Sounds like you had an relaxing day yesterday.
I celebrated New Years Eve at my parents house with one of my sisters, my brother, Ulf and my parents. So we were 6 people. We had a 3 course dinner and Turkey as the main course.
After dinner there was still 1 hour left until midnight so we played 2 different board games. We didn't finish playing the second game before it was time for the fireworks. So we paused the game and looked at the fireworks and then going back to the game when the firework was done about 20 minutes past midnight. We ended up playing until 2AM. So I didn't get in bed until 2.30AM. Today I slept in. I get a terrible head ache if I don't get the amount of sleep that my body wants. The first time I woke up I had a head ache because of too little sleep. I knew the head ache came from too little sleep because I don't drink alcohol so I knew that wasn't the cause of the head ache. So I just turned around in bed and fell a sleep again. The next time I woke up the head ache was gone and I was ready to get up.
In the evening there was a geocaching event inside that I attended at. It's always nice to meet geocaching friends. People were encouraged to bring leftovers of Christmas cookies and pastries. So we had a nice time eating leftovers and chatting.
Tomorrow it's back to normal. All the stores are up and running again and have normal opening times. I have to go grocery shopping, but other than that I have no plans.
Your New Years Eve and Day celebrations sounded wonderful... Glad your headache went away after the 2nd time you woke up.
I really enjoyed the video you posted on my FB page yesterday - I watched it, but I wasn't able to comment.
Very interesting... We just pile our snow wherever we can fit it and let it melt in the spring.
Hope you are staying warm and life is back to normal for you.
Hey D!! I am so excited for your upcoming trip. I love your matching bag/ear sets. I can't wait to see them in action. I can see that you all had a good Christmas! I love the matching shirts from your FIL. I am pretty sure I saw those in a shop in Hawaii! We had a pretty good time in Hawaii. Aulani was amazing. I wish we would have gone at a warmer time of year, because it was a little chilly at times. I still prefer the parks, but it was nice to say we have been there. The second half of our trip was bitter/sweet. I was so happy to be with my family. However, by the first night at our beach house, Emma got sick. Like really sick. I thought it was just something she ate, until Quinn got sick the next day...in the rental car. Then it just spiraled out from there. I got sick at the Polynesian Culture Center which we all were really looking forward to because we were going to the Luau that night. I tried to brave through it, but I got sick until I passed out and they had to cart me to first aid. Some of the family stayed and Emma got to experience the night show. 9 out of 10 of us were sick in one way or another. From there the rest of the week was...well, you know that scene in the movie Bridesmaids where they get sick in the dress shop? That was our week! We had 3 bathrooms between 2 adjoining beach houses and we went through a whole bottle of bleach from cleaning them. I did feel better by Christmas Eve, and we went to Pearl Harbor. That was on my do-or-die list for Hawaii. It was so humbling and a somber experience. I am glad we did it. We definitely made some memories-and I am sure we will be laughing about it for years to come! Anyway, I am sure glad to be caught up with you and am looking forward to experiencing some vicarious Disney Magic from your TR. Happy New Year, D! I truly hope 2018 brings you many blessings and much happiness!
Hey you!!!! Thank you - I had so much fun stalking your Hawaii trip on FB! I am sure that you did see those shirts while on your trip - I am pretty sure that's how my FIL found the company, as they went to Hawaii last year.
That is so terrible that you all were sick!!!
I am so sad for you as I know you were so looking forward to this time with your family.
I am glad you got to see Pearl Harbor though - that would be a tough one for me - as I am sure it is for most people... While you want to see it and honor the men and women who died there - it would be such a somber and sad experience... It was very much the same for me when we visited the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam - something I truly wasn't prepared for at the time - though I knew it would be sad - I wasn't prepared for the magnitude of it.
I hope that one day you are able to laugh about the sickness that you all endured on your trip... Wishing you a wonderful New Year my friend!
Welcome "home"... Any other trips coming up?
I am so beyond late to this PTR, but I'm all caught up! And yes, I may have spend way more time than I care to admit reading through all the updates I've missed. Your plans are great, and your bag/ear combos are so cute! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Hahaha! No one is ever late her! Promise! Thank you - and thanks for stopping by!
Wishing you a Happy New Year as well!
Hey D! I missed a ton of updates because my notifications weren't working for some reason
So glad you are able to fit in another trip to see Suzi! I don't blame you for wanting to go to FL not Maine LOL!
I am planning to get my nails done the day before the trip too. Not sure what I will get.. should start looking into that.
WE GO TO DISNEY THIS MONTH! I am sooo excited I can't even wait!!
No worries at all!
Super excited to see her! And hoping for some nice weather those days too...
