Some Days Never Turn Out Like You Plan

So, yesterday, I had every single ounce of intention of going to the mall to pick up a few things. Number one being some really cute shirts that I had seen at Banana Republic and I have a 15% off coupon for! I really want to get them before they run out of my size. I already bought two, but as with all girls, if we find something we like, we should buy a whole bunch! So, I'm ready for more.

Of course though, life had other plans for me. But you know what, it ended up being a pretty nice day (and now, weekend.) My first surprise of the day came when WHF called me around 1:00 to say that he was all done with what he needed to do today. I was shocked. I figured I had at least a couple more hours before he'd be home and I was going to try to do my shopping without him. I know how much he hates shopping.

The next surprise came when he said he'd actually GO shopping with me. Wow! Well, I guess I should be glad, as he NEVER wants to do this. So, off we went. We went to Cici's Pizza b/c we both really like it and hadn't had it in a long time. I swear, they have some of the best cheap pizza ever! I love their alfredo cheese pizza! It's delish!

So, now we were headed to mall #1. (Yes, I had convinced him to go with me to not just 1 mall, but 2!) We were half way to the mall when his friend called (the one dating my best friend) and said if he wanted to change his lawn mower blades, he needed to come over by 6:30. It was 3:00 right now. So I knew that we should probably go over there first, b/c there was no way I could guarantee how long the mall visit would be. So, home we went b/c we had to get his truck and the mower.

Once we got to his friend Chris' house, we kinda hung out a bit before they went to work on the mower. My best friend, Becker was there too and I helped her finish cleaning her boyfriend's truck.

They got the mower blades taken care of and then decided to play a game of hoops. Well, of course the two of us girls had to join in. WHF and I vs. the two of them. Now, I hadn't played basketball since high school...so it has to be something like 10 years now. And OMG! It was so hard...but I'm still pretty decent at it. I got so winded though by the end of the game. My lungs were just burning...so I had to sit down. We lost though 10-9.

After that, Chris decided he was hungry and asked how would we feel about steaks for dinner. We said sure, so off me and Becker went to get steaks and fixins. The boys barbequed the steaks while Becker made rice for the two of them and I made baked potatoes for the two of us.

Dinner was delicious. Chris makes a pretty mean steak. After dinner, we somehow got started watching Dirty Dancing. Then it was time for Becker to go to the casino to visit her friend on her birthday. Now, it was 9:30 at this time and I didn't really want to go to the casino, b/c I then want to spend money and WHF and I usually fight b/c I like to gamble by myself and not be lorded over. But she made us go, so off we went.

The casino wasn't so bad. I played the penny slots and only lost $5 which took me a while to loose. WHF won $30 in Roulette. He then gave me $10 and I went to play that in the quarter slots at his request. Yeah, I lost all that in no time. So, in all, we only lost $5 for a couple of hours at the casino. Not too shabby. Finally, after that, we went home.

It's so funny how things don't turn out how you planned them, but I ended up having a great time last night. If you open your mind up to doing things you might not necessarily want to do sometimes, life might surprise you. I still haven't gotten my shopping done, but you know what...I still have plenty of time. Maybe Wednesday on my day off...or, maybe I'll just see where my day takes me on Wednesday. Life can surprise you.

First One Down!

Well, last night, I recorded my first podcast ever. And let me tell you, it was such a blast! I couldn't stop smiling for hours after I'd done it. I was so excited.

Mike called me on Skype at around 7:50 and we just caught up on some various things while waiting for the other person (Debbie) to call us. She finally called at around 8 and we started chatting. Debbie was a really great person and she's so friendly. The three of us seem to get along and we have a great rapport.

So then, around 8:20 we started recording. Mike kept messing up the intro script, so it took us quite a few tries to get to the meat of the interview. (And I mean quite a few tries. But I understand. I'm a perfectionist too! And there was some weather that was interfereing, at least I thought it was interfearing, so I kept stopping him. Only to learn later that it wasn't messing things up at all. But I was by interrupting. lol!)

