Its the most wonderful time of the year.

Last night was the first home game. Well as far as preseason goes that is, the regular season home opener is still just over a week away. I watched as my husband dressed in his suit, shaved and got ready for the beginning of this season, all the while thinking here we go again.

I sat there wondering what the year would bring. A lot of joy I hope. Minus all the heartbreak. A lot of fun, and some challenges. Sure. As mentioned before, nights when I won't even want to see my husband, and then others when I want to celebrate with him and share in the wins. I always wonder if I am truly ready for it all again. It is after all a long season, sometimes running til June. Which means a lot more nights and mornings that I will be watching my husband do the same routine as that morning.

Though its always different in the beginning of the season. Unlike the end of the season, when he is tired and worn out. At the beginning, its all happy and LETS GO CAPS and possibilities. He will say how wonderful this year is going to be. How they have done this and that over the summer to improve. This year, he is just saying the first half of the year doesn't matter. Its the playoffs that do in the long run. In a lot of ways he is already saying he just wants to fast forward to then. Get the regular season over with. He is that excited for the future.

As for myself, being the fan that I am, I can't help but think of it as a fresh start, a I love this game, love this team and this year will be the year sort of feeling. Its the itch that I have been dying to go to a game, to chant until my voice goes. To root, to holler, to make fun of the drunk guy that sits behind us. Or worse the annoying guy who flaps his arms up and down as though he is going to fly away. I suppose they don't call it the Eagle's nest for nothing now do they?

Its the amazing guys on the ice and the talent they bring. And no, I am not just talking about who is cuter than the other. Because while granted some of them are quite easy on the eyes-I am not about to lie here-the fact is, I actually know a thing or two regarding the players other than if they prefer boxers or briefs. Its the fact that when they get out there, right about the time when the announcer finishes the whole, 'Your Washington Capitals' that you realize just how pumped up they are. How much they work as a team, and while their may be one or two that are individually great players. When it comes down to it, they are that much better as part of a team. I have been watching the game for years now and while there has been talented teams in the past, I say this has got to be the most talented yet. I can feel it.

And just as I have foolishly believe this to be the year in the past. This year, is our year.

Truth is this year I actually believe it.

Just remember, none of this matters.

Until April.

A total me day.

The final weekend of September means, its the final weekend before I become a widow. The final weekend before I have to work my schedule out with a hockey schedule, which requires just a little bit more of creative planning. That being said, because of it being the last weekend my husband let me have an entire day to myself.

Sort of like a mother's day in September.

So how did I spend my not so official mothers day?

Well to begin with, getting a much needed haircut and color. I always seem to put it off way to long, for two reasons. One being I am just lazy, but the main reason is financially. Which makes me wait as long as I can before it drives me crazy and I can no longer stand it. Of course, I always leave there saying I should have done this a lot sooner. And a lot more often. Its always amazing just how much a haircut can do for one's spirits. I decided after seeing a photo of Kaite Holmes to go ahead and get it chopped off in the exact same fashion. So for the past two weeks I have been anticipating, and yes worrying a bit that it wouldn't look exactly the way I thought it was going to look. I even thought about scrapping the idea and backing out of it entirely. But as I sat there in the chair I thought what the hell, it's hair. It will grow back. I handed the picture over to my stylist, the same I have had for the past three years and waited for her to tell me it wasn't a great idea. Instead however she stood there and beamed, claiming that this would look absolutely fabulous, including the hair color. She also promised it would be easy to maintain and that I would love it.

There was however no money back guarantee.

I guess its a good thing I absolutely loved it.

Afterward I met up with one of my best friends to do a little retail therapy and dinner. Spending way more than I probably should have, on things I am not so sure I even needed. OK I take that back because I actually did need those shoes for an upcoming wedding, so maybe I did need some of it. But after a few hours and an incredible feeling I realized there are times. When its just needed and accepted. This being one of them. I mean its not often anymore that I get the time to spend with a good friend, complain about men and just enjoy the day. Don't get me wrong, I love and adore my son. I love my husband. But with a hockey schedule, a full time job, a two hour commute one way, and school, I tend to forget to take the time to enjoy friends. To enjoy life at times.

And just like my haircut, I left my friend, thinking I should do this more often. Maybe not spend so much, but get out, hang out leave my son and Andy at home for awhile.

And just be me.

Let the Memories Begin!

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One week till widowhood.

We are now a week away from the Caps first home preseason game. That's a week away from becoming an official hockey widow from now till the end of the season. A week away until my husband will be spending more time in men's locker rooms, with barely clad players-ok I realize this sounds horrible. But I assure you its only to interview. Or so I am told. A week away until names like Bret, Vogs, Ovi and Laich are once again staples at the not so frequent dinning room table of ours. Names, that are so familiar to me they are practically family.

Now I could for selfish reasons say, the season is way to long as it is and I want my husband back sooner rather than later. As much as people turn to us and say 'how awesome' that job is, how amazing it must be to work for them. At the same time, they don't see the long hours he often puts in, away from home. Away from me, and my son. Granted the reward and all is pretty sweet but coming from a wife married into the organizations during hockey season, weekends aren't weekends anymore. Evenings aren't either for that matter. Planning takes a hell of a lot more effort than it does during the off season. Our lives revolve around the hockey schedule during these months. The good, the bad, or the ugly. We live it all. And time together turns into minutes together.

