Pictures Coming!

By the way, just so you all know...pics will be forthcoming. For some reason, it is not liking me doing pics right now.

I'm Back!

Well, I'm finally back and ready to post a new entry. This is my Trip Report from my Disney trip. For those of you who are on WDWMagic, this is pretty much an exact copy of my TR there, so you might want to not read it again. lol!

The Pre Game:

This trip ended up being a little different than our last few. For starters, this trip, as was our January trip a few years ago, was a Christmas present for me and my DH. We decided that instead of buying each other junk presents that we weren't really going to like, we would get each other something we both knew we'd enjoy.

Another thing that made this trip different was this was my first time in 4 years not staying on Disney property. Ever since I stayed on Disney property the first time, I fell in love. However, WHF works for the Hyatt, so we recieve free stays at the hotel and decided to cash in on the offer this time. (This was done to help keep costs lower.)

Also different this time, since we weren't staying on property, we rented a car for this trip. This ended up being a very interesting experience for people who have very minimal experience in doing this.

Last, and probabaly the biggest was that this trip didn't center completely around Disney. We did some other things, both on and off property that were entirely new for us. This was done, 1. because we had rented a car for this trip and 2. to once again, help to keep some of the cost down, as this trip was not really something we had budget for. Since we had decided that we were going to Florida for our Christmas present, any money that we recieved at Christmas time was used for spending purposes on the trip. That way, we got to spend our Christmas money on something we'd both enjoy as well. Usually we budget our trips for at least a year in advance. Now...let's get to the main event and the part you are all waiting for.

Day 1: Saturday Feb. 23
Arriving and Pleasure Island

Ah...nothing says fun like getting up at buttcrack early in the morning to be on a flight that is earlier than you usually get up on a daily basis. This flight took off at 7 am and I needed to be at the airport around 5:30. So, we got up around 4:30 to get dressed and finish getting ready. Luckily I live relatively close to our airport, so I didn't have to get up even earlier! I also have to say, I have the bestest best friend ever. She volunteered to take us to the airport and for that, I'm eternally greatful.

So, we arrived to the airport with little problems and went to Southwest. This was my first time using the new system that they put in place, and as some of you may be aware, up to this point, I really wasn't impressed. I was able to get my boarding passes 4 hours after they were released and I was already in section B. With the old system, I would have still been in A. With this new system, it is not fair to those who may not have access to the internet at the exact time that the tickets get released. The only thing I liked about the new system was that there were no people lined up waiting to get on the plane. However, I'm really glad I got to board the plane when I did. B/c by the time our section was called, the only part of the plane that was completely empty was the back and there weren't many empty seats left back there. If I had waited much later to have gotten my boarding passes the day before, I would have had big troubles finding seats for me and WHF to sit in where we could sit next to each other. Especially since our flight was FULL!

Other than my extreme displeasure for Southwest's new boarding procedures, the flight went really well. We only had a little turbulance when we hit a storm that was passing through FL. As soon as we got off the plane (oh how I love Orlando's airport!) our luggage was waiting for us on the carousel. This was just a sign to come of how easy this trip was going to be.
So, as soon as we had our luggage in hand, we went to the Alamo counter. As I stated before, this was our first time we had ever rented a car...and well, let's just put it this way...I really like staying on Disney property and using Magical Express. It is such a wonderful feature.

Luckily, I got a great deal on a compact car (and trust me, I'd been looking for good deals for at least 2 months! I got one just in the nick of time). We tried using the self check out kiosks, but I had a gift card from Christmas and it wouldn't accept it and I wanted to try to use it here to pay for the car. So, we got in line to use a representative. This was probably the worst part of our whole trip. As soon as we told the guy that we didn't want extra insurance on the car, he got extremely snotty and was no help, what so ever. He was also very rude in explaining that I couldn't use my gift certificates and had to use a credit card in the name of the person who was renting the car. (Which I understand why now, but I believe he could have explained this without being a huge jerk). He also didn't really explain to us how to get to the rental cars. He simply said...go across the street. For people who have never used a rental car before, I felt that this service was extremely poor.

