The Podcast Awards

My good friend, Lou Mongello, has been nominated again for a Podcast Awards in the travel category. Please vote for him at www.podcastawards.com

Thanks!!

I Need A Good, Swift Kick In The @$$

My friend and I signed up to do the 2009 Walt Disney World 1/2 marathon in January. At the time I was excited and jumped right into my training. Being from PA there was still lots of snow on the ground in January so I started my training on the treadmill. Which is fine by me because it's in the basement with a TV in front of it. Once in awhile I throw in a DVD and watch it but mostly I listen to my IPod. Need that upbeat music to keep me going.

Anyways, I trained really well January-May. One main reason being that I decided to go to WDW for Minnie marathon weekend. That weekend there was a 5k and 15k run. I'll blog more about those races some other day. But once I came back I laid off my training for a little bit. Only walked or ran 2-3 a week instead of everyday. Then school was out and I thought that since I was going to be home with my daughter most of the summer I'd get outside and walk a lot---WRONG!! I did NOTHING!!! Hardly even got on the treadmill let alone outside. And now I'm regretting it. I can tell that the weight I lost from before has come back.

The 1/2 marathon is less than 3 months away and I feel like I'm starting my training all over again. Hence the "I need a good, swift kick in the ass!!" I know one of my main problems is that I lost the excitement that I had in January. I need to get that back somehow. But I'm not sure how. Now don't get me wrong, I am excited about going down there and doing it but I need that encouragement back. It seems to very slowly be coming back this week since I made a few dinner plans for those days. And before my husband wasn't going to go but now he is. But I need that something to get me going. To get me excited again. To get me back on that treadmill everyday. Maybe I should put a picture of Orlando Bloom or Johnny Depp on the wall in front of me to get me going ;^)

If anyone finds my encouragement and excitement can you please send it back. I miss it!

The Little Mermaid

Since this blog is called "We Wants The Redhead" I thought I'd take a look at a few of my favorite redheads.

Today I'm going to talk about my all time favorite redhead, Ariel, The Little Mermaid. Ariel is your typical teenager. She doesn't want to listen to what her father tells her and she falls in love for the first time. Boy, does THAT sound familiar! She is also headstrong and when she decides she wants something she goes after it. And of course no other woman is going to steal her man. She saw him first and wants him back. Good thing she doesn't give up easily or Eric would be at the bottom of the ocean by now.

I'm sure my daughter will be that way some day. After all, she is her mothers daughter.

Boo To You!

In October 2006 my mom and I attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. This was the first "ticketed" party I went to at WDW. It was amazing! The Magic Kingdom transforms into a kid friendly Spooky Kingdom. The ghosts, ghouls and villains come out to play and some even hand out candy. Most people that attend, dress up for the party.

On this night, we dressed up as nurses. It was easy and probably the coolest thing we could come up with. Orlando was setting record highs that week - boy was it H-O-T!! Best part about my costume was the "Boo To You" socks I found before I left home.

There are special fireworks that night, "Happy Hallo-Wishes" and the best parade around, "Mickey's Boo To You Halloween Parade". The parade starts with the Headless Horseman galloping down the street. You better act fast if you want to get a picture of him.

Floats feature Disney Villains that you don't see that often in the parks and of course your favorite Disney characters dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. But the best of the best are the Haunted Mansion Gravediggers. They walk with their shovels, do a little dance and then before you know it they have sparks flying from scraping the shovels on the ground. Looks pretty cool!

Of course there are character meet and greets throughout the park.

One of the last places we stopped that night was to see Rafiki, King Louie and Terk in Adventureland. Terk looked in my bag and saw that I didn't have much candy. I guess he didn't like that because he took my bag and filled it. And I didn't have the small bag they hand out. I had an orange canvas bag that my mom decorated just for the party.

By the time we left that night I think we had over 6# of candy.

Someday I'll get back to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party but for now I guess I'll have to watch the DVD I have of it and relive the memories.

A few more photos

Can you see my ears?





THE END!!

Sorry but.....

....we interrupt this trip report to bring you some breaking news. I HATE LAZY PEOPLE!!! Is it really that hard to walk a few more feet and push the cart all the way into the cart corral? I mean really, it's a beautiful day and you just hardly push the cart TO the corral. Why can't you put it into the corral and push it into the cart ahead of it. And people wonder why half the time the carts are out in the driving lane. Ok-complaining is over. We know return you to your scheduled trip report reading.

WDW Day 4: It's sad to say goodbye!!

The last day is always the hardest for me. But this time it was even harder because:

1. I was extremely tired

2. I was going to miss spending all my time with my friends

After I packed and checked my bags I walked around the resort one more time before meeting up with the gang for breakfast at Boma's. I wasn't feeling well so I didn't eat too much. After breakfast, we all decided to sit around the fire pit and chat. It was nice just sitting there with all of them talking about everything and anything. Pat even pointed out a Hidden Mickey to me. Can you see it?