Anyway, once we got rolling things were so great and that wonderful rapport we had in the beginning while we were just chit chatting was apparent in the podcast as well. We all felt friendly enough and joked with each other and it's almost as if we'd all 3 known each other for a while and had been good friends. Instead of an aquaintance and a stranger.

Next week's Friday episode will be about the different things you can do on Disney property that don't involve the theme parks. Each one of us had such great ideas and then to keep up with the Trip Report kinda format of the show, we'd explain why we enjoyed the activity that we picked, sometimes telling stories of things that had happened to us in the middle of doing said activity.

The show will start airing next Friday and I'll be sure to put a little reminder about it here in my blog. I'll also give those of you who want to know who maybe don't yet, better instructions for how to listen to the podcast. For those of you who do though, check out the Be Our Guest Trip Planning Podcast in places like I-Tunes and give us a review!

Now Just Get Me To Shut Up!

Well, today I got one of the most interesting messages from someone on my Disney site. See, this guy that I've known of pretty much my whole life, (our parents went to middle school together, his dad was the DJ at my wedding, we did pictures at his wedding to his wife) who is a huge Disney fanatic, just like me, messaged me out of the blue to see if I was still around. (I got told him about WDWMagic back when he got married about a year ago.) When I said I was, he asked me to check out his brand new podcast and see what I thought of it.

The podcast is called Be Our Guest Trip Planning Podcast and it features everyday people coming on and giving basically an audio trip report of their previous trip to Disney. They also talk about whatever trip planning info they have, or any tips that they find while on vacation. It's a very interesting idea b/c no one has ever done a podcast in this manner. At least that I've heard of.

Well, I messaged him back saying it was great and if he ever needed any help...to let me know. Well, he messaged me back saying he'd love my help and basically inferred he wanted me to kinda help co-host or at least have me be a reguar on the show. I said sure...that I'd love to!

See, it's been my dream, ever since I knew what podcasting was, to be on one. It puts my love of Disney together with my knowledge of radio in one nice little mix. But I've never really known how to go about doing it. And the fact that he's more than excited about me helping out makes it even cooler! I'm excited I'm finally getting to live one of my dreams.

So, I'll have to let ya'll know when I'm finally live and well, like I said, then I'll never shut up! :D

Happy Easter

Just wanted to drop a quick note to say to everyone, Happy Easter!

Mine is very, very low key this year. We're going out to brunch with my parents and that's it. Nothing with WHF's parents this year. Should be relatively quiet.

5 Years Ago

Well, I can't believe it. 5 years ago tonight, (and I mean exactly...we met on a Thursday and our first date was on a Saturday) I met the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. It's hard to believe this time, 5 years ago, would be my last few hours as a single woman. I never thought I'd meet my future husband so young, but you can't plan life. So, let's go back and reminice about what happened that fateful night.

The story starts out with the fact that the previous week, I had just been dumped by this guy I'd been dating for like a month. I was really starting to like him and he dumped me totally out of the blue. I'd thought things were going so well.

So, I was really not looking for a relationship at the time. Matter of fact, the only reason I had gone to the country line dancing bar that I met WHF at, was because I had to write a feature article for a mass communications class that I was taking and the rough draft was due the following week. I honestly had no desire to go that night originally. But my college buddy went with me and we ended up running into some people that we knew. So, we proceeded to hang out even after I'd interviewed my subject.

My story goes a little different than Cinderella's though. My fairy godmother started her magic after midnight, when I was out on the dance floor and got run into (literally) by this kinda cute, goofy looking guy. We kinda chatted through the rest of the song (I think I tried to teach him the dance...to this day, he still doesn't know it!) and then I got off the dance floor b/c I was a little shy about the song that came on afterwards. (I didn't want to shake my booty in front of this guy I'd just met! Self concious!!!) So, after that song was over, I went back to the dance floor. And it was a good thing too...as he was about to give up. We danced to one more song and then he offered to buy me a water. (His move...he claims...get her off the dance floor so you can talk...smooth. lol!)

