Wednesday, October 31, 2012

It was 20 years ago today....

I woke up early after only a couple hours sleep. I was so excited and so full of emotion, I wanted to talk to someone, but who else was up so early? Silly to say, but I didn't want to call my groom, like it was part of that "can't see you before the wedding". I was even letting my maid of honor sleep in a bit more. Then I knew who was awake: my Mom. I called her and yes, she was awake, she was just as full of emotion.

I had just heard my groom sing "Freebird" to me only hours before after the rehearsal dinner. My maid of honor woke up and we started getting me ready. She did my hair herself! Then Mom was there and helped with gown, my brother (who was giving me away) arrived and Mom said, "Come see your baby sister." He was so choked up, he just hugged me.

We had some problems after that -- bridesmaid running late, in-laws getting lost -- but all I think about right now is when I finally got to see John waiting for me at the end of the aisle. I reached up to kiss him as I did for nearly three years to that day, and he smiled and pushed me gently away. The kiss had to wait.

I did roll my eyes a bit -- like we never kissed before -- but it was quickly gone as I got so starry eyed that this day was finally here.

The next thing I think of is that moment when we were finally alone, even for a moment. And later when my Mom told me that John said to her, "I can't believe my Erin married me today. I can't believe she chose me."

It's a cliche, but the years go by quicker than you can imagine and I can't believe it's been 20 years since that day. It doesn't feel like it and I only really felt it when I saw our honeymoon hotel and pictured that newlywed couple. I'm happy to be both of them -- that bride and groom who didn't know what was ahead and the people who have that experience and have grown because of it. John was right when he said before our wedding, I don't want to love you forever the way I do now. I would miss so much. I would miss building the life and everything that's going to bring, and then when we're older & we look back over the years and said We did this. We built this life.

My poor groom is in bed with an upset stomach. I got him medicine and he's asleep. Hopefully, he'll be well in a couple hours and can make our celebration tonight. Meanwhile, I'll take care of him, go take care of the dogs, and hope for the best. That's marriage. :)

Happy Anniversary, hon.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Fort Wilderness: We are home.



The regulars like Sharon can't believe we're not here.

John didn't think he would miss it, but as we rode on Gary and Carol's golf cart with the dogs, he admitted he did.

Going to see the Halloween Pet Costume Parade!

Location : 2510 Bonnet Creek Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836,

Everest, baby!



I used the single rider line and went on 3 times in a row before even the FastPass people got on once!

Rode the first time with a Spanish woman who spoke just enough English. We understood  each other fine and had so much fun riding and screaming with each other!

Location : 660 W Savannah Cir, Kissimmee, FL 34747,

Welcome to Disney's Animal Kingdom!



We saw the new Zebra area on the safari  that replaced the poachers. Unfortunatly, the webcam didnt save the video.

A man said to a cast member that he thought the animals would be fake.  He was stunned when they were real. "This isn't the Jungle Cruise!"

A girl saw a statue of Rafiki and shouted, "Look' Graffiti! It's Graffiti!"

Location : Conservation Way, Kissimmee, FL 34747,

Monday, October 29, 2012

Beautiful moonlit night at Epcot



Just saw British Revolution at UK pavilion  and headed to Mexico. Later, Illuminations at reserved seating for Disney Visa people in center across from America pavilion.

Nice night...

Location : International Gateway, Orlando, FL 32836,

My Doctor "Peanuts" Who



T-shirt was a huge hit in the Epcot UK pavilion!

Location : 1830 Ave of the Stars, Orlando, FL 32830,

The mini-Food and Wine Festival



Inside the Germany train display!

Location : Germany Service Rd, Bay Lake, FL 32821,

Fork of flavor!



My first stop at Food and Wine: Terra!

Location : International Gateway, Orlando, FL 32836,

The start of our Epcot day!



I met a group of people in this spot, had to be 20, all family. I offered to take their pictures so they could all be in it. Five cameras later... Just kidding, I was happy to do it.

I just walked into the men's room by mistake. You  must be proud to know me. ;)

The day started with John's impersonation of Walt yelling, "This isn't my EPCOT!" That's always good.

Food and Wine is about to open. Can't wait for my fork of flavor!

Location : International Gateway, Orlando, FL 32836,

The start of our Epcot day!



I met a group of people in this spot, had to be 20, all family. I offered to take their pictures so they could all be in it. Five cameras later... Just kidding, I was happy to do it.

I just walked into the men's room by mistake. You  must be proud to know me. ;)

The day started with John's impersonation of Walt yelling, "This isn't my EPCOT!" That's always good.