During our group session, Lou recorded a recap of the weekend for the WDWRadio Show. Check it out http://www.wdwradio.com/content/view/136/1/ . Then it was time to go our separate ways. We all had different places we wanted to go, so we sadly said our goodbyes.

I jumped in the car and headed over to EPCOT for the Food and Wine Festival. Of course once I got to EPCOT I had to see my favorite person one last time.

Before I even left home, I said I was going to try escargot this year. I headed towards France to get them.

I will say they weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be. But I will also say that I probably won't ever eat them again. I think it's one of those foods you have to try once and only once. It was really hot out and there were a ton of people around. I can't eat when it's that hot. So the escargot was the only thing I ended up eating at the F&W festival. Pretty sad!

I walked around a while longer and then decided it was time to head towards the airport. As I was heading towards the front of the park, they had the bridge up and were bringing out the barges for Illuminations that night. Pretty cool to see.

On the way to the airport I saw a rainbow. It was raining when I got there, but not too much. I turned in my car and checked in at the Southwest counter. Now here is the funny part, this was my first time flying Southwest so after I went through security I jumped on the tram to the gates. I get on the tram, the doors close and I look up and realize I got on the wrong tram!! I couldn't believe it! So I decided that I would just stay on it and go back and switch trams. Well first off, the TSA guy was pounding on the window telling me to get off the tram. I told him I got on the wrong tram and needed to go back. He didn't look to happy about it. So I go back and think i can just walk across to the correct tram. NOPE!! I have to go back through security to get to the right one. This kinda upset me because I just went through security. But I can understand and it is for my safety that they made me go back through. At least this time there was no one in line and I breezed right through. Although I think I got a few funny looks for the agents that just saw me go through earlier. What can I say, I like to take off my shoes and take half the crap out of my bag.

I usually fly USAir and when I go through security to get to those gates the tram is the one right there so it was easy for me to think the same thing. Oh well, it was a good story to tell. My flight was fine. Even lucked out getting an exit aisle seat. Since I landed late I stayed over in Pittsburgh that night. When I woke up I was back in the real world again-YUCK!

How many days till Dec. 4th??

WDW Day 3 Part 2: The Expedition Everest Challenge

The time had come that we were all waiting for. The reason we had all gathered in WDW-The Expedition Everest Challenge. The Challenge is a 5k race, obstacle course and scavenger hunt. We met up in the lobby of AKL and then drove over to Animal Kingdom. There were a ton of people already there when we got there. We decided we'd find out what waves we were going to be in. Glenn and I were in Wave One, Lou and Deanna in Wave Six and Steve and Val were in Wave 8. They were going to start the waves 5 minutes apart. I was glad and nervous to be in the first wave. Glad to not have to wait, nervous because I knew everyone was going to fly past me. We headed over to check our bags and on the way there I ran into a friend of mine that I met in May when I was in WDW for Minnie marathon weekend. Colleen joined our group, we checked our bags, took some pictures, took a bathroom break and then all went our separate ways. Since Glenn, Colleen and I were in the same wave we lined up together.

There was music to entertain us and Jamie Clark talked about Everest for a little bit and then the 5 minute countdown started. I decided to sit down and stretch for a bit. What a mistake that was. It was so stinkin' hot that my butt was burning! The 60 second countdown started and I could see our WDWRadio cheerleader, Pat on the side getting her camera ready. I told Glenn that we needed to get over to the side so we could wave to her as we went by.

5-4-3-2-1, fireworks and off we went. I have been training for the 1/2 marathon so running was easy for me. Glenn, on the other hand, is not training for the marathon so he didn't realize how much cardio is involved in running. So Glenn and I decided we'd run for awhile and walk for awhile. The first mile was pretty much running the outside of the parking lot and ended right at the ticket booth of Animal Kingdom.

The second mile took you inside the park and backstage. We we behind Kilimanjaro Safari. We even saw the rhino house.

Mile 3 went from backstage to running through Asia to the backside of Dinosaur. After the 5k part of the challenge we had to get to the obstacle course.

Which was at the back parking lot. As we were running to it, we passed the last wave of runners getting ready to start. We saw our friends Andy and Anne waiting to go. It was fun watching them start the race.

The obstacle course started out with hurtles that were probably about 4' high. A cargo net that you had to go up and over. A balance beam that was maybe 30' long and them a net that you had to crawl under. Overall, the course was fun. I'm glad I did it and didn't bypass it like others had done. After the obstacle course, we got our passports with our clues in them. Our passports were different which made it interesting. I won't bore you with the clues we both had but the scavenger hunt part was great fun. It was even more fun watching everyone trying to figure out their clues. I think there were 8 different versions of passports. Once we had all our clues figured out we headed to the finish line and got our medals!! I am so proud of Glenn for beating the Yeti!

