Handsome Billy." We were joined by a few other LPers. It was fun, as always! We didn't get our close up table, and because I've lost my voice, I couldn't be an active participant, but I did get my chicken strips, which were very YUM.
After the Billies, about 3:15 or so, we decided on an impromptu trip around the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain. That was very pleasant. Not too crowded, we got a nice spot in the shade, and it was cool on the water. As we were sailing, we saw baby ducks, and some kitties. This one looked like it was looking for something. We saw two others who were relaxing in the shade, sleeping.
After the Mark Twain, we took a quick trip over to Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Somehow, I got wet crossing the pontoon bridge. But, we visited the bone cage.
We made our way over to where Jack, sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow hangs out. He was busy with other guests, but Cassidy knew a couple of the Cast Members there. Captain Jack's wench, Stacy, tried to steal my LaughingPlace fan and my sunglasses. Marco, Stacy's boyfriend (which I mentioned that she shouldn't say too loud, since Jack was very close by), was wearing this nifty button, as was every other cast member yesterday. I wanted it. I asked every CM I saw if I could have theirs. Every one said no. :(
As we were leaving, we turned back to get one last look (*sigh*) at my other boyfriend, Jack. He wasn't paying much attention to me, so Cassidy got his attention. Jack didn't like being interrupted from his audience.
After TSI, we hauled tooshy over to Main Street for the Rededication Ceremony. I saw it last year, and was very touched. Last year, though, the audio was messed up, so I missed all but Walt's Original Dedication. This year, it was MUCH better. Town Square was PACKED!
But the Rededication Ceremony was very moving, as I expected. The Mayor of Main Street, along with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy (I didn't see Pluto), looked very excited to be there. They played Walt's original dedication: "To all who come to this Happy Place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past. And here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration for all the world." I admit, I cried.
After the Rededication, we went over to the Pirates of the Caribbean meet. There were a LOT of us. We met up, and all went in together. Here is a pic of the CM's face (and the reaction of another guest) when they heard we had SIXTY people. Twenty-two to a boat, and the second boat, full of fluffies, succeeded in the coveted BOAT TRICK. They managed to get the wave of water over the wall that separates the queue from the water.
After POTC, we all went over to the Haunted Mansion. All of us filled a Stretch Room, with a few extra guests. As you can expect, a Stretch Room full of Disney freaks, um, I mean, fans, we all said the spiel. Loud. And we screamed. Loud. Fun fun fun!
After the HM in the PM meet, 14 of us headed over to Splash. We took up two logs, with two others in another log with other guests. LVBelle, from Monkey Memories, is in the front. And boy, did she get WET! I was soaked on my right side, and by the end of the night, I was in pain from chaffing. Ouch.
After Splash, we headed back to the Hub so some of our parties could take pics in front of the Castle. The Castle was roped off for the fireworks, so we got some rare pics of the Castle with no other guests in front.
And of course, Honey and I had to get our pic in front of the Castle.
After that, Honey went and sat down for a bit while the rest of us went to get dinner. We went to Plaza Inn, where I got a plate of fried chicken. OMG, it was SO GOOD! Better than Knott's, I kid you not. I ate once piece, the breast, and saved the other two for Honey. I ate the mashed taters and one biscuit, and I was given another biscuit free. (I expected to pay for it, but wasn't charged! Score!)
Honey met us at Plaza Inn, and ate there, then we all refilled our drinks and headed over to Small World so we could meet for the Fireworks. This is what I was looking for. We got over there at about 9, and the fireworks were scheduled for 9:25. At 9:10, the "voice" came over the loud speaker, saying there was a possibility of the fireworks being canceled because of high winds. Lovely. Just what I wanted to hear, especially since the last time I went in April, they were canceled, too. So we waited. At 9:25, the "voice" came back, saying they were delayed. They announced the same for about another 20 minutes, when, finally, they were canceled.
