Teetering on the Edge of the Empty Nest

He's done spoiled now!

2011-11-05T10:01:00.001-04:00

Pit Stop in Tifton!

Dealing With Disappointment

2011-11-04T11:45:00.003-04:00

Whew...I'm not good at disappointment, and it seems to be worse as I've gotten older. Hormones maybe??

So, the past few weeks have been a little nerve-wracking as I waited to hear back about my round 2 application to the Disney Moms Panel. I was standing in the International Market in Honolulu when I checked my email and saw that I had moved on to round 2, and it seemed pretty magical. So, I geared up and waited for the round 3 application to become available and thought about my 60 second "favorite Disney memory" video I'd have to do. When the day came, I submitted everything and hoped for a little pixie dust.

As I sat back and watched people become completely obsessed about the questions, their answers and the video, I kind of chuckled to myself that they were really over-the-top with this. I had the "if it happens, it happens" mindset .... until this past week. As I looked at Facebook and various message boards and saw people stressing that we had not received our emails yet and interviews were going to be the first week of November. The more I read, the more I read into things and the more nervous I got. Then tweets started appearing from other Moms Panel moms and the person that heads up the Moms Panel. People began reading so much into those tweets that I actually got my hopes up. Silly rabbit...

So, last night the email finally came at 10:20ish PM. Both the title and opening paragraph of the email almost made it sound like you were moving on. I had to slow down and read it a second time before I realized that it was a rejection letter. Now those of you that know me well know that I'm not all pixie dust and rainbows, all day, every day. So, some days it would be hard to put on my Disney face and spread my own pixie dust. I am passionate about Disney, but realistic about Disney, as well. I was looking forward to helping those with questions make the best plans possible for a great Disney experience. I'd love to find a place where I can put those talents to use, but I'm not very good about knocking on doors and asking to let me be part of someone's team. I want them to read something from me and say "wow, we need this person!" So, that's my issue I need to figure out.

There's lots of cliches that run through my head today like "this too shall pass" or "one a door closes a window opens," etc. All I really want to do is have a big pity party with lots of Kleenex. I didn't realize that I wanted it "that badly." I guess what I really want is to be the popular one for the first time in my life. I want to do something that someone might be proud of for once. I want to find my pupose in life because I'm feeling a little lost in life right now.

I guess I'll cry my tears out, plaster on a smile and keep moving through life. I'm going to go pack my suitcase and leave for WDW early in the morning to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a very special couple. So, tomorrow morning I'll be back into full cheerleader mode, but today I'm just going to be the sad wallflower that didn't get asked to dance.

And wow, doesn't this whole blog post sound so pitiful?! It's okay - sometimes you just have to get it out so you can let go of those feelings and start moving forward.

Linner break

2011-05-15T14:56:00.001-04:00

Somewhere in FL

Until next time

2011-05-15T11:56:00.001-04:00

Goodbye Magic Kingdom. Until we meet again...

Last morning breakfast

2011-05-15T09:39:00.001-04:00

Kona Cafe - last morning tradition. It makes leaving the world a little easier.

On the Magic Kingdom train

2011-05-14T17:15:00.001-04:00

Rain :(

2011-05-14T16:56:00.001-04:00

Not what we wanted for our last day.

On the way to MGM

2011-05-14T12:36:00.001-04:00

Lunch

2011-05-14T11:37:00.001-04:00

Yum! Beaches and Cream

Really?? Lined up for Mexico

2011-05-14T10:59:00.001-04:00

Came to retieve lost hats and glasses!

For Ed

2011-05-14T08:06:00.003-04:00

Duffy meet and greet

From yesterday

2011-05-14T08:06:00.001-04:00

The Tronorail

Last full day

2011-05-14T08:04:00.001-04:00

It's our last full day, full of possibilities. I will try to blog along the way. For now here's a picture from the Solarium to start the day.

Hey Ed, Brian and Chris!

2011-05-11T11:55:00.001-04:00

Hey to all my Buffet loving friends!

Pool time

2011-05-10T13:37:00.001-04:00

Slow and quiet morning.

2011-05-10T11:08:00.001-04:00

We did the extra magic hours last night at Magic Kingdom, so we are all moving slow this morning. It hasn't gotten too hot on the balcony yet, but I know it's coming. I can hear the boat horns in the distance. It's so great to hear them than via a web cam.

Tomorrow will be the big day at Universal! Can. Not. Wait!