Other than that, having a car was very nice. It was really great being able to get around with ease. When we got to the garage with the cars, we saw that in the compact section, Saturn Ions were available! This was great news as I actually drive a Saturn Ion! So, it was just like driving my car for WHF. (I'm not old enough to rent a car yet without paying enormous fees). It must be weird for people renting these cars though...b/c the mph, gas gauge, etc is all in the middle of the car, not above the steering wheel like normal cars. For us it was easy to get used to b/c we already were, but I can imagine for someone renting one, it would be a big shock!

One tip I really recommend when renting a car. Get GPS. We didn't get it through the rental car agency, but I did get it put on my phone (way cheaper!) and wow...let me tell you, it was a godsend. Without it, we would have gotten so lost. It told us EXACTLY where to go and was pretty much right on the money.

Finally we got to the hotel and OMG! Let me tell you, I was extremely pleased. We stayed at the Hyatt Grand Cypress and it is an absolutely gorgeous hotel. I don't hear a lot about it usually, but it is just off Disney property (all we had to do was go around the block basically to get to the back entrance by hotel plaza. Or as Vince calls it, the "Unmagical Entrance". :lol: ) and it is simply stunning. (Probably extremely costly too!) We checked in and were offered champagne. The service here was simply amazing. We went up to our room and then took a tour of the hotel. The pool area here is absolutely amazing. It has a waterfall, 3 hot tubs--2 of which are in little secluded areas in the rock structure, 2 water slides. Not to mention all the other ammenities this hotel has. Some of the cooler things Surrey bikes and other bikes you can take on trails, boat usage, rock climbing wall, health club, etc.

So, now that we've looked around the hotel, we realized, hey, we're hungry. And, it had started raining, so we couldn't go out to the pool yet anyway. (What is it with us and Florida? Everytime we go, it pours!) We got ourselves a pizza from the food court thingy the hotel had and then by that time, it had stopped raining, so we went to the hot tub.

Now, we were throughly tired at this point. And we had a long night ahead of us, so we decided that we would use this opportunity to take a nap. I ended up getting cold being wet from the hot tub and decided to go upstairs to finish my nap. About an hour and a half later, we got ready to go meet our friend, Vince at The Beach Club for dinner at Beaches and Cream.

This was also my first time visiting this resort...and wow...it's gorgeous. I loved the pool area. It is gorgeous! I can see why people like the pool here!

And since this was our first time visiting this hotel, this was also our first time eating at Beaches and Cream. I thought the burger was delicious, although thought the service was ok-poor. This may be attributed to the fact that Vince mentioned that he had the DDE card...and what with the automatic tip now...Our waitress just didn't seem very attentive to us, as much as she could have been. I also ended up getting the Fudge Mudslide...which was delicious and filling. Although, now I just realized, there was no brownie with my sundae.

Something that surprised me though was how small Beaches and Cream is. I figured it would be a lot bigger, but it is really teeny tiny!

From there, we walked around the Boardwalk and caught the tale end of Illuminations from right near the Int. Gateway.

This is when I got my pangs of longing. Ever since I'd landed, I'd get these pangs of, I'm in Florida, but not really doing Disney like normal. These were more prevelant that first night than any other. But man, do they suck.

After walking along Boardwalk, we went to DTD to the Adv. Club. Now, I got turned on the the Adv. Club last trip by Vince. It is everything everyone ever talks about on here. It is seriously the best thing! And this night was no exception. We had the best time...and experienced some really hilarious stuff.

The funniest thing (which you probably really needed to be there for it to be as hilarious as it was) was started when Otis made fun of this guy for holding his girl in a way that made her look like he was giving her the himlich. Which then turned into Otis called for needing the himlich at some point. In which this girl who was on her last night from working at Disney, proceeded to get up and give him the himlich--hard. Then he said something about needing CPR and this same girl goes up and kisses him. OMG! It seriously had me laughing so hard...I thought I was gonna puke. I really wished I'd gotten it on camera, b/c my God it was funny!

This time at the Adv. Club we saw pretty much all different people with the exception of two. We stayed all the way to the end with the Hoopla! It was seriously a blast.

After that, WHF wanted to go check out some of the other clubs, so we went to Motion which we thought was kinda boring. We then went to Manequins which we thought was cool, but we don't really listen to that techno-ey stuff. Finally we went to 8 Tracks and really enjoyed ourselves there. It was fun actually getting to sing and dance to songs we recognized.

