Welcome to my refuge :)

Disney has become a daily retreat for me. We may only spend 10 days there a year (more if I'm truly blessed), but I have found that making Mickey a part of my daily life makes me feel much better. So I'm running with it! Luckily I have a patient husband and a laptop computer that allows me to do endless searching and planning. This blog is developing out of that. You are welcome to come along for the ride and offer your advice. I don't claim to be an expert, just a lover of the experience!

Right now whenever a post says "Update" that means it is a 2011 trip update and if you click on the tab with that date on it you can read that update.



Sunday, September 19, 2010

A little clarity (but only a little)

     Last time I posted it was with a bit of mystery that I said my trip may be in jeopardy. Well, I still don't know exactly where my trip stands and I guess it shouldn't be my number one priority right now(but if you know me you know it is!)  As I have mentioned before I have a health condition called Occipital Neuralgia. I am sure in Latin this means "railroad spike driven in the back of your head repeatedly." Along with this I have a laundry list of other pain problems that up until now I was able to continue to work through and  then receive my 10 days of Disney therapy each summer. Unfortunately, my body no longer agrees with this plan an starting tomorrow I am home on medical leave for an undetermined amount of time.
     You can probably see my problem. Although I will continue to receive a paycheck, it is not the same size as the one I got while teaching. That will put a cramp on day-to-day living, forget about me and the Mouse.
     I have not giving up my plans as of yet. I'm hoping to find a way to cut back and still make it happen. I really think I should be able to use my Flex Spending since Orlando is the only thing that makes me feel better :)
     I think a lot will depend on what direction we have to go for my treatment. If we have to travel for that that may make a difference.
     Sorry for getting away from where I intended this to go. I'll try to get us back on track. Please read the Mouse for Less Guest Blogs (links are on this page) where I am now a "permanent" guest blogger.  I try to share a lot of our fun Disney stories there as well.
P.S. I am not changing any of my countdown clocks at this time. Wishful thinking I guess!!!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Too much change lately!

This will be short and sweet today. I just wanted to say that it is still my intention to be making a trip to Disney next June/July but sometimes life gets in the way. Until I know for sure where life is leading me, I can't plan a full-blown 10 day trip the Mecca. I'll do what I can but some things have to take priority.  Don't give up on me, I am obsessed you know! (Mysteries will be revealed as soon as I can!)

Sunday, September 5, 2010

How Did That Happen?

     It has been quite a week. A lot has been going on in my life. So much so that I missed a very momentous occasion. We went under 300 this week. That's right- as of today we are 297 days away from hanging with the Fab Five in Orlando. I still can't believe I missed it.
    As I said I've been quite busy and haven't had nearly enough Mickey time this week. I did receive two new books I'm excited about using in my planning. One is PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2010: The Unique Travel Guide, Planner, Organizer, Journal, and Keepsake. It's going to come in really handy as I organize things along the way. It has these great pockets for each day of the trip. It was a great find on Swap.com.
     Another excellent Swap.com find was The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2010. This is one of the most detailed books I've ever seen. I've only begun to look at this very thorough book but I'm learning a great deal. One of my favorite bonuses of this book is that with it you get a 50% discount at TouringPlans.com. At this site, you can print out plans for touring the parks plus you can have wait times for the rides sent to your phone.
    
Even though I didn't get much Mickey time this week, I do have my new class of kids convinced that I am in love with the mouse! Every time he makes an appearance in our room, someone will say " You really do like Mickey Mouse!"

I'm glad they caught on so quickly!