However the Caps fan in me is saying, its a small sacrifice to make and by all means you can have him for as long as it takes, preferably until June. Because after last season's heartache, I expect nothing less. Nor do I for myself, the organization or the fans want anything less. I don't want to deal with the mood swings it brought on from one very unhappy husband. I don't want to deal with the ache, the void that it left me ever again. And I expect, neither does the team.

No I don't expect every game to be won, or every battle to be easy. After all, there are 82 games, the odds of winning them all are about as likely as my chance of having a private conversation with the President himself. Not to mention we have 29 other teams who I am pretty sure want it just as much as we do. And as we learned last year, the regular season does not mean. Much. When all is said in done, as long as you come home with a shiny silver cup, then that's good enough for me.

So by all means, do whatever it takes to play till June, even if that means I won't exactly speak more than a sentence to my husband for the next several months.

In the end, it will all be worth it.

4 unexpected things to do at Disney.

So you want to take a Disney Vacation. Great! The thing is, you aren't much of a ride, or even a theme park kind of person. Well there is good news. Disney, isn't all about theme parks and rides. In fact there is much more to there than one might think. So without further ado, here are my favorite things to do beyond the parks.


Horseback Riding

As someone who happens to love horses and horseback riding herself I admit this has been one of my favorite activities to do outside of the parks. Located at Fort Wilderness Campground Tri-Circle-D Ranch is home to the horses seen on parades and special events around the parks.
Guests are taken on a 45 minute trail ride throughout the grounds on the very horses you see on Main Street every day. Accompanied by two guided cast members, who are there not only to act and lead the way through the trail, but were quite helpful in answering any questions one may have. Guests take a leisurely trip where they could encounter magical critters and some amazing scenery. Horses are well trained and capable of holding up to 250 lbs. Riders should be over the age of nine, no experience needed. Reservations are strongly recommended and should arrive thirty minutes before the scheduled time.

Cost-$42
For reservations please call 407-WDW-PLAY.


Cirque du Soleil-La Nouba

Looking for a Broadway type of show in the heart of Disney? First run in 1998 this high energy showstopper aims to please. This 90 minute show treats guests to a visual delight featuring acrobatic, circus like performances from some of the best and brightest athlete, performers and dancers. Bring the family, sit back and be prepared for one of the most exciting and most imaginative 90 minutes you will ever experience. The show runs most days, except for Sundays and Mondays. Please note there is no intermission.

There are four ways to order tickets, and ticket pricing varies from seating area to seating area.

To order tickets, call (407) 939-7600.
In person at the Box Office next to the Cirque du Soleil store at the West Side.
Through your travel agent
Online up to six months in advance at: www.cirquedusoleil.com

(information thanks to allears.net)

Paint your own Pottery and Make your own Jewelry

While my family and myself was down at the World this past July we took my mother who recently was involved in an accident and was injured. Not being much of a park person anyway, we were on the search for something other than hopping from park to park we looked at the activities guide provided to us when we first signed in to the hotel. What we found was two classes/sessions. One, a jewelry session and the second, a pottery session. We decided to make our way down just to check it out not expecting much of anything. Let alone a variety. We were pleasantly surprised. Offered at most Deluxe hotels, (we were guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge) this relaxing event shows the unlikely side of Disney Magic most would never know about unless looking for. Pieces are fairly priced and vary depending on size of the piece and length of the jewelry made.

Pottery is welcomed and open to anyone while the jewelry making is only open to those over the age of 13.


For those that are interested please see guest services early for schedules and resort offerings.


Spas and Salons

Going to Disney, isn't exactly the kind of relaxing getaway you thought about? Think again! With three deluxe resorts offering full spa's and several others with spa services you are bound to find some time for a relaxing day fit for any princess in waiting. With world class accommodations and spa services, they offer massages, manicure and pedicure's. Most are for adults, but several are now offering such things as Mommy and me services and my first manicure for the younger guests.
Please see guest services to schedule an appointment.


4 things most would never think about while visiting Disney, but all offer guests a chance to experience a different kind of magic.

How low can you go?

What do you do when you suddenly realize your baby isn't a baby anymore?

For the past 19 months we have taken him up to bed, placed him in his crib where he has somehow magical stayed until the wee hours of the morning. Thankfully we were one of the lucky few whose kid actually slept through the night. Actually lately we have had to wake him up more often than not to get him off to my mothers house where he spends most the day.

But this past Sunday that all changed. It being the weekend, and neither of us having to work we decided to play it a bit lazier than usual, staying in bed for as long as we can, or rather as long as Logan would allow us to. But somewhere around seven thirty I am am woken by my son, who is bawling his eyes out. Waking up I take a moment to adjust to the rising sun when I notice the sound is not only getting louder but a lot closer. I must be imagining I think because I know we put Logan down, and my husband was still fast asleep by my side.

And that's when I notice it. The small figure standing in my doorway frame, his tiny hands clinching and un-clinching. My son, somehow miraculously over night has learned the art of climbing out of the crib.

I rush and bring him to our bed knowing that to some this is highly frowned upon. And I listen as he rattles on his sad woe is me act. My husband stirs beside us, finally realizing we aren't alone.


So what does one do when they realize their baby isn't a baby anymore?

They learn to lower cribs.

Followed quickly by locking the bedroom door.