I like to do mine pretty classic... Dots are my staple.
Wahoo!!!
Cannot wait!!!
All of that looks amazing! Is it a buffet?
Adorable!
I finally went to my local Aldi's to pick up some stuff for Christmas. My husband didn't want any sweet in his stocking so I bought a few things of nuts at Aldis. I also bought some chocolate for the kids. I'm kicking myself for not going there sooner. The prices on the nuts were great. I didn't have a lot of time to look around but will definitely be back. Possibly this weekend. I need to get some low carb snacks. I know you go there often so I'm wondering what stuff you like to buy there.
Sounds like you all had a great Christmas and your trip is coming up fast! It's really nice that the girls can spend some quality time together in Universal while you get to spend time with your friend.
Yes - it is a buffet... In the Contemporary Resort.
Awesome! I love Aldi - I buy so many nuts there... I think Josh gets irritated at me, because he *knows* how expensive nuts are, and I always have BAGS of them on hand... I don't think he realizes how cheap they are at Aldi?
I buy so much there - I hardly shop at Target for groceries anymore... The more I try at Aldi, the smaller my Target list gets.
Which is a major reason why I've chosen to "retire" instead of transfer to another Target - I honestly don't get a lot of use out of my discount anymore.
We did - we had a very nice holiday... Now I have to get all of this decor down - not looking forward to that. LOL
I think the girls will do well in U/S together... And I think it will be great for them to venture off on their own... My heart skips a beat a little bit every time I think about it - then I remember - they've traveled the world without me, going from WDW to U/S will be a breeze for them. LOL
Happy New Year!!!
Either way, your nails will be cute. I wish I could do acrylics but they are a big no no at work. But I’m trying to let them grow a bit and I’ll do gel for Disney.
I went to the store today and restocked The Who fridge and cupboards with healthy food. I decided to try weight watchers freestyle through work. They have really revamped the system and it looks like something I will be able to do, fruits veggies, eggs, lean proteins are all 0 points. So I’m going to give it a shot can’t furt. I was going to go to Zumba tonight but work called and asked me to pick up for a bonus and I thought Disney $$$ lol. So I made a huge pot of turkey chili and it smells wonderful.
We are in a cold spell here -12 today. New Years morning we had something happen to a power grid and we lost power for a while. It was about -10 out so that stunk. We have generators but I really felt bad for those who didn’t. Luckily the power company got right on it and it came back on in a few hours. Brrrrr. I cannot wait to go to Florida. Even if it’s only 60 while we are there. That will feel wonderful.
I think I’m going to change up some of our dining again lol. I wanted to try a few new restuarants but reviews and a pod cast I’ve been listening too have me second guessing.
I wish we could squeeze a day or two into universal this trip but I am
Going to try and talk chris into maybe a quick trip down next fall, but he wants to go on a cruise so maybe we can do a few days pre cruise. I’ll start exploring it after Disney.
Thank you - same to you!
I prefer to do just gel manicures too - but when my nails are really dry in the winter time, I have to do acrylics or the gel just peels off in a few days. Looking forward to having nice nails again though.
Interesting! Good luck on WW!
I gave up on them years ago - I was tired of the yo-yo diet affect I had from their program... If I did it religiously - I had great results, but the second I slacked off (even a little), I'd gain it back and then some... That, on top of their previous mind set of "eating anything, regardless of food quality, as long as it's low in points" mentality... Though it sounds like they have rid themselves of that part of their program - which makes me (personally) feel much better about it. Wishing you lots of success!
And keep me updated - I'd love to hear about your progress and how you like the new program!
It sounds like our entire nation is in a "cold snap"... Suzi and I were just talking about it this morning - and how this has been such an extended time for this to happen... I think we have been in the terrible cold temps since before Christmas - that is just way too long. Looking forward to (hopefully) warmer weather soon!
Did you change any of your reservations? If so, to what??? So curious!
I wish it wasn't so expensive to do Universal... Just one day for the girls - each - is about $250-$300, depending on how much they eat. To me, that is insanity... but people do pay it - so they can get away with it. It just sucks. LOL Love HP though - even if it's something I can't afford to do on each trip.
I know you don't like to tell what dates you'll be in Disney, but have you seen the temperatures now? It's so cold and 41° right now at noon. I bet you are glad you're home in cold Minnesota. We used to go the 3rd week of Jan, and we went the last week of Jan. in 2017. But I don't think we've ever been down when it's that cold, except maybe at night. It does look like it's going to warm after this week thank goodness. I'm content to stay in the house when it's this cold although I did get out shopping yesterday. That was my first day of really doing anything since I got the flu. Today I'm starting to take down my Christmas decorations. It takes me a few days though as I have so much. I will start with the tree today. I still have a few of my heavier Disney ornaments on it so I want to separate them and get them in the box for my new tree next year. I will have so much more room for ornaments and I know it will hold even the heavier ones. I was even tempted to put it up and try it out, but of course I really haven't felt like that so I'm waiting until next year. The good news about feeling ill is I've lost another 6 pounds! I hope to keep going although I haven't exercised again at all.