Finally we left for the hotel. We got back at around 2 am and were very sleepy b/c without the naps we had been up for like 22 hours.

Sunday Feb. 24
Daytona

So today was our predominantly non-Disney day. WHF really loves Daytona and goes there every year for the Pepsi 400 in the summer. This year, however, he is not going, so as a consolation prize, I decided we could go on this trip. Today, we got up later, from being extremely tired the night before, and got on the road to visit the World of Disney (wait...I thought she said she didn't do Disney... ) I was on a mission for those brown Mary Jane Crocs. No luck here...or anywhere else, for that matter.

Finally we headed towards Daytona which was extremely easy to find with my little Navigator friend. :D We got to Daytona in about an hour and 15 minutes. The first thing we did there was go to the Daytona Flea Market. We ended up buying a pair of sunglasses and some absolutely delish strawberries. I have never tasted strawberries that good! On our way out of the Flea Market though, we got extremely lost. (This place is HUGE!) Luckily, I remembered where we entered, so we found our way out with a little difficulty. We would have been screwed though if I hadn't looked to see which entrance we came in. They all look the same! From there, we went to Hooters for lunch. I got the shrimp and the onion straws. The shrimp did not sit well with me. I think it was the combination of shrimp and butter, but I felt a bit queasy afterwards. After that, it was beach time. :D

We got to the beach and parked. (For those of you who have never been, at Daytona, you can drive your car along the beachfront). We walked a decent way along the beachfront and then back. The water was a tad cold, but once you got used to it, you were fine.

After the beach, we went to play mini golf at this place that was themed like the rainforest. Man was it expensive though! I think Disney might be the same or cheaper and you get more themeing at Disney. Oh well, we were on vacay. Oh, and WHF wants me to point out that I lost at mini golf. He won for the first time in our entire relationship. At the golf course, they had a place where you could feed alligators. We did not partake in that, but i did take a pic of a gator!

After that, we went to the pier and rode on this scary as hell skyway! I seriously never realized how afraid of heights I was until that moment. It was the LONGEST 13 minutes of my life. If you're ever in Daytona...do NOT do this, unless you want to be freaked out!

We left Daytona at around 8 and headed back to Orlando. While in Orlando, we at TGI Fridays. It was good, but we weren't that hungry. They had delicious nachos though! After eating, we went back to the hotel and got in the hot tub again while eating the strawberries that we bought earlier. From there, it was bed, b/c we had to be up early for our day at MK!

Monday Feb. 26
Magic Kingdom

Yay! We're finally going to the parks!!! Whoo hoo!

So today we got up early (for us on vacation) at 9:30. We got ready and parked in the Pluto section. We decided to hoof it to the Transportation and Ticket Center and once we got there, decided to take the resort monorail because the express was way long while the resort monorail only had a few people in line.

Now, I was a little worried about actually getting in to the MK. As some of you may know (and to upate those of you who didn't.) my DH and I went in Sept. and we went to the MNSSHP where it just POURED. When we got back home, I'd learned that that night Disney CM were telling people that the tickets from that night were going to be re-released and could be used for any day people wanted, for up to a year. I simply thought this might be too good to be true and we'd get to the front and they'd say, nope...gotta buy new tickets. I was all prepared to pay the extra money, just in case. However, you all were correct (why should I have doubted you! ) My tickets worked like a dream. No problems using them, what-so-ever.

From there, we headed down to Jungle Cruise. We had not been on JC since our first trip and I was not waiting 40 minutes for it! So, we skipped it. On to Pirates, it was closed. (What is up with my luck and Pirates?! It never seems to work when I'm there!) So, instead, we headed to Frontierland and got Fastpasses for Big Thunder. While waiting for that, we got in line for Splash.

After Splash, we finally went on Big Thunder. Man, I know the standby wait time said 40 minutes, but it had to have been way more than that! Luckily, we didn't have to wait in it.

From there, I went and got FastPasses for Peter Pan while WHF went and got us lunch at Columbia Harbor House. The clam chowder there is so delicious.

I couldn't believe what a gorgeous day it was outside. Low 80s today...where as it was freezing at home. It was so nice to be out and about in the sun. After lunch, we still had time before our Fast Pass was up, so we went to see Haunted Mansion. I saw it right after the refurb, but some of the effects weren't working totally. It was nice to see it working properly. After that, it was over to Philharmagic. This is one of my favorite new things added. Then, we still had time, so we went on Snow White and then Pooh. This is one of the most excruciating waits. I really wished we would have been able to get a Fast Pass.