Application Day

And so all begins the most magical time of year again.

That is however, if you are a Disney vacation planning fool who has a knack of helping others plan their own dream Disney vacation. While the panel is called, the Disney Moms Panel, you don't have to be a mom to actually be a part of it. A dad, a grandmother or just someone who has that passion for all things Disney works as well.

I woke up this morning feeling very much like a kid on Christmas morning. I knew this was the day. The day when applications would start being accepted, when twitter would go nuts with things like #2011disneymomspanel and well wishes from every walk of life. I made sure to get to work, start up my computer and get everything situated just so I could sit and stare at the computer's clock as it read that it was just barely 8 in the morning.

I had an hour. It was all so very reminiscent to my childhood, sitting there waiting for my mom's coffee to finally get done so she could come out only to watch us tear through the presents within five minutes. But I would wait, and I would be patient until 9 in the morning. But you better believe as soon as 9 rolls around I would be hitting that link and....

And I have a meeting at 9, its Monday. I forgot. I would have to wait that much longer to apply. Making it that much more agonizing. I would sit through the meeting and think about what the questions be, and the meeting would be a total waste of time I could just see it.

Which is why I was more than thankful that the meeting was canceled.

At 8:45 I decide to park myself in front of my computer, and promise not to so much as breathe before I finish the application.

And still I wait. Twitter as predicted starts blowing up with the good lucks and pixie dust and all the warm fussy's. By now I have five minutes to go, and I admit I start getting a little nervous. I made it through to round 2 last year. Would I be able to live up to the same sort of answers I had in the previous year? Does it even matter if its not exactly the same? Last year was the first time that I had applied so.

By 9 I am excited, nervous and thrilled. Here is my chance to do something I love. I generally love seeing the smiling faces when I help them plan their dream vacation. Whether it was paid or not does not concern me, because its something I want. I finally log on to the site, and begin answering the questions.

Now I don't recall all the questions from last year. But from what I remember they were rather generic. At least the ones from round 1 were. And they were rather easy for me. This year however, yeah its a little harder and I take the time to really think what I want to say. Because lets face it, 100 words isn't exactly the easiest to explain everything you want to.

But after two hours of thinking, proofreading and rereading once again I came out with the best answers that represented me and hit submit. Knowing that once I did the only thing I could do from then on out, is wait until the day when we all hear a yea or a nay.

November 8th seems like an eternity from now.

Please come to Boston

Labor Day weekend was spent in my favorite city; Boston. It has been six years since my last visit and honestly not much has changed since then. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the long weekend with some of my favorite people, in my favorite city.

After a short and gorgeous plane ride we landed at Logan early Saturday morning. Earl had passed the night before, bringing in gorgeous skies, and a pleasant breeze. Did I mention the perfect temps to do a little exploring?

Speaking of exploring, lets do some shall we?

Boston Harbor

The site of the Boston Tea Party is where we spent most of the morning. Watching boats come in and out, couples hold relax on the barriers and tourists snap pictures. Today its not the tea party that you see, but cruises and day excursions-including whale watching-that come in and out of it's ports. In the background, the Boston city skyline with its mixture of old and new captures the true beauty of the city.

Born and raised in the DC metro area I am ashamed to say, DC does not hold a candle to restoring and keeping their city the way it was. Yes, its a gorgeous city in its own right. But most of the buildings that had been here long before any of us were are no longer around. Torn down, they are quickly replaced with new more appealing buildings that do little to remind us of where we have been. And the history we need to preserve. Thankfully what DC lacks, Boston makes up for.

Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market

Looking to do a little shopping? One of the oldest open market places in the country still operates much like it did when it first opened in 1742. Along with Quincy Market and North Market, it hosts a variety of shops and restaurants featuring anything from ladies major league sports wear to the famous Cheers. No, unfortunately, no one there knew my name. Along the cobbled sidewalk, vendors, street performers and natives mix and mingle. Proving that while some things change over time, very little does as well.

Now on top of Faneuil Hall lies a weather predictor. Typical for the time and era, however be warned this is not your typical N, E, S, W. But rather a grasshopper. There have been many theories to why this is, but if asked its a grasshopper.


Of course, it also is home to several Bars, most of which have at least a bit of it outside. A perfect combination for those that love the gorgeous cool temps and enjoy a good drink at the same time. I give credit to the bar pictured here or having the most unique name and sign ever.


Paul Revere's House

Ah yes, the man famous for the midnight ride. Or was he? You see for those non history buffs-Mr. Revere never fully completed his midnight run, but was captured before. Leaving someone else to complete the ride for him. What Boston trip would be complete without a trip into the very place he called home, along with two wives and their 16 children (5 whom died in infancy) As I had mentioned earlier one thing I love about the city is how they mix the old with the new. How you can have a house built in 1680-note here he was not the original owner-next to a building built centuries later.

If you chose to take a tour-which will cost you $3.50 per adult, you will step back in time to when things were simpler, kids were quieter and people were a lot shorter.

The house has been restored over the years but many of it's pieces were of the Revere's themselves or gifts and replicas from the time frame. In today's standards the house is small, with no hallways-the concept of a hallway took a hundred years or so to develop. The attic to where the children would have called home inaccessible to guests but it doesn't take away of the beauty and the amazement from things. The wood is gorgeous, the tables still standing. In fact standing in the house made me realize that you don't exactly need a 5 bedroom mansion to be happy. It's nice but all you need is the necessities.And other than the fact my husband had to duck to get into most of the rooms, could still be used to this day.