Food and Wine is about to open. Can't wait for my fork of flavor!

Location : International Gateway, Orlando, FL 32836,

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Getting ready to watch Halloween Wishes


I hope to broadcast it on the webcam. 9:30!

Location : Fantasyland, Orlando, FL 32836,

Soft opening of new Fantasyland



We are thrilled! This is Lumiere in Belle"s tales. You can't believe this!

When Belle came in, she looked at John and said, "I see the baker there!"

Location : Fantasyland, Orlando, FL 32836,

The Castle!



Look how beautiful it is! But it always is.

Excluding the big pink cake castle.

Location : Adventureland, Orlando, FL 32836,

Dumbo!


This is for Carol Jayne, Dumbo fan!

The new dual Dumbo rides are nice, but I thought it was supposed to be covered. I also miss the laughing little rabbit critters that used to be on Dumbo. We are going back later to play with new queue.

Omg, people behind us have triplets!!

Time for Laugh Floor!

Location : Tommorrowland, Orlando, FL 32836,

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!



It's a gorgeous day! Sun is out after some clouds and a breeze to keep things from bring hot. We have the Halloween party tonight and well do the big rides then.

We tried the new Sorcerer game which was fun, but we got thrown off early and needed lunch.

We got an eggroll and tried to see the new Fantasyland, but no soft opening yet. Did see Dumbo and Barnstormer which are nice. Still think they should have done a full Toon Town with new rides line Assn Epic MIckey adventure.We are going to try to see Fantast Land new area later.

Location : Tommorrowland, Orlando, FL 32836,

All Ears fan says hi!



Beatrice not only recognized me, she loves Where in the World and said her favorite All Ears tour is still my Fort Wilderness Christmas Decorations!

I am so thrilled!

Beatrice has started blog: disneygirlinorlando.com. I will have to check it out.

Location : Address not available

All Ears fan remembers my Fort Wilderness tour!



I can't believe she even recognized me, but she said not only how much she lives All Ears.net, but my tour of Fort Wilderness Christmas decorations is sill her favorite!

She is staying a blog: disneygirlinorlando.com. Check it out!

Location : Century Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34747,

Look! At Pop Century!



A statue of our dog, Daytona!

Location : Marketplace Boat Dock, Orlando, FL 32836,

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Friday, October 26, 2012

What a way to start the trip!

I lost my phone and didn't know until we went to leave this morning.  Of course I handled it with all maturity and absolutely didn't get all snarky with John or freak out at all.

Smiley from millan.net
But my good friends Mirko, Jo, and Katie have bailed me out, getting my phone and sending it out to me.

Give them a thanks from me: go enjoy a fantastic meal at Mirko's Taste of Europe and ask for Katie as your server.  I am doing you a favor by recommending it to you!  And you'll agree when you have the food and Katie's great service!

Knock wood, trip on the road has been fine.  Drizzling rain in Viriginia, but stopped back there.  South Carolina has sun with some clouds and warmer.  I hope we're headed into even better weather.  We're not supposed to get the storm at all that is headed for the NorthEast.

Everyone be safe!

We're stopping for lunch soon and I'll drive some more.

Everyone cross their fingers that everything else goes great!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Walt Disney World Pop Century Webcam

From the October 2012 trip:


Live stream by Ustream

Thank you to Eyes on Ears, the website for Live Disney Webcams, for letting broadcast on one of the channels.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Talkin' RiffTrax: BIRDEMIC with Mike, Kevin and Bill

"What goes great with coffee and talking? Why, RiffTrax, of course! In our new video series, Talkin' RiffTrax, the writers sit down to dissect their favorite riffs, both old and recent alike!

In this week's edition, the guys discuss the target of our upcoming RiffTrax Live event, the Hitchcock-inspired modern cult classic BIRDEMIC!

RiffTrax Live: BIRDEMIC is happening October 25th. Join the guys for this hilarious special one night event, a live riff on a new cult classic, in theaters nationwide!"

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Celebrating our wedding anniversary!

We're taking this vacation to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.  It's such a cliche, but I can't believe 20 years has gone by.  Seriously, where did it go?

We have special plans for that day.  It's also wonderful to see Disney celebrating with us by installing this 20th anniversary carpet in our hotel.


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Upcoming Disney trip!

So I'm playing with the blog design for the one I'll use during the trip.  If you've ever seen my blog during vacations, I post pictures, videos, and texts during the whole trip.  Plus I always have at least one webcam.

It's only 2 weeks and a half!  Can't believe how quickly it snuck up on me.