I met Monica at Suds and Grapes for 11:30 and we had a marvellous time bottling her two batches of wine and our three shared port flavours. She bought me a golden ticket by donating $25 to the Dry Feb fundraiser so that I could sample with her. I’m pretty sure it was her Malbec that left me with a brutal headache after. I came home and took Advil and drank water, had some dinner, got changed and headed to volunteer at the Burlesque show. I was grateful when they said they had enough people and that I could go home. That would have been a very loud and chaotic environment. Once home I made the tea I got for Christmas and had more Advil. I have been crocheting and watching The Morning Show on Apple TV. My head feels better now. I look forward to enjoying some port in March.
Started the day with waxing session, worked, had a client in office, ran out for a much needed pedicure, back to work a bunch more, ran home to feed Missy and then popped up to Landon’s for poker night at 8. I didn’t do very well but it was nice to see people and I signed up to the next two for now. Came home before midnight and have been crocheting and watching my Chicago shows. Starting to get sleepy finally and it’s 1:44 am.
Work, Rotary lunch, recycling, shop for almond milk, shop for Sawyer and Emmy’s birthdays, nails done, work, off work.
I met Dave and Deb at Fenwick and Baker. We enjoyed a good catch up and I learned that they are planning to buy and build a custom home here, likely at Shadow Mtn Golf course. It will be great to have one of my first friends in the area.
We went next door and watched Here on the Flight Path. It was well done and entertaining. Honestly, the only thing that bugged me was the last scene were they were supposed to be 39 and late 40s but were dressed like 80 year olds. Stereotypes, blick.
We headed over to Encore for a nightcap and had more good visit. I did good all evening drinking non-alcoholic bevies and water.
Today was extremely productive. I got a lot of paid work done, I got caught up on the Fisher Peak website work, I got my music fest, voluntee rs, up-to-date, and I got all the pictures from the trip off my iCloud and off the Disney photo pass and loaded them all into one file which I then copied onto USBs for Ashlée, Bill and Deanne, and Rae-Anne and Roger
The last thing I did before coming home was order a MacBook Air so that I can get used to it and be ready for my next travels and not have to bring the big anchor that is my laptop. I just have to decide if I’m going to keep my laptop as a back up or sell it as it is a good workhorse.
I stopped at the Guedes house to drop off the USBs as they are coming home on that same late night flight that I was on and had a short visit with Maddi who has been house and pet sitting. I laughed when she said the house freaks her out a little bit and I understand because it does make noise and it’s a busy corner and people are walking by and loud and driving by and loud.
Once I got home, I’ve been watching a little TV and crocheting my blanket. I feel a little bit more tired near my regular time which is good because that one hour time change made a big difference for me.
I tried really hard to compartmentalize today, focussed on work and got up and walked around often, but I was a little shaky as I followed the route of my family from San Diego to their hotel near LAX where they fly home from tomorrow.
Even local news was reporting on the stormTurn around, don’t drown
When I saw they stopped at Target, I knew they were ok.
I awoke to light snow and grey sky but it was lighter by far than when I left. I was the only one at the office at my end of the building. That was good as I needed to focus and get a lot done, especially working through a weeks worth of email. There were hundreds. I was waiting for confirmation that payroll was ready to run but the client had not confirmed hours were received before he was off for the afternoon. I finally saw that the hours had come through at 6:42 pm. This person has been on payroll for 3 periods now and not one has come through without holding me up. I needed to get it off my plate today as tomorrow is already full. In the world of culling stress, I must say stress around payroll is the worst and I will walk away if I need to. The employee is being irresponsible, but so is their boss by not ensuring the information is in nor giving repercussions.
I came home, had some dinner and started my temperature blanket. It is weir as the first two days in January were unusually warm. I think it will be a good keepsake of an already interesting weather year. I am using the temperatures of where I am si it will include California.
I am a bit concerned about the kids as Severe Weather, an Atmospheric River has hit Southern California, especially San Diego, LA and Anaheim. So far they still have power and are semi-packed in case they have to leave in a hurry as they are on alert. The boys are unnerved and Lukas is very disappointed that Sea World is closed due to the conditions. I just hope they have safe travels to LAX tomorrow and that flights are leaving the next day as it is right on the ocean.
I slept until nearly noon and then climbed into an Epsom salt bath for a couple hours while I watched the rest of Echo. I really enjoyed it and my body feels so much better. I rearranged my liquor cupboard to put the non-alcoholic ones up front, unpacked my suitcase, did laundry, began downloading pictures from my Disney account and fretted that I couldn’t find my toiletries bag. I ‘lost’ it for a few hours and even called Westjet to report only to see it sitting on Missy’s climbing post. I must have had it in my hand at some point and been distracted. That just shows how tired I am. I popped out to Walmart to pick up some salad and yarn to do my weather blanket. And, that was my day. I am girding for the week to come.
Well, it was an interesting last part of the evening to say the least. We finally got on board and then apparently the leading edges were freezing up so we had to taxi over to the deicing section that was actually pretty interesting but too late at night. I was grateful when we did land that my suitcase was off immediatelyas I was pretty much too impaired by sleep deprivation, so I just took my time watch for animals and got home safe. It was 1:20 AM when I walked in the door glad to be safe and glad to be in my own bed.