The Freedom Trail


Like the Revere house, one should not leave Boston without taking a stroll along the freedom trail. You can either hike the two mile plus trail yourself, stopping along the way at Kings Church, Bunker Hill and various graveyards or you could chose as we did on this weekend to take a tour. Having done both, I found both positive and negatives with both, while the tour guide was fabulous and had a lot of information, we weren't able to go at our own pace and often skipped several attractions we had hoped to go into. We found when we went on our own we were a little more free with such things as touring the King's Chapel and the Old State House. Though I do admit, I had to snap a picture of me standing right where the massacre-which was only five gentlemen-a massacre back then. If you were to drive through the city you would never notice it was there, nestled in between a heavy trafficked intersection its unnoticable to most, including myself who had no idea it was there the last time I visited.


Again, Boston is a great tourist city. Bring your walking shoes for this trail and be ready to snap some incredible shots. I had way to much fun doing so while our tour guide explained people fighting for independence from the British. Some key things to look out for while walking this trail are the following: the Old State House, and Granary Burying Ground for which the grave sites of Sam Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere and the Franklin Family are located. The Old North Church is the site where the phrase 'One if by Land, two if by Sea' is best known for


Ghosts and Graveyard Tours

After all the walking and site seeing your probably ready to have a little fun. Why not try a lighter side of the Boston tourism in the form of a fun and exciting Ghost and graveyard tour? After all, Boston is one of the most haunted cities in America. Go back in time as this 90 minute tour takes you through some of the most haunted stories. From the Boston Strangler to the Omni Park Hotel haunting's-which includes the owner and a female ghost- you are taken on a journey not for the faint of heart. If your looking for a good time one evening and don't mind getting a little spooked I highly recommend this. I have taken the tour twice now, and it only seems to get better with each tour. Though be aware that they don't allow anyone under the age of 10 and its highly recommend that they be 13 or older.



So next time your looking for a vacation, a long weekend getaway or a beautiful drive up the East Coast, try Boston on for size. You just may find yourself falling in love with America once again.

Disney Planning for others

By now everyone knows of my love for Disneyworld. They know how much I enjoy every minute of planning every detail. From the flights, to the meals. To figuring out which resort we will be calling home. But what you may not know, is just how much I enjoy helping others who have yet to get hit with the Disney bug plan their own Disney vacations.

I was contacted last night by a friend who plans on taking her almost four year old daughter to my magical place. Neither have ever been, which means as a newbie she was looking for anything. She began looking at things but didn't even know where to begin, and that's when she said she knew exactly who she would go to. That person just happened to be, yours truly. I must say, I was touched that out of everyone she came to me. As she stated there is a lot of information out there, some more helpful than others. But as someone who has never even ventured the idea of Disney prior to this, she became overwhelmed and lost. She figured I would know and be able to pick apart things even further. Or rather as she said, she felt like she would be getting an inside track of everything.

Lets face it, vacation planning can be hard enough. To quote my friend 'its just so overwhelming' to most. After all how do you make sure you know what your doing, four parks, two water parks. An interactive indoor park? Not to mention a downtown shopping center area and all those food choices. Even myself, a veteran of the whole planning process looks back now at the days when I didn't know half of what I know now and still admits to needing help and researching things from time to time. I can only imagine what it must be like to someone who has never been to Disney.

We sat there as I explained the dining plan, the ticketing options. Fastpasses. Which resort may be best to fit her needs.

And what I find in return is pure enjoyment. Watching them get all excited about it. Seeing their eyes light up when I talk about the electric water parade or the fact that no they don't just have to do parks all day. Something inside of me bursts with a little more pride seeing them put things together. And ok so I admit, knowing I had a hand in getting them to this point dif doesn't hurt. In fact its even a sense of accomplishment. I have helped yet another person out. While they may be the ones that are heading down to the world. It is I, who gets excited for them.

As my friends conversation moved on to other things, she asked if she had any other questions could she come to me?
Naturally I smiled and said absolutely. She knew where I was.
And then in true Disney fashion I told her to have a magical day!

How I spent my weekend

A couple of months ago I wrote expressing me getting the ‘new car itch.’ After driving my 2003 Mazda Protégé for nearly eight years I figured it was about time to update my wheels to a family car, considering well I do have a family now.

So I did my research and I fell absolutely in love with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Maybe as I stated it was the sleek design, the fact it looked a hell of a lot fancier than it should. But do not let this fool you. I was also quite impressed and interested in the fact that it had amazing reviews when it came to safety. Before I knew it, I had to have this car. It was my destiny. It was my passion. I was in love with this car as much as I could be. I hadn’t even test driven it when it was made. And once I did, my fate was sealed. I was going to have this car one way or another. Of course it took some convincing but my husband who wasn’t exactly sure that A) we needed a new car. And B) a Hyundai really? But finally I got him to agree that it was time. Just after my 30th birthday I drove home in my brand new silver Sonata, ‘a very happy women’ to quote my own words.

Now something about this car made me feel great. The way it drove, the way it looked. I loved the fact that people were talking about it when I drove in. It may sound extremely weird but it’s the truth. And it was beyond a doubt the smoothest ride I have ever driven.