Looking forward to another picture of all your nails. My nails are so short and break so easy that I never have them done. My granddaughters usually do theirs so cute before we go though and their toes too.
Yes - I've been watching the forecast like a hawk! I am so nervous! Hopefully it warms up a little in the coming days!
Hahha - yes, I've been spending a lot of time indoors too... It's just too cold to go out - though I am getting pretty sick of being inside.
I will be working on taking down Christmas decor too this weekend - I am NOT looking forward to it.
WOW!!! You must have been pretty sick to lose that much! I am glad to hear you are feeling better now!
I can't wait to get them done - and my hair too... My gray roots are getting bad again. One day - I'll go "all gray", but not until I am over 50 - so I have some time... and I'll reassess then - I may up that age to 60.
Oh my word Dorine; your timing with Florida. I would not want to be there right now. I think it will be better when you and the girls go? Let's hope. I hope everyone is okay in your neck of the woods. We have had some mighty cold temps for Texas. It was 15 Tues morning and 21 Wed morning, with highs in the 30's. Crazy weather right now.
I am so very excited for you to see Suzi in February. What a treat for both of you.
Your salads always make me so hungry Dorine. I need to put out a list of ingredients for me to bring to work. I usually don't have time to make a proper lunch, but if I brought some of the stuff up to work I might be more inclined to eat a salad for lunch. I usually just eat chips and hummus or a boxed soup. I don't have official hours, I am paid hourly, long story. So, I usually come in late around 9:00 and work straight through lunch.
Starting this Saturday I will be house and pet sitting for my SIL and BIL. This always adds a lot to my plate where I will not be able to exercise next week. I try to juggle my house and cats and juggle their house and dog and cat, and work of course. But, it is wonderful to have my SIL pet sit for me when needed. We have been trading off for years. It is so nice to have someone I trust and I know she feels the same way.
I have been so enjoying your ears and bags and all that you have created for this epic mom/daughters trip. I saw V's ears and bags! I am blown away. Disney is right around the corner Dorine! I absolutely loved the HP worlds at US. I know your girls will have a wonderful time. I agree with the lockers, I absolutely hated the locker areas and trying to cram your belongings in those tight spots. I will try something else if we ever go again. Yay for paid time off for Allison! Is Josh going to check in with your Dad when ya'll are gone?
Well, a late happy and blessed New Year Dorine. You have a lot to look forward to this year! Sending a huge squeeze. Have a wonderful weekend.
Yes - I have so many friends in Florida now, and many of them are miserable... I do not envy them one bit. I actually feel terrible for them - it's so busy down there now due to the races...
Thanks - I am very excited to see Suzi again - it has been too long!
Great idea!!! I stopped at Aldi yesterday and restocked my salad makings... Though they did take all of their romaine off the shelves - which kind of scares me... However, I ate it and I was fine - I didn't read about the E. Coli outbreak until well after I'd finished off my romaine - so it was too late for me.
That is so awesome that you trade off pet sitting... That is one major reason why Josh and I don't often travel together, unless we are going to the lake... When we go to Europe this summer - the girls have STRICT instructions - even if they move out beforehand - they will be living at home during that time to take care of MM and SC.
Thank you - we are SO EXCITED to go!!! We have been so excited all along - as we just never imagined we'd get to do another girls trip - we can't wait to spend this time together! Allison is planning on bringing her wand to U/S... So she will be getting a locker for all of the rides... I think they will be OK though - they are smart girls and know how to go against the flow.
Josh will be checking in on Dad while we are gone - so that's a relief for me... I've also contacted dad's local siblings and asked them to visit while we are gone too.
Thank you Carol!!! Same to you!