Once Pooh was over, we went to get get Fast Passes for Space and headed back to Peter Pan. We were going to ride It's a Small World, but the line was 30 minutes. No thanks...I'll ride you later.

Since IASW was out...we went back to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz. WHF kicked my butt at Buzz, yet again. I don't know why I"m so terrible at that game. I do so well with the version here at our Six Flags. But with Buzz, I can't get the thing to go where I want it. From there, we went to Carousel of Progress. One of our favorites. After that, it was Space Mountain time! We got a Fast Pass after riding, so we could ride it again later.

Then I got a Premium Mickey bar *drools just thinking about it* and rode the TTA while enjoying my treat. At the end of the TTA we got asked to participate in a research survey about the attraction. Don't know what that's about.

From there, we went back for our second go round of the park. We checked the wait for Jungle Cruise again. This time, it was 60 minutes! No thanks again! We did manage to get on Pirates this time though. I liked it much better this time than I did the first time I rode since the new changes. WHF was hungry, so we got some fries to much on and then headed back up to Splash.
We got a Fast Pass and then got in line b/c the wait was for 30 minutes and our FP would be ready after 30 minutes, so we thought we'd just get right back on. Turns out, there was no need to get the Fast Pass. After we rode the first time, when we got back to the station, there was no one waiting, so we just stayed on again.

While in line for Splash, I got a call from Vince. He was off work and wanted to see if we'd mind if he came up. We said, of course not. He still wasn't in the parks yet, so we decided to go on Haunted Mansion again. I got a call from him while we were in line that he was there, so I told him we'd meet him at the exit. After we got off, not only was Vince standing there, but I also met Rain (rainfully for those of you who don't know) from the forums here. It was so cool to meet her b/c she's a St. Louis native as well.

Rain had a little time before she had to leave, so we went and rode It's a Small World, finally. Here's a pic of the 3 of us...it's not the best, but we were in the boat...so it's all we got.

After IASW, Rain had to leave, but our Fast Pass time was up for Space. So, Vince, WHF, and I headed over to Space. We parted ways with Vince for a few and rode. After that, we decided it would be smart, with 10 minutes left before park close to get our booties over to Jungle Cruise...and of course, since the fireworks were about to start, we took the long way. I don't think I've ever felt more tired in my life! I'd walked faster than I'd ever walked. (I don't run unless someone's chasing me!) I was pooped! However, we ended up just making it! Yay!

From there, we watched the end of Wishes and then decided, what the heck...let's cut across the crowds for ice cream. (For those of you counting, this is my second ice cream of the day and third overall...how I'm not the size of a blimp, I'll never know.) We sat and ate our ice cream by the Art Festival area on Main Street. Then we browsed the shops.

After that, we left the parks.

We took the resort monorail to the TTC and then walked back to our car. My DH and I realized we were hungry, so we stopped at Taco Bell for dinner. Then we headed back to the hotel, got in the hot tub again and went to bed!

Tuesday Feb. 26
Time to Say Goodbye

Wait?! The trip's over already?! We just got here. I'm not ready to go home yet. I don't want to go back to the cold. I want to stay here where it's warm!

Ok...well, since I have no choice, today we got up and got a late check out and packed up a bit. Then we checked out and since our flight wasn't until 9 that night, we went to the pool area to use some of the ammenities that we hadn't had time for earlier. So first we did this bike boat thing on the lake. It was really cool...although, it started raining as soon as we got off the dock, so I got soaked! Luckily I dried quickly.

From there, we went and did those surrey bikes. Let me tell you, it is really hard to do those on mulch. Pavement is good...mulch equals bad! After that, we sat by the pool and watched all the kids playing. Then we decided we wanted to relax a bit more, so we went and sat in the hammocks. Hammocks are one of my most favorite things in the world. It's a great place to snuggle up next to WHF. (Did I make you all puke yet?! lol! ) It was almost time to go, but before we left, we had to play one quick game of air hockey. It was a close one where I caught up at the end, but ended up loosing 7-6. Bummer. Then it was time to leave the hotel.