But little did I know that this car, would not only be one of the greatest cars I had ever looked into. But would also save my life, along with my family. This past weekend, my husband and I along with my 19 month old son was off to meet my parents for dinner. The light turned green, pausing I waited and then made my way. The next thing I knew, I was surrounded by a sea of white, the smell and sight of smoke scaring my half out of my mind. I had been hit. From somewhere.Later we were told the other car ran the red light, hit us, and then ran into two other stopped cars on the other side of the median. He did not have insurance. I got out of the car, amazed that I was able to still walk. My husband, who had been in the passenger’s seat ran around to get our son out of the seat we had just bought the weekend before. We walked away, and looked at the tangled mess that was now my Sonata. Other than a few scrapes and bruises, we walked away unharmed.

The car on the other hand, did its job and sacrificed its own in order to save us.


Thankfully our local rescue squad was right around the corner.








Once they moved out I got a look at what my car was now. I will not lie, I think I cried just a bit.








I just couldn't believe we walked away from this all unharmed. I truly believe this car saved our lives.








And while I know its just a piece of metal, and can be replaced, our lives can't. Which is the important thing out of all this.










So thank you Hyundai, for our lives. When this all clears up, should I need a new car you know I will be right back.

Logan at 18 months.

Believe it or not, in the blink of an eye Logan has gone from newborn to infant to now a running toddler. We had his 18 month, ok more like almost 19 month check up this afternoon.

Now I will admit this. I am a very worried first time mom. I worry he is to short-which is ridiculous considering dad is about 6'2- I worry he is a huge baby. Because I have been constantly told that he is 'soooo big.' I worry I don't feed him enough, or worse I feed him to much. I am assuming this is only natural and that I am like many and we all share these sort of fears.

I would like to think anyway.

Of course my fears were all put to rest when I heard the analysis. At 18 months he weighs in at 26 Lbs, (56%tile) and 33 inches (65%tile) I am sure my sigh of relief was heard throughout the Northern Virginia region as I realized that my son is normal. Sure he is a little taller his head a little bigger than average but all in all, everything is perfect.

I find his sense of vocabulary is astonishing. True I don't have that much to compare it to. But he is counting, both forwards and backwards, his alphabet isn't quite there but he picks up on them here and there when the mood strikes him. He sings-Lady GaGa and Train seem to be his favorite. Lord help my husband who now has two dancing fools in the house. If Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ran all day he would be a happy camper, and Buzz has become his toy of choice. Yes I am already setting myself up for another Disney nut. Again I should probably apologize to my husband.

He loves broccoli and green beans but would rather pass on any meat you offer him. Bubbles and books are things he can't live without and he sleeps with a Mickey Mouse we got him during our latest trip to Disney.

So yes my mommy fears are gone. For the moment.
But give me a few more days and I am sure I will come up with something else to worry about.

A Surprising big day.

September 13th.

For many, this is to be just another ordinary day. And it shares little meaning to anyone. But to me, September 13th is a pretty big deal. For two obvious reasons.


First lets talk about a topic which has been on my mind, and my blog quite often. You see September 13th is the day when the 2011 Moms Panel Applications start being accepted. Already I find myself thinking over every little detail that may come in handy. So much so, my husband at this point I am sure is ready to just get this thing done and over with, though if asked he would smile and say this is untrue. Unlike last year where I went in blind, this year as a second timer I should at least be a little familiar with the process and have at least a better idea of the type of questions they may ask. Not to mention I have one more year of planning under my belt. And no it just wasn't any planning but rather planning for a group of ten which included one in a wheelchair, three of us with food allergies and a six year old who had never been. So yes, I gained a whole lot of experience from just one trip alone. I realize I am sounding like a pitch here and believe me I am in no means trying to. After all I know there is no guarantee I will get in, or make it through the first round for that matter. But one will never know if one does not try. Besides, I didn't think I would make it through the first round last year.



Of course this was only one of two reasons its going to be a great day. The second? This is the day when training camp starts. Its the unofficial lets get hockey started day. Players will be rolling in, the ice freshly cut and the skates sharpened. That's right my friends, hockey season is right around the corner. Of course this also means I will once again lose my husband to late nights, and locker rooms and to the NHL. It also means dinner conversations revolving around injuries, rumors and odd tidbits heard while interviewing-much like me and reason #1 stated above-so I figure this all works out pretty evenly. But its a small, small sacrifice to make. Especially when they provide the paycheck. Technically the season doesn't start until the beginning of October. But for those of us that breath sleep and live for hockey season, those who's husbands are so anti football its pretty much banned in the house. For these people knowing that training camp is officially here. Well I would say that's a pretty good start. Bring on hockey!

Disneys Moms Panel 2011

Last year about this time I was contacted by a fellow Disney fan. She asked if I had heard that the search for the next group of Disney Moms was soon to be under way and was curious to know if I was going to be one of many to try out. She thought I would be perfect for it. After all, helping people plan their vacations was one of my passions. Being a mom of a newborn helped. I told her I would probably look into it, not expecting much of anything to come out of it. The time came, I applied and as we waited for the results to come back I began to realize just how excited I was for it. Just how much I wanted to be chosen as one of the panelist. Understanding however that the chance was not an easy choice for them and that there was plenty out there that like myself, were just as nuts about the subject, just as deserving as I was.