I was even up before Emmy as I do have a bit of anxiety realizing international travel, fueling up, car return, and anything else that pops up. Turns out I was right to be ready early. At breakfast we learned that it would be most helpful if we dropped Roger and Bill at the local rental car location to pick up their vehicle for the rest of the trip. We got all our stuff packed into the car and loaded up after goodbyes. After dropping off the guys, we gassed up and headed for the airport. The vehicle drop off was smooth. We made our way to security and and I was taken to task because I didn’t use my trusted traveler (Nexus). I told them it was because I had Emmy and they told me she could have as she is under 12. That is not what I was told on the way down. Sigh. And then there was my luggage that was over by at least 4kg and cost me 78$ US! Oh well. We met up with Jake on the other side and had Carl’s Jr for lunch. It was a sad goodbye for Emmy when his name was called to go verify his passport at gate 2. We were at 15.
I let her share her feels and then suggested we go to the Ducks Breakaway Bar and Grill and take pictures to make her cousins jealous. She liked that idea. I was just happy to be there!!
Emmy was stuff watchdog while I went to the loo and then it was time to load. We were a row ahead of last time so she actually had a window seat. Once we got settled, I fixed her croc charm that I bought her so that it wouldn’t fall off. (The Minnie one. We saw an interesting plane and I noticed that all the planes had turned up wings. I have not noticed that is a thing before.
The last thing we saw out the window was the coast and the freighters. I read and napped while Emmy played games and watched shows on her iPad. Next thing we knew it was time to land and I must say, the weather change was big. The airport was boiling and we both took off layers as we worked through the relatively quick customs process. I was told that the best thing was to exit with her and then come back through security. Her Grandma Nancy was waiting for us and I went outside with them but the wind and cold was just too much! It was a long wander to the terminal where I am to leave from. We passed the welcome to Canada sign at 5:44 and my flight out isn’t until 11:35. When I went back through security I found out that bedazzled shirts cause havoc. I had to go through the full body scan twice and then a pat down! Most action I’ve gotten all trip, lol. I did ask permission before entering the Flames Grill.
There was an odd moment when a guy came and sat down across from me when there is no one else here. We did end up chatting as he admired my glasses but I though his phrasing was weird to tell me he was an eye doctor…. Even I know that is Optometrist….
I have now been here for hours, enjoying the lovely chats with Damen, my server and the reminiscent playlist. I have been the only one at this end of the terminal that doesn’t work here for a long time. A guy just walked in wearing a leafs hat which amuses me that the two of us are in the place surrounded by Flames stuff. I had really good tacos and am going to wander down to my gate now as I should be able to board in just over half an hour. I still have to let them know Emmy is not on the flight. I shall say goodnight now and if there are any further adventures getting home, you will all hear about it tomorrow.
Up early again, off to breakfast and then headed to the park. It is a park hopping last day with each of us looking to do anything we feared missing. Ashlée and I went together and took the train round to ToonTown to meet Jake and Emmy and go to both Mickey and Minnie’s houses. Emmy was just adorable meeting Minnie and was speechless after meeting Mickey.
Ash joined me on Jake’s favourite ride, the train in toon town and it was spectacular. Great story leading up to it and a lot of fun on it!
We connected with everyone and took the monorail to Downtown Disney where we hit up the Lego store. I found the perfect momento to start my Lego ‘puzzle’ collection. New out and only one allowed per household. I also got a Groot and a Loki keychain and realized after that I was gifted a box for my sale!
Pin traders take It seriously
We worked our way down to The Earl of Sandwich for lunch. It wasn’t as smooth as we hoped, our tables were supposed to be next to each other and if we had known they would consider it one group, auto add tip and not let us split the bill, we may have gone in in family groups. I took the hit on my CC and people gave me cash. The server was very apologetic and put the cash against it first which was nice as I didn’t need US money on my last night. At least I loved my Turkey Club sandwich and Bounty Hunter beverage.
Robin Hood is still one of my top Disney moviesLukas lost a tooth!Bounty Hunter
I headed back to the hotel as I didn’t want to pack stuff all the rest of the day and I wanted to organize and pack Emmy and I so we were organized for the morning. I know well enough that things come up and I wanted to be prepared. I love what she got as a gift for her and her sisters. I think it should have been in the opposite numerical order but it was what she wanted.
When I was done, I found out the middle boys were in the room above me and connected with them to show me the droids they made and then head to the park to hang out for the last night.
Our first stop was for popcorn on Main Street
Then it was off to Mr Toad’s Wild Ride. That adventure began back in 1990 when my brother, a couple of uncles, an aunt and a few cousins all joined Ed me in Disney World. My cousin Michael and I rode what we considered to be the cheesiest ride of all and ended up doing it o er and over, laughing our faces off and acting up. I had to introduce the boys to the fun and I sent pics to Michael.