We went to Downtown Disney and looked around at some of the shops. However, we still had a bunch of time left, so we decided we'd go visit Port Orleans. We had never been there, so we decided to get out at French Quarter and look around.

WHF really liked this resort, but it wasn't my style. He said it seemed really relaxing. Since we were going to eat at DTD, but now, didn't believe we had enough time, we decided to get lunch/dinner at the food court and eat it outside. I got the ribs, but wished I would have gotten the chicken WHF got. It was a lot better. While eating, the heavens opened up and it started pouring!!! Which meant that the boat was closed. And we were already cutting it close to getting back in time to get the car back. Luckily the bus showed up without too much of a wait.

We got back to Downtown Disney just in time, but it was pouring, so we had to take the mad dash to the car. Thank God I brought an umbrella! It was an easy drive (more or less) to get back to the airport and the rental car return went off without a hitch. No problem there, at all. The flight was about 10 minutes late with the rain, but there were only 26 of us on the plane, so it was a really quiet flight. (No problems finding a seat this time! ) We got in right on time and my mom and dad picked us up at the airport, no problems.

This trip was really great. It was just what the Doctor ordered. It was relaxing and just a great getaway. I couldn't believe how (for the most part) easy it was. It was nice having the rental car. If you stay off property, really, I can't stress how important it is to have one. It also wasn't too bad staying off property. Besides those inital pangs of missing being on Disney property the whole time. The Hyatt was an absolutely wonderful hotel to stay at and I'm so lucky WHF works for them.

It also wasn't too bad going to Daytona. I don't love it as much as WHF does...to him it is beyond amazing...but I had a decent time there. I'm glad we went and he finally got to show me around his "stomping grounds" I've been showing him mine for years. :D

The one thing I'm very thankful for was that I had no feelings like I was missing something. On my last trip, I felt a little disappointed after it. The Disney Depression hit, but in a different way then, oh, I miss it. This time, I am very satisfied with my trip. Since I hadn't over-planned this trip, I felt there was not much to get disappointed over. It was like having a blank slate and pretty much whatever we decided to do was fine with me. I want to try to plan my trips that way from now on.

I can't wait til my next trip now...which may be, after talking with DH, be as soon as Sept or November. Depends on what we decide to do this year. Thank you all for reading my report. Hope you enjoyed it!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love Ya, Tomorrow!

Well, it's finally here. My Christmas has finally arrived and what a wonderful Christmas present it is. Florida in the winter is heaven. And with the snow outside, I've never been more happy to leave the dreary weather. Just in case you can't tell, I'm finally excited about my trip. Really excited...although it still hasn't really hit me that I'm going to Disney World. :D

Everything is in line. I'm mostly packed, except for the few things that are in the laundry and the things that I have to pack in the morning. I have all my equipment that I take with me ready and charged. Video camera ready (don't know if I'll use it this time, I didn't the last), digital camera ready, portable DVD player ready, mp3 player ready, magazines packed. I swear, you think I was going for a year or something! lol!

Only thing I am not looking forward to...getting up at buttcrack early in the morning. I have to be up by 4:30 at the latest and if I want anywhere close to a good night's sleep, I'm gonna have to go to bed at 8. (Good thing I'm yawning now...lol!) I won't get to bed then, but hopefully I can hit the hay around 10:30 or so. Then I can at least get 6 hours. Ohtherwise, sleepy-sleep on the plane it is. And maybe a nice nap at the hotel.

I'm also a little worried about Southwest's new boarding system. This is the first time I'm using it and already I'm not to keen on it. I went online today 4 hours after my boarding passes were available and already I was numbers 88 and 89 to check in. Before, I would be in group A, but today, I'm already in group B! This makes me very nervous. I started freaking out a bit b/c I'm not sure I will have access to internet at the Hyatt. I'm not guaranteed they have a business center or somewhere I can use internet for free to just check in. And I really wanted to be able to sit with WHF on the plane. If I didn't check in until I reached the airport, I would for sure be a group C and would have a very minimal chance of sitting with him. Then I had a revelation. I could call my mom on Monday night, give her the info and she could check us in. Thank God I thought of that. Otherwise, I would so not be calm right now.

Since this is the last post I will have before my trip, I'll miss all you readers (Who am I kidding. I think the only people who read this are my WDWMagic friends right now. lol!) so, in that case, I'll miss you guys! I will have a full report to post once I get back. Talk to you all soon!