This afternoon will be an Epcot day. Dinner planned for La Hacienda. I think we may stop and see Francisco for appetizers beforehand! Jody's never been so it's time to initiate the newbie!

The boys made it safely to their first destination yesterday. Today they should get into Key West fairly early. Hopefully there won't be any calls for bail money!

Sea of humans

2011-05-09T17:36:00.001-04:00

At least a hour wait. We are about 40 minutes into the wait with probably another 30 to go.

He'll steal your soul!

2011-05-09T14:19:00.001-04:00

Waiting for Flights of Wonder

2011-05-09T11:28:00.001-04:00

Less than 10 minute wait for Everest. Moving on to safari after this show.

The guys taking off on their adventure!

2011-05-09T10:41:00.001-04:00

Jim is checking out his rental

2011-05-09T10:12:00.001-04:00

Lights, motors, action!

2011-05-08T13:24:00.001-04:00

TSM

2011-05-08T12:25:00.001-04:00

60 minute wait

I'm here for my date Steven Tyler!

2011-05-08T12:10:00.001-04:00

Tower of Terror

2011-05-08T11:24:00.001-04:00

Breakfast at the Dolphin

2011-05-08T09:59:00.001-04:00

The view from our balcony

2011-05-08T07:28:00.001-04:00

The birds are chirping like crazy, and the temps are amazing this morning. I have the door open with a nice breeze floating in. Slept okay, and my throat is hurting less this morning! Yay!

Happy Mother's Day to all my friends out there!

Happiness is...

2011-05-07T19:39:00.001-04:00

An empty glsss of a hibiscus margarita.

Getting tickets at Shades of Green

2011-05-07T16:39:00.001-04:00

Changed into shorts and have headed to Shades to get our tickets. After that it's time for a car wash and we'll head into Epcot. Hello Francisco!

We made it!

2011-05-07T14:57:00.001-04:00

Lunch at Earl!

On our way!

2011-05-07T10:02:00.001-04:00

Kevin took off around 7, and we weren't too far behind The 7:30. Just stopped in Tifton to top off with gas and coffee. The boy is sleeping and the girl is just excited to get there already!

Cleaning Up!

2011-05-04T07:27:00.003-04:00

I removed all my entries that had pictures on Utterli. What's the point when you can't even see them anymore? In doing that, I can't believe her entire first two years of college were not even blogged about! I promise to do better in her third year! =)

I'll sum up the two years. First year - rude awakening, tough year, survived. Second year - so much better, figuring it out, survived. I think both of those statements hold true for both sides of fence - her and us!! I am so thankful for our little family of three (and two dogs!) because we leaned on each other through all the tough days and got through it. So, what do you do when you get through something, good or bad?!! You go to Disney!

Getting Ready!!

2011-05-03T09:08:00.002-04:00

Car is washed, and I think I'll apply some wax to the front to help with the lovebugs on the way down. I'm taking it in today for an oil change. My personal Owner's Locker is collecting items like sunscreen and laundry detergent! One week from today the boys will be waking up for the second day of the motorcycle adventure down to Key West and back. I can't believe it's almost time, and we're all ready for a vacation! Time to do more laundry!!!!

Dlvr.it

2011-05-02T20:58:00.001-04:00

Let's try this service instead.

Testing Twitter Updates

2011-05-02T20:51:00.001-04:00

Just testing my auto-updates to Twitter to get ready for the trip.

What a Monday!

2011-04-25T09:24:00.001-04:00

Woke up at 4am, ran Kevin's wallet up to the airport, and now we are waiting on the kids to arrive and their bus is late. Way to start the week.

Testing Blogger app

2011-04-24T23:08:00.003-04:00

Oh cool! A Droid app to do my blogs on the go. This will be nice.

This is Reilly!

2011-04-24T22:13:00.002-04:00

Oh, poor neglected blog! I must start using you again. I think a trip to Disney is the perfect reason to resume! Now I just need to figure out how to get my pictures here again, now that I have a new phone!

Seven, my helpful horse!

2010-04-23T23:25:00.001-04:00

Testing

2010-04-23T23:14:00.000-04:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

College Stuff

2008-12-29T14:55:00.002-05:00

The letter came today - the one we've been waiting on. Georgia Tech sent out their acceptance letters around Christmas, and it was the best present ever! The mail was delivered today, including all the stuff that was held while we were away, and in it was a big envelope with a "Congratulations" on the outside. That sure makes opening the envelope a lot easier, and I didn't have to peek while waiting on Meg! So, now she has an acceptance from Auburn and Georgia Tech, and now decisions will have to be made, although we are pretty sure she is deciding on GT. I'm just happy that she received an acceptance from both schools. It's a nice boost to the self-esteem!