Oh, yeah! Remember that coveted "We're 53!" button? Well, while we were waiting for the fireworks, Cassidy saw another LPer talking to a CM. He told me, "Go ask him!" and I did. He saw my "Happy Birthday Disneyland" button (which I got first thing in the morning), and said "Another 53 button." I asked him, "Can I have yours?" and the other LPer said "Hey, I asked him first!" He asked me why I wanted it, and I told him because I thought it was cool. So, he pulled out TWO of the Official Disneyland Cast Member buttons! I was STOKED! So was the other LPer, and everyone else, who knew of my mission, was shocked I actually got one!
LVBelle, who was hosting the meet with her Monkey, decided that we'd all go ride Buzz Lightyear AstroBlasters since we weren't watching the fireworks, since Monkey LOVES The Buzz (seriously, read her blog). I got a pretty decent score, making it to Level 4. I would have emailed the picture to myself, but for some reason, it didn't come out. Honey did pretty well, too, but I told him the secrets AFTER the ride ended.
After BLAB, we had a MOO meet: Marine Observation Outpost. This is a secret way to experience Finding Nemo Sub Voyage without (1) waiting in line or (2) getting in that claustrophobic sub. Honey hadn't seen it, so it was fun seeing his reaction.
After MOO, we all decided to do a round trip on the NEW Monorail Red Mark VII. VERY nice, indeed. Smoother ride, cool blue lighting. Didn't feel any A/C, but since it was about 10:30-11pm, it wasn't needed. Cassidy left at Downtown Disney. After arriving back at Tomorrowland Monorail Station, the group broke up. Everyone went home, except Honey, me, and two others. We all went to ride Space Mountain.
At Space, we were pretty bored in line, so we decided to blow bubbles in the queue. LVBelle had given us all bubbles at the Fireworks meet, so we were putting them to good use. I noticed something, too, which I will be writing about for my English paper I need to finish. But NO ONE noticed the bubbles! No one noticed until a Cast Member asked us to keep making more. Then people started trying to catch them. The Cast Member was so happy with the bubbles, that right before we boarded the rocket, we were given passes to get back on the ride using the handicapped/baby swap entrance. Sweet! It was nice, too, because our first pic didn't show up.
So after Space, we headed back over to Main Street, because Honey wanted to pick up something for E's birthday tomorrow. He bought her a plush of Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc. She will sit quietly for the whole movie and not move until it's over. We eventually left the park at 12:30 (yes, the park closed at midnight), and made it back to the parking garage and to our car before 1am. We had to stop at Super 8 because a very good friend, my "Disney Dad," had some goodies for the girls and me. So we stopped, chatted a bit, and then proceeded on our way home. I drove, and usually after a full day at Disneyland, I am very tired and can barely drive home. We took the quicker way home, and I was alert the whole way. We pulled into the drive way about 3:30, and were in bed by 4am. So, I was up for 23 hours. Time well spent, in my opinion.
I woke this morning at 9:30 and finished some homework that was due by noon today. I have a bit more to finish, which will be a little trying to find time, since E is here all night, and the girls get home tomorrow. If anything, I can work on it tomorrow night after the girls are in bed, since I have until Sunday at noon.
If you're an LPer and want to see more pics, let me know, and I'll share my Shutterfly album with you. I got a lot of great shots with Honey's camera.
While we were waiting for Honey to show up, we saw some Green Army Men trying to get out of the Esplanade to get to the Toy Story Midway Mania stage just outside the Esplanade. Honey finally showed up, and we made it into the park!
As we went under the Train Station, we saw the 53rd Birthday Sign! Of course, I had to take a pic! I also have a pic of Honey and me with the sign, and also the reverse of the sign, that just says "Happy 53rd Birthday Disneyland!."
We made our way over to Splash Mountain to get our Fastpasses for the 7pm meet that I was hosting. After, we hopped on the Train and went around to Tomorrowland so we could also get Fastpasses for Space Mountain, which we planned on riding later that evening, after all the festivities. Since we had about 30 minutes before we could get another Fastpass, we went into Innoventions. There was some cool stuff in there, but most I have seen before: Windows Media (which Honey has on his computer already), XBox 360, Karaoke. We planned on seeing the Dream Home, but realized that it was approaching Noon, and we had to be over at the Big Meet. So we got our Fastpasses for Space, and headed over to the Lunch Meet.