Who's Tired of Winter?

Well, it's just another cold, dreary day here. And once again, it's snowing/sleeting. I swear, I think we've had more precipitation in the past few months then we had all year last year!

And I'm so tired of it. Once again, I'm not at work. Not that that's a huge problem, I'm enjoying my day off, but I feel bad that my parents keep making me stay home b/c of road conditions. This is like the 5th time (at least) this winter and I might have to stay home again tomorrow b/c it's still supposed to be bad out. And what stinks is I still have some errands that I would like to run before our trip on Saturday. They aren't crucial errands, but things I want to get done, nonetheless. Luckily, I have a better shot at getting all my laundry done now.

The other thing I'm hoping for is that all this crap doesn't delay our flight. It's supposed to stop by tomorrow at 6 pm, but our flight will be 13 hours from then. I really hope they get all the mess sorted out before we get there. Because I'm going to Florida! There is no stopping me. I want out of this weather!

I just really want Spring to get here. Winter stinks.

Nothing New

I wish I could say there was something going on over here, but in reality, there's not. Life is just pretty much same old, same old.

Today, I went in search of supplies for our trip down in Florida. Which basically just proves to me that I have no will power. I ended up buying a box of granola bars, doughnuts, pop tarts, 2 boxes of brownies (one for me, one for WHF) and bottled water for us for a 4 day trip! Where I'm sure we will not eat half of what I purchased. But I think while shopping, you don't know what you'll be hungry for in 4 days...you might want to buy it just in case. Therefore, I do.

On other fronts. WHF and I have been working out lately. (Well, I'd have to...that shopping list right above proves that I needed it! lol!) We got a work out pass at our city's fitness center and we've been doing really well. We've been going once or twice a week for about 2 months (maybe a little less) and I'm excited to report, I've lost a pound. Now, that may not sound like a lot, but for a while there, the scale just kept going up when I'd look at it. Now, it's finally going down...I feel like celebrating! :D *does a happy dance*

So, like I said, that's pretty much it. My life has been relatively boring over the past few days. With the exception of just getting geared up for my trip on Saturday. Still have to pack...eek!

Guilty

Well, I hate to admit this...but now, over a month later...I still feel really guilty for the way I reacted at my Brother In Law and Sister In Law's wedding. I'm really trying to let it go, b/c there's absolutely nothing I can do now, it's all said and done and we've made up and everything, but it doesn't help the fact that I feel like now I'm the one who kind of acted like an idiot.

So...what happened for those of you not in the know? Well, to make a long story short, I was told I couldn't go with the wedding party when they went to take pictures. I really wanted to be with my husband since he was a groomsman and I took this as kind of a personal slap in the face, cried about it pretty much the whole day, and didn't really participate in the wedding at all after I was told this.

After the wedding hoopla was all said and done, I found out it wasn't related to me, but instead, everyone, and while I never totally understood the reasoning behind it, I felt better knowing that it wasn't because of something I did personally.

However, knowing this now, I have this pit of guilt in my stomach because I can't believe how I reacted. I acted like a little girl and I hate when I let stupid stuff like that get to me. Like I said, I know it's done and over now and Emily and I have made up...but I still kind of regret my actions. Partly because Emily is now my sister (and she will be the only sister I ever have, unless my brother decides he likes girls) and I don't feel as close to her as I did before the whole situation blew up. Before, I really felt like I had a sister, something I've never had before. We were really close and I hate that it was partly my fault that I messed that up. I know that things will more than likely return to normal later, but I know now that if I hadn't over-reacted, the relationship wouldn't have been strained in the first place.

What really started my guilty feelings again was I saw that Emily had posted a few more pics from the wedding on her Facebook account. All the sudden, these stupid feelings I had had before, started rushing back. At the time, I was so upset that I didn't even care about their first dance, the cutting of the cake, and all those special events that I see on a daily basis for other people. This time it was for someone I knew and cared about and at the time....I didn't want to particpate. I wanted nothing to do with it. Now, looking back, I wished I'd seen all this stuff first hand, instead of only getting to see it through pictures.