So I was just happy enough to make it through round 2. I continued through the application process, and my nerves were on high. I wondered if I answered it the way they wanted, thought and rethought my entire answers and yes even doubted myself....until they finally came out and announced that round 3 would be selected. I was devastated to not make it through to the next round. Even blogging my experiences here

But now its been a year, and once again the rumors that they are in search of the 2011 moms panelists. Once again I am being question. Will I?

My answer in plain English. Yes. I think I have grown a lot more this year than last. I have also helped several people in the aspects of Disney, my family, friends strangers at work who have just so happened to hear I am a Disney nut. Not to mention, apparently I am quite the knowledgeable one when it contains Disney, dining and allergies. Because, yes I have plenty of them myself and have planned many of vacations around what I can and what I can't eat. I will state, for anyone with allergies Disney is the place to go, and you will and can go on vacation free of allergy worries.

I am also a mom of a toddler now. Not that this is a requirement to being a panelist but couldn't hurt now could it?

So long story short. In just about a month I will once again be throwing in the application for Disney's consideration. And once again I will be blogging about my experience, this time through the entire process...

And once again I will be crossing my fingers and hope someone will throw some magic pixie dust my way.

First Hair Cuts

While we were at Disney, we had every intention of getting Logan's first hair cut done at the World. We had it all planned. To get up early head over to the Magic Kingdom's Barber shop and get it done, complete with first ears and all. However best laid plains never seem to work, and before we knew it we were hopping the plane and heading back to our Northern Virginia home.

Without a hair cut.

Its been two weeks and we had yet to get his hair cut. Its not that we didn't want to, I mean we knew that he needed it. Its just never seemed all that important I suppose. And really was it that long? But this past weekend, I decided enough was enough, and it was time to finally get my baby's first hair cut. About time, considering my baby is now 18 and a half months old.

And so we made our way to the local Cartoon Cuts to get his first official hair cut. As you can see, it didn't go as smoothly as mommy and daddy would have liked.

Everything started out ok, we were able to get him in the chair no mom or dad sitting with him needed.











Curious but no worries, especially when they gave him a tasty treat.












But oh how quickly it all goes south, as soon as the gentlemen turns on the buzzer he starts wailing. I begin feeling bad for the man because he was putting up with a lot.












It was still a challenge but somehow it was workable.












And in the end, well I have to say, in the end the results were amazing. And my lil boy began to look like a little boy once more. Though it was a sort of biter sweet moment for as he sat there and stared at me, he was no longer that baby I had but was fast transformed into a growing boy.

Inspiration comes in the most random of places.

You can't wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.
Jack London

Its 10:15 in the morning on a Friday. I know what I should be doing. I should be sitting here looking over a report or to. Or setting up a meeting. Or something relating to work. But instead what do I find myself doing, sitting here typing up words to a piece of work I have been working on.

Now normally on any given day I try to avoid mixing the two. After all, work is work and my writing, is something that while I would love to turn into a career and hope/dream that one day it is I realize for the moment it doesn't exactly pay the bills.

That being said, I am not a writer that can sit down and will the words to come out. I've tried. It doesn't work. It ends up being forced and horrible. So rather I usually let them come to me. Which pretty much means, I need to start carrying around a pad of paper or invest in an Ipad. Because my ipod's notepad isn't exactly cutting it anymore.

You see while I let the words come to me, I have recognized they usually come at the most random times. Mainly when I am boarding the metro to take the commute home. No i don't know what it is about metro, because while there is quite some interesting characters its nothing earth shattering. Still whatever it is, it hits right then and there. And then I spend the rest of the trip hunched over my ipod trying to type as fast as I can while the words come. While the idea sticks.

I have every intention of running home, opening my computer and typing away for the rest of the evening. But by the time I get home. I've been in front of the computer for the better part of the day. My eighteen month old needs to get dinner, a bath and then off to bed. My husband needs a little bit of my time before we head off to bed ourselves. And those words that I worked so hard on all the way home, seem to take a back seat to the activities of daily life.

And I wonder why I have yet to finish any of the works in progress..Hmm...

Have I mentioned my two hour one way commute?

So while I know I should be doing other things while I could be doing other things. At the same time. I know faxes will still be there, the report will still get done. An email will still get sent. All things that can wait a few more minutes.

Words on the other hand, don't wait.

The final day-another disney trip in the bag

Ah Friday, the day we all were not looking forward to. This being the final full day. Tomorrow we would pack it in and call it a trip. But we still had one day of activities yet to do.

With pretty much everyone getting to do and see all that they wanted to see, we felt no rush to head back to the park, and since my mother ceramic experience went so well, we figured all of us would do something. My sister choosing her Nightmare Before Christmas plate set, my older sis a plate, my dad did his own Kidani inspired plate, my mom an ornament and I chip and dip bowl.There was no intention of this being an all day event but with nine of of us there, it turned into just that. Though I have to say, we are quite the creative family. And all our pieces turned out to be quite awesome.






Hillarys final piece..She is obsessed with Nightmare before Christmas, so this turned out to be quite fitting for her.









and my final piece. You may not be able to see them but there are mickey heads lining the bowl, I painted them in black. OK actually my husband helped but shh. I don't think he really wants the hockey community to know.