The Lunchtime Lounge was very fun! Honey and I mingled with other LPers. I have pics, but have a policy about posting pics of other people outside my family on my public blog. Check out LaughingPlace.com for more information and public pics! Honey ended up getting Carne Asada Tacos from Rancho Del Zocolo, which I tasted, and they were yummy! Oh, yeah, threeundertwo, from Lit and Laundry, won a much-coveted Golden Doobie! Congrats, 2/3!
After the Lunchtime Lounge, we headed over to the Tiki Room meet. I got my Dole Whip, which was very very yummy, as always. We had a LOT of LPers there, probably about 50, and we all sang like the birdies sang, tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet.
After the Tiki Room, Honey, Cassidy and I decided we were going to see the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show, since my favorite group was performing: "Handsome Billy." We were joined by a few other LPers. It was fun, as always! We didn't get our close up table, and because I've lost my voice, I couldn't be an active participant, but I did get my chicken strips, which were very YUM.
After the Billies, about 3:15 or so, we decided on an impromptu trip around the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain. That was very pleasant. Not too crowded, we got a nice spot in the shade, and it was cool on the water. As we were sailing, we saw baby ducks, and some kitties. This one looked like it was looking for something. We saw two others who were relaxing in the shade, sleeping.
After the Mark Twain, we took a quick trip over to Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Somehow, I got wet crossing the pontoon bridge. But, we visited the bone cage.
We made our way over to where Jack, sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow hangs out. He was busy with other guests, but Cassidy knew a couple of the Cast Members there. Captain Jack's wench, Stacy, tried to steal my LaughingPlace fan and my sunglasses. Marco, Stacy's boyfriend (which I mentioned that she shouldn't say too loud, since Jack was very close by), was wearing this nifty button, as was every other cast member yesterday. I wanted it. I asked every CM I saw if I could have theirs. Every one said no. :(As we were leaving, we turned back to get one last look (*sigh*) at my other boyfriend, Jack. He wasn't paying much attention to me, so Cassidy got his attention. Jack didn't like being interrupted from his audience.
After TSI, we hauled tooshy over to Main Street for the Rededication Ceremony. I saw it last year, and was very touched. Last year, though, the audio was messed up, so I missed all but Walt's Original Dedication. This year, it was MUCH better. Town Square was PACKED!
But the Rededication Ceremony was very moving, as I expected. The Mayor of Main Street, along with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy (I didn't see Pluto), looked very excited to be there. They played Walt's original dedication: "To all who come to this Happy Place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past. And here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration for all the world." I admit, I cried.
After the Rededication, we went over to the Pirates of the Caribbean meet. There were a LOT of us. We met up, and all went in together. Here is a pic of the CM's face (and the reaction of another guest) when they heard we had SIXTY people. Twenty-two to a boat, and the second boat, full of fluffies, succeeded in the coveted BOAT TRICK. They managed to get the wave of water over the wall that separates the queue from the water.
After POTC, we all went over to the Haunted Mansion. All of us filled a Stretch Room, with a few extra guests. As you can expect, a Stretch Room full of Disney freaks, um, I mean, fans, we all said the spiel. Loud. And we screamed. Loud. Fun fun fun!
After the HM in the PM meet, 14 of us headed over to Splash. We took up two logs, with two others in another log with other guests. LVBelle, from Monkey Memories, is in the front. And boy, did she get WET! I was soaked on my right side, and by the end of the night, I was in pain from chaffing. Ouch.
After Splash, we headed back to the Hub so some of our parties could take pics in front of the Castle. The Castle was roped off for the fireworks, so we got some rare pics of the Castle with no other guests in front.
And of course, Honey and I had to get our pic in front of the Castle.
After that, Honey went and sat down for a bit while the rest of us went to get dinner. We went to Plaza Inn, where I got a plate of fried chicken. OMG, it was SO GOOD! Better than Knott's, I kid you not. I ate once piece, the breast, and saved the other two for Honey. I ate the mashed taters and one biscuit, and I was given another biscuit free. (I expected to pay for it, but wasn't charged! Score!)