At the time that all this occured, someone told me that not letting me come with them might be an action that Emily regretted. And in reality, I think she did. At least from what I can gauge from the converstaion that we had right after this event took place. (I still feel bad for her saying that she felt like she ruined the family...she most certainly didn't...and I hope she realizes that now.) But now, I regret my actions too. This will be one of those regrets in my life that I'll never get to take back. I acted childish and as expected, it backfired in my face. My only hope is that I can learn to forgive myself for acting like a baby. But as I've learned from other things, forgiving yourself is one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do in your life.

But what I want the most is to have my sister back.

Pic of us before all the hoopla:

One Week from Today!

Well, the countdown is on. In one week from today, I will be in Florida. This trip is a Christmas present for WHF and me. We decided this year instead of buying each other crap presents that we don't really want, we would buy each other something we knew we'd both like. And since WHF works for the Hyatt and we had those tickets from our Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party that are supposed to be good for another day at the Magic Kingdom because it poured that night (please be good, please be good. I do not want to have to shell out another $71 a person to visit the MK on this trip. I'd do it, but I don't want to.) this trip is going to be relatively inexpensive. Basically we are paying for the plane tickets as our present and then the rental car and anything else we are planning on doing is coming from our Christmas money we recieved from everyone else. Merry Christmas in Feburary! :D

It's so weird though. This trip hasn't really hit me yet. Usually, I'm a huge planner when it comes to Disney. I want to have it all mapped out. Know exactly what I'm going to be doing. On this trip, all I know is that we're going to probably go to Downtown Disney on Saturday the 23. Enjoy the sights and probably eat some dinner. Then we plan on meeting our friend Vince and visiting the Adventurer's Club. (This awesome improv. comedy place set around a 1937 safari club. It is seriously one of the most fun places I've ever been. And a big thanks to Vince for introducing us to it. Although I think I like it better than WHF, but that's just b/c he got picked on the last time we went.)

On Sunday, we plan on going to Daytona. This is the part I'm not overly excited about. I mean, yes, I'll enjoy going to the beach, but I've been to Daytona and it wasn't that great. But WHF really loves Daytona. He's gone every year in the summer since I've known him and he wants to show me around. So, I decided, what the heck.

Then Monday, we are using our MK tickets. We have no dinner plans, so we're just gonna do counter service. (Less time away from touring anyway.)

Then Tuesday, we have no plans what-so-ever, except get on a plane much later that night. The afternoon is really up in the air.

This trip is going to be so different. For starters, it's the first time since I started planning trips where I haven't stayed on property. It's also the first time we're renting a car. God, I hope we can find our way around Orlando and Disney property. If Vince gets lost and he lives there, I'm screwed! It's also my first time going to Daytona with my husband.

However, the great thing is, I'm not so stressed about this trip. It's been so long since I haven't felt stress. Since before I started planning trips. With me, Disney trips usually have all this buildup, but I haven't really even thought about it this time. I didn't even check the Disney calendar to see when Extra Magic Hours were until 2 days ago. (Luckily, we are missing them.) This no build up might be good though. It means there is very little possiblity I could be disappointed. Something that I kind of felt after my last trip, but couldn't put my finger on why. Now, looking back, I think it was because I put all my eggs into the basket planning the trip that even though I tried not to, I still got a tad disappointed b/c things didn't really go according to my plans as I'd always invsioned them in the year I'd planned that trip.

Well, we'll see what happens. Only a week to go and I'm ready. I need to get out of winter for a few days. It's been way too cold, wet, and snowy. I need to get my booty in the fun and the sun! Now, I just need to get to packing!

Love is in the Air

Ah, Valentine's Day. A day for love and romance. But for me, I'm kinda not really feeling it. I could really, in a way, care less. Oh, of course as the day goes on, my excitement might build a tiny bit, but for the most part, I don't care.

Actually, let me adjust that...I do care a little. I care about the important things with this "holiday." I care about spending time with What's His Face. I'm happy about getting to go out on an actual date, which is something we just don't do very often. I don't count those times when we just going out to dinner b/c I don't feel like cooking to be considered a "date". So, that part, I'm excited about. But the part I could care less about is the getting a gift. I don't really want anything. He could get me flowers, chocolate, etc, but I don't really want it. (Oh, if he got it, sure I'd appreciate it, but it's not something I'm actively seeking out.) The only thing I wanted for Valentine's Day was a bag of carmel corn from a place in the mall. And he brought me home a big bag of it last night. So, I'm a satisfied woman. (Although I do know he got me something else, b/c when I called him last night to see where he was, he said he couldn't tell me. My suspision is he was getting chocolate covered strawberries. Oh how I do love those!)