To add to our happiness today, Kevin received a promotion to VP. So, it's a very good day in our house with lots to celebrate. We have been very blessed in 2008, and I hope that 2009 is just as wonderful.

War Eagle

2008-12-27T17:49:00.001-05:00

Tennesse sunset

2008-12-27T17:48:00.001-05:00

2008-12-25T19:51:00.001-05:00

JoBros!

2008-12-21T18:16:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-21T18:11:00.001-05:00

Beautiful Day

2008-12-12T09:29:00.001-05:00

I love the sun after a rain! Bad news, though. I think my roof might have a leak over my family room. I was looking at the ceiling, why, I don't know, and I saw a spot that wasn't there before. I'm afraid it's a leak. I'll have to keep an eye on it the next time it rains.

Mom's reindeer (errr, moose) Sarah

2008-12-05T19:48:00.002-05:00

Boo

2008-12-03T15:58:00.001-05:00

Not keeping up!

2008-11-29T10:54:00.002-05:00

It's obvious that I have not been keeping up with my blog like I should. Truth is, I haven't been anywhere that interesting that's worth sending a picture! I need a trip somewhere. I'm working on something for February - maybe a cruise. Then Kevin threw out Hawaii yesterday, and with some family over there, it's a viable option, too. The plus about the cruise is that we are away from phones and internet, which would be good for both of us. Yes, I know you can get internet on the ship, but it's a good opportunity to just unplug for a few days. Hawaii is such a long plane ride, plus the jet lag, etc. We could see if my brother's condo is available in Sanibel, but most likely it's booked for that week.

I think this is sort of our last hurrah for a family vacation before Meg heads off to college. I know life as we know it will change drastically when that day comes. Right now she has an acceptance letter from Auburn. We've paid deposits so that she can sign up for housing. She's still waiting on her letter from Georgia Tech. Tech guarantees freshmen housing, so she has time to make a decision and sign up for housing there. We would rather be out some of the Auburn deposit money if she decides to go to Tech, instead of scrambling to find housing if she decides to go to Auburn. Keep good thoughts for her and Tech. I think she'd really like to go there, and of course the in-state tuition is a big plus! Either way, I know she'll be happy at whichever school she chooses.

We do have a trip planned to WDW in April. The band (concert) is going down for the Disney Festival clinics. Two or three years ago, they went down to Orlando but went to the Universal clinics. The band director loves Disney almost as much as I do, so we're both excited to be going to Disney! Originally I had said I would chaperone, but Kevin said he wanted to go, too, but didn't want to chaperone, so we used our points and got a place at Old Key West. We'll use his Delta FF miles and fly down instead of drive. That way we can stay a little longer. Maybe we'll check out the DVC Preview Center and see the AKL and BLT models. I might even convince him to add on! Haha! Gotta love a man that makes sure we have enough DVC points.

So, that's life here in a nutshell. I can't believe Christmas is right around the corner. I think I might head to Home Depot and Lowe's today and see what kind of Christmas trees they have. Ours is painfully old, and I have been begging for a pre-lighted tree for the last few years. So, I guess I better leave you all now and get busy and get out the door.

Let me just end with a word about how thankful I am for my family and my friends. Without you, my life would not be as rich!

Tagged!

2008-11-27T22:08:00.002-05:00

The Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you Delswife
2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).
3. List 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

Random things about me:

1. I run a forum about makeup but I rarely wear any!
2. I love to waterski, but I haven't done it in about 13 years.
3. I am addicted to carbs.
4. I love gadgets.
5. I am allergic to shrimp.
6. I love fast cars. I am addicted to them!

Yikes - tag 6 people! This will be tough for me! I don't follow many blogs, and the ones I do are some of the same that Robin follows!

Routeman Dan
Francis Floot
Glo
Ed
Jody

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

2008-10-18T19:51:00.002-04:00

Tonight the Badelves joined us for a "movie on the green" in our neighborhood. We got to see "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and the original "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." There were a lot of people there, but things turned cold tonight in GA! When I turned around about halfway through the movie, almost everyone had left! Even though we had blankets, we didn't have enough. It was chilly!! We had a great time, though, and had some yummy pizza before the movies!