Honey met us at Plaza Inn, and ate there, then we all refilled our drinks and headed over to Small World so we could meet for the Fireworks. This is what I was looking for. We got over there at about 9, and the fireworks were scheduled for 9:25. At 9:10, the "voice" came over the loud speaker, saying there was a possibility of the fireworks being canceled because of high winds. Lovely. Just what I wanted to hear, especially since the last time I went in April, they were canceled, too. So we waited. At 9:25, the "voice" came back, saying they were delayed. They announced the same for about another 20 minutes, when, finally, they were canceled.
Oh, yeah! Remember that coveted "We're 53!" button? Well, while we were waiting for the fireworks, Cassidy saw another LPer talking to a CM. He told me, "Go ask him!" and I did. He saw my "Happy Birthday Disneyland" button (which I got first thing in the morning), and said "Another 53 button." I asked him, "Can I have yours?" and the other LPer said "Hey, I asked him first!" He asked me why I wanted it, and I told him because I thought it was cool. So, he pulled out TWO of the Official Disneyland Cast Member buttons! I was STOKED! So was the other LPer, and everyone else, who knew of my mission, was shocked I actually got one!
LVBelle, who was hosting the meet with her Monkey, decided that we'd all go ride Buzz Lightyear AstroBlasters since we weren't watching the fireworks, since Monkey LOVES The Buzz (seriously, read her blog). I got a pretty decent score, making it to Level 4. I would have emailed the picture to myself, but for some reason, it didn't come out. Honey did pretty well, too, but I told him the secrets AFTER the ride ended.
After BLAB, we had a MOO meet: Marine Observation Outpost. This is a secret way to experience Finding Nemo Sub Voyage without (1) waiting in line or (2) getting in that claustrophobic sub. Honey hadn't seen it, so it was fun seeing his reaction.
After MOO, we all decided to do a round trip on the NEW Monorail Red Mark VII. VERY nice, indeed. Smoother ride, cool blue lighting. Didn't feel any A/C, but since it was about 10:30-11pm, it wasn't needed. Cassidy left at Downtown Disney. After arriving back at Tomorrowland Monorail Station, the group broke up. Everyone went home, except Honey, me, and two others. We all went to ride Space Mountain.
At Space, we were pretty bored in line, so we decided to blow bubbles in the queue. LVBelle had given us all bubbles at the Fireworks meet, so we were putting them to good use. I noticed something, too, which I will be writing about for my English paper I need to finish. But NO ONE noticed the bubbles! No one noticed until a Cast Member asked us to keep making more. Then people started trying to catch them. The Cast Member was so happy with the bubbles, that right before we boarded the rocket, we were given passes to get back on the ride using the handicapped/baby swap entrance. Sweet! It was nice, too, because our first pic didn't show up.
So after Space, we headed back over to Main Street, because Honey wanted to pick up something for E's birthday tomorrow. He bought her a plush of Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc. She will sit quietly for the whole movie and not move until it's over. We eventually left the park at 12:30 (yes, the park closed at midnight), and made it back to the parking garage and to our car before 1am. We had to stop at Super 8 because a very good friend, my "Disney Dad," had some goodies for the girls and me. So we stopped, chatted a bit, and then proceeded on our way home. I drove, and usually after a full day at Disneyland, I am very tired and can barely drive home. We took the quicker way home, and I was alert the whole way. We pulled into the drive way about 3:30, and were in bed by 4am. So, I was up for 23 hours. Time well spent, in my opinion.
I woke this morning at 9:30 and finished some homework that was due by noon today. I have a bit more to finish, which will be a little trying to find time, since E is here all night, and the girls get home tomorrow. If anything, I can work on it tomorrow night after the girls are in bed, since I have until Sunday at noon.
If you're an LPer and want to see more pics, let me know, and I'll share my Shutterfly album with you. I got a lot of great shots with Honey's camera.
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