But this not caring about Valentine's Day is a totally new thing for me. When I was a kid, I loved this holiday! In elementary school I was always super excited. I wanted to hand out those little Valentine's Day cards so bad. I would buy them so far in advance, address them to who I thought should get what card, and get so excited when the time to exchange them happened. I'd even make up skits for my brother and I to perform.

Then, in high school, things changed again. It was all that mushy love stuff. I really wanted it because I didn't have a boyfriend through most of high school. I was always so lonely on Valentine's Day and all the lovey-dovey stuff was really making me feel even worse. So, I really wanted all the pomp and circumstance. I really wanted all those guestures to make me feel loved. Because no one loved me the way I wanted to be loved.

And when I met WHF, I know our first Valentine's Day was a big to-do. But now, as time has gone on...it really has become less and less important for me. Maybe it's because I'm not lonely anymore. I know I have love in my life from a man who thinks the world of me and who I think the world of. Tonight, like I said, I'm just happy to go to dinner with him and be with him. He didn't have to do anything special to make tonight even better. It will be wonderful because we are together.

Until next time...

Here we go!

Ok, well this is my first attempt at blogging, so those of you who have done this for some time, you're going to have to deal with a newbie! :D I've never kept a diary or anything in my childhood, so seeing how well I do with this is going to be interesting.

I guess as this is my first post, I should tell you all a little about myself. My name is Nibbs, at least that's what I go by on the internet, so that's what I'm going to be here. You can call me Nibbles, Nibblies, Nibblesandbits, I'll take it.

I'm 24 years old and have been married for a year and a half, so I'm still, I guess, technically a newlywed. I don't consider myself to be though. I feel very married.

My husband we will call What's His Face (or WHF for ease). He is 26 and is seriously everything in my world. I love him to pieces and can't imagine my life without him. We have no children yet...and I'm sure that will be a topic of discussion at some point along the road. Much, much further down the road. I am nowhere near ready to have kids yet.

I work for my parents. They own a photography studio. It is seriously the best job ever. I get to deal with people (for the most part, nice people, however, some have their moments!) and I have great hours. I also get to photograph black and white photojournalistic phtography for weddings. I have been doing that for about 8 years now.

However, I graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Mass Communications. So, journalism is kinda my thing. I love it when I get to do it, but I don't get to do it nearly enough. One of the few times I get to use my degree is for working for the city that I live in. They have a media department and I would so love to get a job there someday. This is where I did my internship for college and have no doubt that they would hire me, except they don't have enough money to do it. However, to keep my foot in the door, I usually work council meetings and I host a TV show for the city called Council Action. (That's right...big television star here! Whoot whoot! lol!)

My friends are my life. I have three best friends. One's name is Becker. She lives near me (well, sorta) and we see each other on a regular basis. She is dating What's His Face's best friend and I set them up together. She is currently in school for deaf communications. The next is Olivia. She is my army friend. She just joined the Army last year and I couldn't be prouder of her. She is in Texas now, learning how to become a nurse. I miss her so and don't get to talk to her near enough. My last best friend is Leslie. She and I definitely don't see each other nearly enough now and it's been magnified even more now that she moved to Springfield, IL to live with her boyfriend. I met all 3 of my best friends my senior year of high school in theater. We have had our ups and downs in our friendships, but somehow we always have each other. And we always come back to each other in the end.

My family is also one of the most important things in my life. My mom and dad are wonderful. I couldn't imagine having better parents. I have a grandma who lives with them now, since my grandpa died a few years back. (I miss him so.) She's 87 years old, but you would never guess it. She's so healthy for being that age. I love her to pieces. Finally, I have a younger brother. Casey. How do you describe someone who has known you from close to the beginning? While we haven't always been the closest, we are now and it's been increased even more since he came out of the closet. He's a great guy and while he's still finding his wings in life, I know he's destined for great things. He just has to make them happen.

Well, I guess I've shared enough about myself to get you started in this adventure of my life. I'd like to welcome you and thank you for wanting to share in my life with me! So, until next time.