The next must have snack was churros. I had managed to avoid them all week, but hey, this was our last few hours so we had to have all the treats before I introduced them to Bounty Hunting in Star Wars Galaxy. We managed to find two and had fun
Back on Main Street we had to have a grip competition. Lukas won and yes, I have a Clown Grip
Now it was over to California Adventure to try to get on Incredicoaster but of course we were distracted by shiny things and food.
Best pretzel ever
Will had missed the World of Colour show so Lukas was excited for him to see the fire coming out of the water. We were behind it this time but it was still amazeballs. While we were in line for coaster we got to see the Fireworks from Disneyland!
The coaster was a lot of fun, I was just disappointed the cameras weren’t on due to the show. It would’ve been fun to get a picture with the boys. we went and captured a bunch of moments on our own before wrapping up the night with something that completely surprised me that they wanted to do. The tribute to Mr Lincoln. Now I will admit it does have incredible animatronics, especially given when it was made in the first place but it’s Uber patriotic. They both were just happy to be there and ready to go back to the hotel when it was done. How cool is that?
I had bought all three boys personalities for their Droids and I was happy to let Sawyer know as well.
I love my family and am grateful for this once in a lifetime vacation. We are all worn out though!!
I have a bunch of professional park photos but I am going to wait until I am home on a computer to post them
Up early again, off to breakfast and then headed to the park. It is a park hopping last day with each of us looking to do anything we feared missing. Ashlée and I went together and took the train round to ToonTown to meet Jake and Emmy and go to both Mickey and Minnie’s houses. Emmy was just adorable meeting Minnie and was speechless after meeting Mickey.
Ash joined me on Jake’s favourite ride, the train in toon town and it was spectacular. Great story leading up to it and a lot of fun on it!
We connected with everyone and took the monorail to Downtown Disney where we hit up the Lego store. I found the perfect momento to start my Lego ‘puzzle’ collection, the family tree. New out and only one allowed per household. I also got a Groot and a Loki keychain and realized after that I was gifted a box for my sale!
We worked our way down to The Earl of Sandwich for lunch. It wasn’t as smooth as we hoped, our tables were supposed to be next to each other and we were split but they wouldn’t split the bill. I could have argued it but in the end people gave me cash and I put it on my credit card. My sandwich and beverage only cost 125.00 lol
I came back to the hotel with my purchases and decided to pack Emmy’s stuff and mine so we would be ready for the morning. I needed to be non stressed as there will be many goodbyes tomorrow. Lukas and Will were ready to head back and we spent the rest of the evening together having such a great time. I don’t want to brag, but I have lovely humans as grandsons, Rae and Rog have done a fabulous job, We laughed and Will kept checking in with me to say he loved me and gave me hugs on the regular. We played with my wristband and caught two bounty. Lukas bought his Wampus and I found my headband that I wanted, We snacked and ate and wandered between the two parks and then I was blown away that they both wanted to see the Disney tribute to Lincoln. It is still pretty impressive as a Walt Disney creation, When it was done we decided that Will was fulfilled with the World of Colour that we caught as well as well as the fireworks over the castle.
I had everything ready to post and delete it accidentally and now I’m so tired. I need to just go to sleep. I apologize I will catch up tomorrow. it really was a very great day only because my eldest grandson Gene was my hero
Ok, so the day started out with a pounding rain and wind. I was grateful when I remembered that I had bought a Stuart Anorak when we were at Universal. I took Bill to the nearest Walgreens to pick a few missing items for people. Once back, I got to doing payroll and other things for clients. It was a little frustrating as one of them had last minute given me info for a new hire. I took a call from Service Canada about a client and when he asked how it was going I told him I was working in the hotel room while my family was in Disneyland. He immediately said to hang up on him right now and go have fun. It was so sweet. I did answer his questions and then decided I needed to set some boundaries so I gave 30 day notice to one of my clients. I need to wean down to ones who understand the importance and timing of work-life balance. They take time away, off grid, but expect me to be available on vacation. It was time.. but also anxiety driven.
Rae let me know that Gene was back in the room resting and he reached out to see if I wanted to hang out with him at the park. We had so much fun. It is great to have a 16 year old in your life that you actually enjoy spending time with, who has a great sense of humour and observation. We wandered and went on rides and ate nummy things and just… made a memory and brought me out of the ugly mood I had found myself in again.
We had fun Bounty hunting with my Magic Band Mystery of the sky ring last night, solved
We managed to catch the Mickey Magic show on Main Street and World of Colour – One, so amazing!!
Today was amazing. I spent time with Craig and Lorraine, met some fun cast members, rode on a good number of fun rides, saw Emmy transformed into a Princess thanks to her Dad and took Roger, Gene and Lukas to the Ducks vs Sharks game which we won in overtime!! The seats were amazing, we all bought swag and even though I took a silly accidental scenic route home, we all had a blast.
This game was a great deal of funDr StrangeSoaring the WorkdMulan paradeDelicious lunch assembly lineRide is open again!Random dude, Duck loveAll bathrooms should have a cup/cell holderOffspring collabFree shirt upon arriving!I had the best giggle time this morning Spidey senses were set off
triumphgal 