After the family activity was complete, Andy and I took my mom to downtown Disney for some last minute shopping before we headed over to Whispering Canyon for our final Disney meal. When we first set up our meals we were focusing on things that the family would like, some we picked because of food, others because of the experience and having been to Whispering Canyon before we knew we would be in for a treat, especially with six year old. We got seated, ordered making sure that Randin had ordered something needing ketchup. I also took all the blue crayons so he would have to ask for it if he needed. Sure enough both worked and as soon as his food came out he asked for the ketchup. Or rather the entire table asked for ketchup....we proceeded to get about 20 bottles as you can see...

And how did we spend our last night? At the Kingdom of course rocking out to the magic hours until the wee hours in the morning.

I hated to see it come to an end, but as always, all good things must come to an end...which means this also concludes my trip report.

Until next time.

Oh Canada!

Thursday morning brought the first of the departures. Jamie had to return to the real world to go back to work, so he left two days earlier than the rest, leaving one less in the party.

Andy and I had late dinner reservations at Le Cellier, my parents had agreed to watch Logan so we took our time hanging around the resort, taking my mom to Animal Kingdom where she finally allowed us to look up and get a guest assistance pass, she had been in a wheelchair since Monday. This also allowed for us to roam the parks a little more easily. I think it took her a lot to ask for this because we aren't the kind of people to take advantage of anything, especially the system. And I know she felt that there were people a lot worse off than her, even though she herself needed help.

Before you ask or think, let me say, I myself have a slight disability, cerebral palsy to the right side-very mild case. And I like my mom, have never used the system to get away with anything or to get freebies. etc. I suppose Im feel like I am able to do everything anyone else can do so I don't usually need any assistance. Anyway, getting the card while may not seem a big deal for some but it was a big deal for my family. Still it helped a lot and my mom didn't feel as much as a burden as she once did.

So they got to ride the rapids again, while my husband I enjoyed the dancing. Or ok, I was picked to do some African dancing. I also played a game with a few cast members that they had brought from their country, a game my sister and I had as a kid. I ended up beating the girl easily. Needless to say, she was quite impressed...


We headed back to Kidani for lunch and some time at the pool before getting ready for dinner. My parents, and the rest of the family had reservations at Crystal Palace while my husband and I had reservations much later in Canada. We headed to MK to make sure they got in ok before headed to EPCOT ourselves.I had purposely saved my Brooks Laich-Washington Cap hockey player, and born and raised Canadian-t-shirt just for the evening. Maybe it was silly but I wanted to see if anyone would notice...and it worked, the very first cast member made note of it and my mission was successful! Now on with dinner, I know Le Cellier is a crowd pleaser, and we have in the past been very pleased ourselves. But I will say this was probably my least favorite meal of this vacation. So much so I don't even remember what it was. Mind you I have a lot of food allergies and usually have no qualms about anything I eat but this one just was not my cup of tea. Not to mention we had 8:10 reservations and did not get seated until 9:00.

We had plans of hanging out after dinner but with us getting seated so late, we decided to head back. Tomorrow was our last full day and we wanted to make sure we were rested.

Getting to know you.

My parents offered to watch the kids this morning while the big kids once again got some time to go hit up the rides. This go around, we went to Animal Kingdom, my sisters wanted to Kali River Rapids, and I was dying to hit up my favorite ride of all four parks Everest. I know a lot of people complain about the Yeti not being in top shape, but I still love it none the less.

the girls waiting for the bus.







We headed right for Everest, where we were going to hit up fastpasses, but decided with a twenty minute wait, to just go ahead and wait. Tuned out it was truthfully closer to ten for we pretty much walked right through and on the ride. And while it may not have been as awesome as it would have been had the Yeti been working right, my sisters and Jamie all got a good kick out of it!!

Dinosaur however was another story and we had to fast pass, so we grabbed up the passes and headed to the Safari, where I have to say the new baby elephant is absolutely adorable! And we had plenty of time to check it out, since we were stuck on the ride for some time. Seemed an animal was in the middle of the road and they had to wait for it to move out of the way. It took so long they had to get an 'expert' to come out and coax the animal away from the road. Because of this, we pretty much sped through the rest of the ride and didn't see a whole lot. But the baby elephant, playing in the water made up for the whole thing. I mean at least we had a decent view while being stuck.

We returned to Dinosaur and since I hate this ride I spent the entire time with my head down and avoiding everything until the car was back in the dock and we were unloading. Thankfully, my lil Logan greeted me back at the resort, and erased the nasty thoughts I was sending to my husband, who loves the ride...ah the things we do for our significant others.


After some fun in the pool once again, were we ordered drinks and sat at the bar, I must say my sister-little-does not waste any time and flirted like the best of them. Still it was very enjoyable, the drinks delicious and time spend with sisters fabulous. So after the pool we went back to get ready for dinner in Japan as the entire group.

As always we enjoyed the dinner but this was the first time Logan started to act up and I decided to take him out and walk around. As I brought him up to the front one of the hostess-AI-pronounced 'I' came up to me, she just beamed at Logan and introduced herself explaining that she had seen us on a bus to downtown Disney, and he was making the most adorable faces.-I later remember this and his flirting-she of course said how adorable he was and in Japanese said she was glad to meet him and hoped we would see each other again. It was just amazing that out of all those customers, on a daily basis she remembered a little boy that she had seen earlier in the week on a bus..