Yes, I was really disappointed that MIL didn't let Brie use the room. I think I mentioned that it's her "office" and her sewing room, and she does use it every day. But she also has a laptop she can use. She uses it for women's auxiliary leadership meetings for church once or twice each month, and she's in there working on her banking stuff, paying bills, etc, etc, etc., during the day. We just wanted Brie to have a place to put her things and to sleep at night and to "retreat" to during the day when she needed some peace and quiet and space of her own. No such luck. MIL means well -- she truly does -- but she is just SO set in her ways, so regimented, and so stuck in her way of doing things. In fact, Mark commented just yesterday that he never really realized before just how regimented and stuck in her ways she is -- I had to laugh at that. I've known it since I met her 26 years ago! LOL Anyway, we would have needed to slightly move the furniture in that room to fold out the sofa sleeper for Brie, and move her work table and sewing table out of the way. Brie tried not to have hurt feelings about it, but I had hurt feelings for her. So Brie ended up sleeping downstairs either on the couch or with me (when she would kick Mark out to the couch, LOL). So I was VERY happy she ended up going to visit her friends in Portland. She got home yesterday and she truly had a wonderful time -- it was so good for her to go, and she has been working through a major decision in the last few weeks and needed some downtime to sort through her thoughts and find some clarity, so it was a good trip for her. Her two friends (also on her lacrosse team at BYU) are really good kids and the three of them have bonded and become quite close, and she had a wonderful time with them sightseeing in Portland and going to see the Pacific Ocean. Anyway...long story short...she and I are both frustrated about the whole thing with the bedroom, but trying to be understanding because this holiday season was so hard on MIL since it's the first Christmas without my FIL and we're coming up on their anniversary later this month and the first anniversary of his death later this month.
I love the two shirts you've made -- they're fabulous! And thanks for the info on the salads. YUM. I love a good salad! I have been able to find Tessamae's dressing much easier out here than I could in Virginia -- which surprised me -- and I'm so glad.
The bank stuff ended up working out fine -- it turns out that it was part of the insurance company check that was on hold through the bank and those holds show up as debits. I never knew that! So it's all good. I still need to comb through the account for the last few months, though. I'm working on being brave enough to do that. I know....it's terrible. LOL
Your nails will be cute no matter how you decide to do them. I think the black and white dots with the thin red line is really cute, but so is the red and white dots. I started having my nails done again when we moved here and I'm glad I did. I love to do fun Disney nails.
So sad that your Target store is emptying...I'm still sad that they're closing it. I found out today that another store where we used to live in Georgia is closing. And a huge Sears store where we live now is closing. I haven't shopped at Sears in years...but it's sad to see these local "institutions" closing down.
House update...We hadn't heard from the builder since 14 Dec and I'm getting nervous. Brie talked me into going to look at two houses today...one of them we ended up not seeing because it went under contract yesterday. The other one (in the neighborhood we want to build in) went under contract this morning but we were still able to look at it. I loved the kitchen and liked most of the rest of it, but there were a few things I didn't like. It's across the street from the lot we want to build on. I don't think we're going to put a back-up offer in on it. There are two other houses in that same neighborhood that just got completed and went on the market so we're scheduled to look at those tomorrow, but I looked at pictures of them online and one of them I know is absolutely not a house I would buy. But I guess we'll look anyway. I texted the builder's brother (a friend of mine) to see if the builder is in town...and he got in touch with his brother and told him that if he didn't contact me ASAP he'd be disowned. LOL! So he texted me this afternoon (after I texted him) and sent me the price build-up...without the changes we discussed. So we need to have him make the changes. if he can commit to having the house done by the end of July we'll proceed with him. Otherwise, we'll have to buy a house and go another route. Financially it would be better for us to build and not have the house done until June/July.....but he has to commit to the end of July or it's absolutely not going to work out. So we shall see...
Have a great weekend!
Gosh - what a terribly stressful situation... Truly sending you hugs and grace during this time - it has to be so hard! I am relieved to hear that Brie had a good trip though - and much needed too - it sounds like. I am sure that helps you too, just knowing that her trip to visit her friends was so necessary and good for her.
Thanks! I am having fun making them! I really love this pattern, and I can't wait to make more! All of my family has said that it's so flattering on me - which is a rare compliment, LOL... So, I plan on making lots.
Glad to hear that the bank fiasco wasn't one... That is always a relief! I hope that one day, that is an area of your life that you can face... It has been truly satisfying for me to learn and understand it all - very confidence building.
Thanks! I am very much looking forward to having both my nails and hair done - at the same time! LOL It's been over a year since I've had my nails done and I've missed it.
It's so hard watching our Target "die off"... But in a way - it's good too, I think it would be harder to deal with it if they just closed the doors - now it's something we can get used to slowly. It's sad seeing so many brick and mortar stores close... There is something about being able to browse and touch stuff...
It sounds like you are making some progress on decision making with the house project... Hopefully looking at the houses this weekend will give you more clarity to come to a decision you are both comfortable with. Sending you lots of Pixie Dust for this - as I know your living situation is so hard on you, and having an end date will really help with that.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
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FYI... I did an update this morning in the post above this... So, no update down here!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
D~