So, I said yes and we started chatting. I have no real clue what we talked about...but I do remember one of the things I mentioned was that I loved Disney. A sign he really should have taken notice of. lol! He knows now what it all meant! Ironically, we both thought each other's names were different than what they really were, thanks to all the loud music. Finally, 30 minutes had gone by and it was time to close down. It frustrated me b/c they usually play slow songs to end the night and that night, no slow song was played. It was months before WHF and I ever had our first dance ever. We exchanged numbers and we then went off in seperate directions.

What's interesting, I'd later find out, was that WHF also hadn't intended on going out that night. But when he came home, his parents were home and he didn't want to be stuck inside the house with them all night. I don't usually believe in fate, but this was interesting circumstances. Makes one kinda believe it might be true.

I didn't hear from WHF the next day until late. I had gone to a movie with my girls and when I checked my phone, I had a message from the guy I'd met the previous night. It was late by this time though, so I didn't call him back yet. Instead, I called him back the next day.

So, I called him back, but he didn't answer, so I left a message. WHF ended up calling me later in the afternoon and asked me if I wanted to go out that night. Now, I know what the "rules" are supposed to be...never go out with a guy on the same night he calls, but I didn't really have anything to do that night, so I said sure.

He picked me up at my house and I guess he impressed my mom. She didn't write his license plate number down before we left. We decided to go to Longhorn, since that was kinda a nice restaurant and it was something he knew. (He had lived in my town previously.) When we got there, I ordered the ribs, he ordered the....hamburger. Crap. Here I am chowing down like a pig and he just gets a burger! Little did I know, this was just WHF. (And I also found out later that just before our date, he had stopped at McDonald's for food!)

We had had a good meal together. And the great thing was that I felt no pressure. It was more of a, eh...I'll just see what happens kinda date. Not one where I freaked out about the whole thing beforehand. I did make fun of him for his bread cutting skills though...or lack thereof. This apparently did not sit well with WHF. He wondered who this girl thought she was making fun of him.

Afterwards, we went to rent a movie from Blockbuster. (Whew! I know what you're thinking...Big date! lol!) While I was there, I ran into a girl I'd known from high school. We chatted for at least 15 minutes, even though I was trying to end the conversation and she knew I was on a date.

We ended up renting Mr. Deeds, even though I'd already seen it and headed back to my mom and dad's to watch it. Thank god I'd already seen it b/c we only got through half the movie. All I remember about that night was that somehow we ended up making out. Which was ok by me.

At the end of the night, I was not head over heels in love...which I think was a good thing. It allowed me to see this relationship much clearer and made me not as desperate as I had been previously with some other guys.

I still can't believe I've been with the same guy for 5 years running. I can't wait for the day to come where I can say we've been married 5 years...then to say we've been together for 10, etc. All I know is that I love the man with all my heart and I couldn't imagine my life without him.

So here's to the future. May it be a happy one!

Who's Wearing Green? (And other crap!)

Well, it's that time again...time for drinking and wearing green! And I'm doing none of it. (Well, I'm wearing green today, but it isn't obvious...lol!) But Happy St. Paddy's Day to you all! Hope that those of you who imbibe in all the green beer tonight don't get too sloshed. Myself, I will probably be recieving a drunken phone call from my best friend who is visiting New York this week!
______________________________________

Also, tonight is the first night my television shows return after the writer's strike! This I am very excited about. I have missed How I Met Your Mother (my favorite show on TV right now), Two and a Half Men (a close second behind) and The Big Bang Theory! It has been entirely too long and tonight, I will be glued to my TV! (Thank God I don't have to work tonight! :D ) Let's hope they don't disappoint!
______________________________________

On to other news...WHF and I have finally (I believe, although things can change) decided on what we want to do for our annual trip this year. This discussion has been a big one with a lot of indecison. Neither one of us really knew what we wanted to do, we just knew we wanted to get away. So we thought of tons of different options.