The Giant RG Fry!

2008-10-14T06:22:00.002-04:00

Mmmmm... ice cream

2008-10-04T13:13:00.001-04:00

Finals

2008-09-28T10:51:00.002-04:00

We did well, but we didn't take home the big prize! It was the first competition, and we have 3 more, so I think our odds are pretty good for a big win this year. I'm hoping because it would be a great thing for our kids' senior year!

Competion time!

2008-09-28T10:49:00.002-04:00

I'm so bummed. I got a great picture of Kevin laying on the ground while the kids were practicing. He was tired from his day volunteering with the PGA Tour Championship. Everyone say "awwww...poor baby!"

Last first competion

2008-09-27T19:42:00.001-04:00

Oooo!

2008-09-23T04:39:00.003-04:00

Suit up! HIMYM

2008-09-23T04:39:00.001-04:00

The creepist happy meal toy EVAH!

2008-09-22T07:24:00.004-04:00

In case you aren't sure what it is - it's a flying monkey!! It's from their Wizard of Oz set. Freaky!

Darn ShoZu!

2008-09-17T08:45:00.002-04:00

Hey Mark - if you're reading, what's the scoop?! ShoZu isn't getting the pictures to Blogger. I have a really scary flying monkey I'm dying to have show up here!

For Glo

2008-09-12T13:29:00.002-04:00

I couldn't find the video, but here's Keith singing the song. I want to say the song came out in the late 80s and Keith died in 89. I remember being in Germany when I heard the news. He was married to country singer Lorrie Morgan.

Alison Krauss has the voice of an angel!!

2008-09-11T19:29:00.004-04:00

That's all...just wanted to share that today. Thank you, Mare, for putting the AK bug in my brain! Here are some videos to entertain you!

Two of my favorites - JT (James Taylor) and Alison

Hometown Boy Alan Jackson and Alison

Miss Sassy Britches

2008-09-08T18:36:00.006-04:00

Roxy is resting on two bones. She's high maintenance!

Finally - she submitted her Auburn application

2008-09-08T18:36:00.005-04:00

Yes, she's wearing a Tech t-shirt!

2008-09-07T12:59:00.002-04:00

Waiting for her overnight experience to begin. We were where? Starbucks at the B&N GT bookstore. LOL

Meg has the munchies

2008-08-13T22:26:00.001-04:00

Too much smoke and weed - ugh

2008-08-13T22:21:00.001-04:00

Waiting on Jack - so many people

2008-08-13T20:01:00.001-04:00

Cracker with a biscuit

2008-08-13T17:26:00.001-04:00

So we just had to go say hi in person!

2008-08-12T23:51:00.001-04:00

She won't answer the phone!

2008-08-12T21:06:00.001-04:00

First day of her senior year!

2008-08-06T17:37:00.001-04:00

A late summer surprise!

2008-08-03T18:22:00.001-04:00

Friends on the Right

2008-08-02T18:48:00.001-04:00

Early Saturday Morning Drive

2008-08-02T18:47:00.001-04:00

Down time on the computer

2008-07-22T16:55:00.001-04:00

Jousting

2008-07-21T22:01:00.001-04:00

Fun and games

2008-07-21T21:57:00.001-04:00

More popsicle time

2008-07-21T21:21:00.003-04:00

Popsicle time

2008-07-21T21:21:00.001-04:00

Mmmm...dorm life

2008-07-21T20:14:00.002-04:00

Kind of sparse, eh? The good news is that I have a room to myself. I have internet, and I have my router. Life is good! =)

We're here

2008-07-21T20:08:00.002-04:00

No internet access until earlier today, but that doesn't excuse the lack of ShoZu photos! We have been busy taking care of kids. Today we did a room inspection looking for "contraband." Last year many cans of energy drinks were confiscated, along with some chewing tobacco. This year - NADA!! Yay! We were really happy about that. It wasn't too fun digging through suitcases and such, especially smelly boy clothes. LOL

Tonight we had storms roll through, so the field practice had to be moved indoors and became music practice. We're hoping we'll able to do inflatable game night at 9PM! Tomorrow, we should have our live video stream running of the kids. If you are interested in the link, you can email me or PM through the Lodge.

What was I thinking?

2008-07-19T21:36:00.002-04:00

I leave in the morning to chaperone our marching band while at band camp in SC. I'm not going alone - I think there will be about 12+ chaperones. I have put it off, and I finally decided to go her senior year. Of course, she's not happy with that, but whatever! I have the cell phone charger and my camera ready! I have to make sure I bring all the right cords!