Water, Jewelery and an engagement.

By this point in the trip, most everyone had done each park at least once. And with this, our midway point in the vacation we decided to take the day off from the parks (with the exception of going for dinner) Instead, we hit the pools.

When we first started talking about the trip, Hillary asked about getting the water park option because she figured Randin would want to try it out. And while it was an option, we informed her that in all honesty he would probably enjoy the resort pool just as much. And so, even if she wanted to, she agreed.

Turned out to be a great thing because at six, he isn't exactly into the thrill rides, and has no interest in things that go to fast, to high or looks to scary for him. And as you can see, he seemed to enjoy the pool just as much.

Oh blocking the sun. After checking out the pool, and realizing that we were right, and the AKL's pool was just as good as the water park, my sister decided it was a good thing we didn't pay extra for the park and spent most of the afternoons beside the pool herself...







He probably would live on this slide if you allowed him. And I am sure if you asked him, this was probably his favorite ride of the entire thing. No ticket? No problem man.







Even my dad got in the act. Though maybe he didn't exactly enjoy it as much as my nephew did. And that is quite alright.








And while the boys played..the girls enjoyed another resort offered activity.
Jewelry making. Love the yeah ok but I will smile like I like it look of my lovely husband. I joined them and we all walked away with bracelets, anklets and necklaces. And I have to admit, I actually enjoyed myself. We had only been here for three full days but it felt so much longer and by doing things like pool days and what not, it make the vacation go by so much slower instead of the usual blink and your through we usually experience.



Of course these activities couldn't last forever besides we had dinner at EPCOT to get to, so we all headed back to the hotel, got ready to head to the park. My parents and Hillary and Randin had dinner at Le Cellier-which they thought was amazing-Burg and Jamie at Coral Reef-loved all but the lobster soup- and we at Chef's De France. Again we enjoyed it....but it was the after dinner special that we enjoyed the most.

You see we were meeting up in France, enjoying the evening in front of France's gardens when this young couple came up. The gentlemen kept trying to get the girl to sit on the edge of the water fountains to take a break. It took him a couple of tries but he finally managed to get her down. And thats when we realized just exactly what he was doing. For right before our eyes, he got down on one knee and proposed to her. My sister captured the moment and later emailed all pictures to them. Of course she said yes! I had never witnessed such a thing though I know so many people get engaged at Disney, and I have to say it was great seeing someone come up with another spot besides in front of the castle.

And may I add the ring-which I had to check out-was impressive! And it was a great way to end the day!

A different kind of Disney Vacation

This is my mom

And while I could sit here and do the typical trip report, I figured for day three I will tell a fabulous story about her, the trip and a side of Disney most have probably never considered.

Lets talk about my mom. After all my exsistence on this Earth wouldn't be possible without her. Four months ago my mom was on her way to work as a local county public school bus driver. She stopped to get some coffee at the 7-11 around the corner when she tripped on a mat and fell face first into a sports car. In doing so, she tore all but one of her ligaments in her rotatory cuff. She has yet to return to work, and goes into surgery tomorrow morning. We were kind of skeptical she would even come with us, because she has needless to say been pretty down and out of it. Between worrying about the surgery, and suffering through the pain I suppose I wouldn't have blamed her if she had changed her mind. But alas, she wanted to go. After two years of planning she said that this was the one thing in the past few months that had actually been keeping her going. This of course was exciting, and and wonderful but I have to be honest here. I think we were a bit nervous that she wouldn't have a good time. I feared she wouldn't find anything to do. That she would be cooped up in the hotel room while the rest of the gang went out. And that isn't the sort of Disney vacation I dreamt of for her, or for anyone really.

We knew we would have to take things a lot slower however. We knew we wouldn't exactly be hitting the parks every hour with her. Which is fine because my mom isn't exactly the ride type of person. So on that Monday my mom pulled out the activity guide at Animal Kingdom Lodge and found there were ceramics. She asked if we had even known about the activities at the resorts. Sure we knew about them but we had never participated in them. But we were willing to give it a try since we like to do different things with each trip.

Now if you have never done this, that is done any activities at the resorts I advise you to. Especially if you aren't the thrill/ride kind of person.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge offered both ceramics and jewelery making every other day. Monday was ceramics. Located in the Simba Club House, at Jumbo house we were greeted by two cordinators that supervised the ceramics. They offer anything from Mickey ornaments, to a Buzz Lightyear bank, to a Mickey Chip and Dip bowl. I must admit I was quite impressed not only with the selection of pieces but the prices. Up in Northern Virginia my husband and I have done ceramics but have stopped in recent due to the prices. But at Disney, all we had to pay for was the piece.

On this day my mom choose to do a mug.

The coordinators-Michele and Hillaree-I have to say were beyond impressive. Friendly and accommodating they made sure my mom was taken care of, even helping her get the colors and all so my mom wouldn't have to get up and down from her already painful state. By the end of the week we actually got to know them very well, but thats another story.


After the coordinators say the results of this mug, they asked her to create one for their showcase.






I know painting and doing ceramics isn't most peoples ideal Disney vacation, but as I watched my mom sitting there painting, it occurred to me. Maybe she wasn't doing the rides and spending hours in the park. But she was having a wonderful time. She was enjoying herself, and she was in her element. And while this may not be everyone's ideal Disney vacation, this was her Disney vacation.