First was the idea of a Disney cruise...but realized we probably couldn't afford that this year. Then we were thinking about Disney World again...but we were just there and we 1. Didn't want to "ruin" the magic and 2. Didn't want to hear, "You're going back again?!" However, we always knew that if we needed a place, that would probably be it.

Then we decided that since we couldn't afford a Disney cruise, what about just a regular cruise. This is where I was a little leary. Yes, I'd been on cruises before, but this would be my first one as an adult and I didn't know how I felt with my first cruise being something I didn't fully trust. Plus, WHF had never been on a cruise before and we wanted to 7 day vacation...and 7 days on a cruise for someone who'd never been on one is a long time.

Another option was to go to Hawaii, but I knew that would be extremely expensive to fly to. Then we thought about an all-inclusive stay in the Bahamas. We also thought about going to Vegas...but the hotel he works for doesn't have a presence in Vegas yet. And WHF wasn't really thrilled about that one too much.

We had so many freaking options and not one of them really stood out as something that got either of us all that excited. It was just like, well, we need to pick one, b/c we need to know how much money to raise.

Then, all of the sudden, on Friday night, we thought of an option that both of us got excited about. We weren't even thinking about where we were wanting to go for our trip. We were just browsing the internet.

What if we did a vacation in Southern California? This was something we had considered at first, but we originally wanted to pair it with a Vegas trip...and only go to Disneyland. But, what if we just stayed at Hyatts and went all over So Cal? This was an idea that intrigued us both. And then, we started getting all these ideas in our heads about what to do! There are so many options!

First, I would like to hit up Disneyland...just to see the differences. Second, we have season passes to Six Flags here, and they are good at any Six Flags and Magic Mountain is out in Cali...so that would work. The we want to go to San Diego, so maybe we'll hit up the zoo. Those are just some of the options though. We could go to Universal out there. Or we could visit Hollywood, although, I've been before and it's not great. But it might be neat to see a TV Show get taped. (They still do that, right?!) Then there's a visit to the beach. Plus, we have all the ammenities at the hotel that we know will be incredible. Already, there are way more things I can think of to do then there are days that we'd be there.

So it looks like as long as we can get it under budget, California, here we come!!!

Fun With My Brother

Well, today was actually a very fun day.

I got up and ran some errands, in which on one of the errands I ran to the City and got to do some freelance work, simply b/c I was there. Got paid $20 bucks for 10 min. work. Not too shabby.

But the fun part of my day came when my brother called me. He was on his way home from Burger King and since he was in the neighborhood, I told him he should just stop by my house instead. So, when I got home from Target (the best store in the entire world!) there he was...sitting in my chair, eating Burger King and watching....Golden Girls?! God, my brother is so gay. lol! So, I sat down to enjoy my lunch of Spaghetti-Os and watch the Golden Girls with him. I have to admit, the show is pretty funny.

So, Casey goes out to my porch and notices something that will change the way the rest of our visit would go. "What's that?" he asked. "Oh, that's just WHF's electric scooter," I respond. "Cool. Let's go play."

First, he wanted to play with it in the house, but quickly learned that was not a good idea, as I think he almost ran into the wall. So, outside we went...and I had camera in hand.

He got on it first, b/c I was scared. I knew that thing had giddy up and well, I didn't want to fall off and hurt myself. So, he started going and was a little shaky at it, but he got the hang of it in no time.

So, then I decided to give it a whirl. I was definitely shaky at first. I didn't like it and it really did start going so incredibly fast when I hit the throttle. I almost fell off a few times. So, at first I just tried to get my balance, then tried to hit the throttle. But then, I too got the hang of it and it was an absolute BLAST!

Soon, after we were done with all of our playing and since it was so nice outside (finally, dangit!) we went and got ice cream. But he had to go after that, since he had to go to work.