Today I've been consumed with fixing my desktop. I've been infected with the Virtumonde virus. Lucky me! Lucky me, too, that I have a Mac Book to keep me online while I wait to get this fixed. I think I messed something up earlier because now I can't boot into normal mode. I'm in the middle of a system restore to early July, so I'm hoping I can get this up and running again. What a mess!! If I can't, I'll have to leave it until I get back because I still need to pack!!!! YIKES!

Try not to miss me too much! I'll have the Mac Book with me, so I'll be updating pictures and blog entries, and you will find me hanging out in the usual places. I predict that by next Friday night, I'll be absolutely exhausted!

Good for sore throats

2008-07-15T14:46:00.002-04:00

No cheaters at Panera today. We did see an interview going on, and we noticed their health department score has gone way up to 94 now. Whew!

Computer problems at CORRAL

2008-07-14T12:21:00.001-04:00

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

2008-07-12T11:43:00.001-04:00

Drink number one

2008-07-11T20:00:00.001-04:00

The boys playing pool

2008-07-11T19:55:00.001-04:00

My SIL and me

2008-07-11T19:45:00.001-04:00

Our view

2008-07-11T19:30:00.001-04:00

Some of the crew

2008-07-11T19:05:00.001-04:00

Me and my nephew!

2008-07-11T19:00:00.001-04:00

Rain is good!

2008-07-10T14:10:00.002-04:00

Meaghan: Yeah but why couldnt it have lasted through band practice??

It would have been a nice break.

Part 2 - the card I really wanted to get Mom

2008-07-09T17:25:00.001-04:00

Part 1 - scroll up for part 2

2008-07-09T17:20:00.002-04:00

darnit, I did it backwards! Argh!

ShoZu - Mark Jambas

2008-07-08T22:00:00.003-04:00

Wow - who knew my little blog would have a visitor from ShoZu that would leave a comment! I feel famous. I think it's great that people at a company get out there and see what's being said. People are brutally honest on the 'net, so you know you are reading it raw.

I never realized how much fun I would have with mobile blogging until I saw Mare's blog and the little ShoZu picture. Clicking on that changed my daily life! So, imagine my panic when it stopped working on July 2nd! There wasn't anything out there that worked as well (read - easily) as ShoZu! I'm so glad it's back up and working so I can share my pictures with you.

Many moons ago I did technical support from my home in Chicago (at the time) for Zing, a photo album community, and then Imagestation, which merged with Zing. The company(ies) were located in San Francisco, and I got to work from home for them! Life was great, until Zing and Imagestation folded. So, ShoZu, if you are looking for tech support folks that use and love the product and know how to telecommute - I'm your woman!

Mark, thanks for the comment. Update your blog so we can see what's going on in San Francisco these days!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Meaghan:

COBRA STARSHIP IS THE SHIZZZZZZ!!!

Band hell

2008-07-08T21:00:00.004-04:00

There is nothing worse than sitting in a cramped, stinky, sweaty room full of uniforms. Boo.

Its Meaghan. I finally got fed up with my mom only putting pictures on here and not explaining them!

Oh, and can you beleive the name of her blog?? What does she think? Im growing up or something?

But yes, a wonderful thankyou to Anglea and mom for makng sure our uniforms smell good.
______________________________

Christa here - You know, we moan and groan about doing the uniforms, but in reality I think Angela and I really enjoy it. We love being around the kids, and our uniform room is never empty. We both have seniors this year, and I know we both are feeling that "oh man, this is it" feeling. I think the kids are in for a shock, though, when the new people come in next week to start helping out. One is pretty quiet, and Angela and I are far from quiet. I'm not sure about the other because she is a new parent. I hope these two ladies remember that laughter is a wonderful thing, and that sometimes these kids need that after a long day. They also need an ear and a shoulder because when September rolls around, and they have spent 4 and 5 days a week with each other, it's like 100 siblings being mad at each other. So, it's a bittersweet experience, heading back into the uniform for the last time. I may be a little lost next July when marching season rolls around.

Tokyo japanese

2008-07-07T21:45:00.005-04:00

MMM. Japanese is my favorite!

Meg's cool glasses

2008-07-07T21:45:00.004-04:00

Meg.

These are my awesome new glasses. Not only are they white in the day time, but they GLOW IN THE DARK!!!

I know right?!?