It was so nice getting to spend some time with my brother today though. He's always so busy, so I don't get to see him a lot, but when we get chances to just hang out, even for a little bit, like we did today, we have a great time. (Even though he makes fun of me...which of course, is what little brothers do.) I'm just happy I got to hang out with him...even for a little bit.

I'm Boring!

Well, not a whole heck of a lot going on right now. I'm a very boring woman! lol! So, I'll just comment on some "smaller" items that have been happening.

This weekend WHF and I went to the Lake to visit his parents. We got down there late (b/c WHF drives like a grandma! A two and a half hour trip with him takes like 3-3 and a half hours!) Once we got down there though, we went to visit Becker and Chris and watched on as they battled it out playing Super Mario 3. Man, were they vicious with each other. lol! WHF and I tried to play later, but I myself got frustrated and quit.

On Saturday, we went to eat lunch, went to Walmart, where I bought absolutely nothing. And I always buy something! Then we went to visit his parents at their shop. (They sell estate stuff and some newer furnature.) We put out some of our merchandise to help pay for our next trip. (It's like having a garage sale, all the time!) Then later that night we had dinner with them, then went back to the house and I made chocolate chip cookies. (Becuase my break apart cookies are so wonderful...it's a gift. lol! ) Becker and Chris also came over, but we did nothing except watch TV. It was way too cold to get in the hot tub!

Then Sunday, we got up, hung around the house for a while, then left to visit his parents at the store one more time and to finish pricing our stuff. We made $20 within the course of a couple of hours. Not too shabby. Then we came home. I told ya all it wasn't exciting. :D
_____________________________________

On to other topics. I finally booked my trip to see my friend K in Baltimore. I'm very excited about this, as the last time I went, it was to her baby shower. Now this time, I get to meet the very baby we were welcoming! I also get to meet a few more of my friends this time. Which I'm really excited about.

I just have to laugh though. K is such a wonderful person. I'm going to be staying with her when I go and she's already asking me what I want to eat for breakfast and dinner. She's got a baby and she still cares so much about what to feed me. Hell, I'd just be happy with eating peanut butter and jelly. She doesn't have to get all fancy on me. But I know she's going to want to. That's just her and I love her to pieces!

I can't wait to see them all in a month. This is going to be such a special trip!

___________________________________

On other topics...I have offically almost been blogging a month. I'm impressed with myself. I honestly didn't think I could keep it up for this long. Like I said in my opening message, I was never a diary keeper...but this is actually pretty fun. You never know who's reading and it's a great way for your friends to learn even more about you. More than you'd tell them because it's stuff you just don't think about. So, I think I'll be keeping this up. Who'da thunk I would enjoy this so much?

To Be, Or Not To Be...That Is The Question

I was reading a post by one of my friends on WDWMagic today and it got me to thinking. Lately, I've been taking a little stock of my life. Trying to figure things out for the next 5 years or so when I will likely have a baby and somebody on the forums asked the same question I've been asking myself over the past few months.

To be or not to be...that is the question. But you may ask...what is the exact question? To be a stay at home mom or not to be....it's a hard choice and one that I'm going to have to deal with sometime soonish. Granted, I'd still like to wait 4-5 years before I have that child...but the options that I choose now for my life, are going to impact what happens when I do have that kid.

My mom is always pressuring me to get a different job. One that pays me more money and allows my smartness to shine through. I think she thinks I'm being stiffled working for them. Me, I love it, but she's right...it doesn't pay all that well. I don't make as much money as I could be making, but with the hours I have and the ease of the job...the money is secondary to me.

Plus, WHF and I usually don't have too much trouble with paying for everything we have. We can afford to live modestly. I can afford things like the internet, sattellite dish, going out to eat periodically, and doing things like going to the movies or putt-putt. We aren't hurting but we're also not rolling in the dough. And part of that has to do with the fact that I don't work near as much as I "should" be, nor do I get paid near as much as I could.

But what happens when we decide to have that baby. Of course a baby is going to be an hugely added expense (but don't get me wrong...one I want to incur on myself. I think I would be empty inside if I didn't have a child.) but will we have enough money to be able to support ourselves once that baby comes?

As of right now, I'm not so sure. I mean WHF is doing well at his job. And I know they're basically trying to groom him for being a real accountant where he works. And then, I'm sure he'll be making enough to support us...even more than he is now.

But I'm not really worried about him. I know he'll be able to support us no matter what. No, my fear is me. As my friend was talking about online...how do you decide wether to be a stay at home mom? Another friend of mine pointed out that you need to consider living on one income vs. living on two incomes + paying for child care are you working to get your family ahead or to pay the babysitter? In our situation as it stands right now...I would fall into the category of "paying the babysitter". WHF and I have kinda looked into it very informally and I make just the exact amount that childcare would cost. So, in that respect, it would be very stupid of me to work. We wouldn't be getting anywhere with me working in the job I'm in right now.

And I would have no grandparents to watch said child, if I decided I wanted to go back to work. So, paying for childcare would be an absolute must. WHF's parents live 2 hours away...just far enough to not be able to watch their grandkids day in and day out. And my mom wants nothing to do with grandchildren. She basically thinks I'm absolutely nuts for wanting them and tells me on a regular basis, I will not watch your children. (Which very much hurts, but that's another discussion topic). She has a hard enough time watching the DOG for me on a daily basis.

So needless to say, as it stands now, I'd have to be a stay at home mom, if I continued on the path I'm on. Not that I entirely have a problem with that. I could see myself as a stay at home mom and it doesn't entirely make me upset.

But what if I do want to work? That means I should be looking for a new job...right? One that would help to contribute to our family when we have kids. Not just pay the babysitter. But truth is, I'm happy where I'm at and I don't want to leave because my job is so great.

So thus lies my conundrum...and one that in a way, I've unfortunately got to deal with myself. Because WHF wouldn't really understand all of this. Sure, I can explain it to him and he can give me advice, but he wouldn't truly understand. But it's something I should be figuring out soon. Because 5 years isn't that long of a time...and I'm already feeling the baby itch. In a way, this decision is one of the most important decisions I make in my life...because the outcome will change it forever.

So how do you know what to do?

This Weather Sucks!

Alright, weather! I've had enough of you! You're playing with me and I don't like it! Teasing me with 50 degree temps on Saturday and 78 degree temps yesterday. It was warm enough on both days for me to barbeque both hamburgers and pork steaks. Warm enough for WHF to put down grass seed and warm enough for me to sit out on my back porch and read magazines all day yesterday. I got to wear flip flops and a short sleeved shirt too.

But today...what do you do? For starters, you're about 40-50 degrees colder! That's a HUGE jump! Then, to make matters worse, you drizzle and sleet and snow?! And supposedly, it's not even supposed to be a little snow. Forget an inch or two. No...they're saying you're going to snow the biggest snow of the year, possibly. Somewhere between 6-9 inches I've heard.

Why can't you just play nice and go back to the warm temps of yesterday? I'm really ready and I'm sure the rest of us are all ready too. Why aren't you?! *cries in my mittens*

Pics from Florida!

Well, I'm finally able to post some of my pics now. So, here we go!

The view of the hotel from the pool area:

The view from the little deck that we had of the lake at our resort:

Yay! We're at Beaches and Cream!

Wow, the pool at the Beach Club is gorgeous! I still can't believe there's real sand in the bottom!

Big ginormous ice cream! And Vince and WHF wanted me to eat it all! eek!

The Boardwalk is such a gorgeous area!

Hoopla!!!

Welcome to Daytona.

Ocean!

WHF enjoying the beautiful sights:

Me enjoying the ocean:

Yay! We're here!

Main Street...mmm...ice cream!

Look how peaceful:

Yay for getting wet!

This here's the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!

My favorite!

Another favorite!

Someone was nice enough to take our pic...in exchange for a pic of them. lol!

This makes me look attractive. lol!

Hope you enjoyed some of these...they were fun to take! :D