We went and got our bags, changed our of our sweating clothes and waited for the rest of our group. As we waited, we ran into Jamie Clark. He signed our race bibs and posed for photos. He's a really nice guy.

It wasn't long before the rest of our group finished and we went and partied it up in Animal Kingdom. I never rode Everest at night so that was a different experience. Pretty cool riding it then. We grabbed a bite to eat and then rode Dinosaur twice. And before the night ended rode Everest one more time. It was about midnight when we left the park---exhausted.

But what an amazing night it was!

WDW Day 3: I WON!!!

Day 3 started out at the Animal Kingdom. Have I mentioned yet how much I love my AAA parking pass!!! It took me right up front. I think I was closer than where the buses drop you off. It was really cool driving past the obstacle course for Saturday night festivities. But more on that later. Usually the first thing I have to do when I get to Animal Kingdom is go see my favorite bouncy, trouncy, pouncy TIGGER!!! I've been in WDW for 2 days now and this was the first time I got to go see him. He loved my Tigger tattoos.

After visiting Tigger I headed over to Camp Mickey-Minnie. When I visit WDW I like to play Fairy Godmailer and have the characters sign postcards or greeting cards for my daughter and her friends or I send them to friends that I know will be visiting soon. This time I had Halloween cards for them to sign. I was going to start with Goofy when I looked over at Donald Duck and noticed the Dream Squad hanging out. So I headed that way first. After I visited Donald I came upon a Dream Squad member and asked him if he was going to give me something that was going to make me dance. At which point I did a little jig for him. He laughed and went through his "you won" script. I WON A DREAM FASTPASS!!! I jumped up and down in excitement. Of course I wasn't about to use it. It's the ultimate souvenir.

After getting the rest of the gang to sign my cards I wandered around for awhile, grabbed a drink and some popcorn. I started my way to Everest when I came across Devine. She is so beautiful and elegant. I know if I had her job I'd fall flat on my face. I snapped a few photos of her and kept on my merry way.

There was a Photopass guy taking picture with you in front of Everest so I had to stop there. After he took my picture I heard someone yelling my name. There was Pat, Lou, Deanna, Virginia and Tony. They were heading to ride Everest so I joined the group and off we went. We decided to get in the single rider line. I think we waited just as long in at as we would've the stand by line. Oh well, riding Everest with friends is fun no matter how long the wait is. After our ride we all headed over to Flaming Tree BBQ because Lou was having a little meet and greet there.

When we arrived there were already people there waiting for us. We grabbed a bunch of tables and took turns getting our food. About 20 people or so showed up for it. It was nice making new friends and catching up with some old ones. If you listened to me on the WDWRadio podcast you'll know that Lou was picking on me about not seeing Blazing Saddles. So I had to pick back...Candygram for Mongello! Lou thought it was funny and as always I had to give him his M&Ms.

After the meet I headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping and then went back to AKL for some rest before the Everest Challenge.

Up next: Run Glenn Run..don't let the Yeti get you.

WDW Day 2: I Don't Know What I'm Doing.

Day 2 started bright and early It was hard getting out of bed with only 5 hours of sleep. I got ready for the day and waited for Glenn to check into AKL. On this day I had to check out of the lodge part and check into the villas part since I was using my DVC points for the next 2 nights. Kinda a pain in the butt but whatever. Glenn arrives and I take care of business and we head out the door to MK. This is where I thought we were going to do one thing and didn't end up doing it at all. See, I decided we should park at EPCOT because I thought we'd go to MK, go to EPCOT and then go get our race packets around 2:00. Well, we parked at EPCOT but never made it back to EPCOT till it was time to go get our race packets.

Anyways, we park at EPCOT and get on the monorail to MK to meet up with some friends. The park was decorated for Halloween and looked beautiful. I was wishing I was going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, but knew it wasn't going to fit into the schedule. As we entered into the MK the Dapper Dans were standing on the back of the trolley so we hopped on. I love listening to them sing. As we rode up Main Street we saw our friends waiting for us outside the ice cream shop. After we eat breakfast with them we rode a few rides. I don't think we waited more than 10 minutes to ride anything. The AllEars crew was having a meet and greet outside Haunted Mansion so we went over there to meet up with others. I met a bunch of new people and had a great time riding HM with all my friends. I've always loved this ride but the refurb just makes it even more enjoyable.

After lunch at Columbia Harbour House, Glenn and I headed back to EPCOT (read-Lori is an idiot here) to get the car. On the way out of MK one of the cast members was making a Mickey with water on the street. Pretty cool.

We drove to Wide World of Sports and timed it so the crowd would be gone. And it was. Glenn was excited that his race number was #5. It made him feel special. I was #93. Jamie Clark was there talking about Everest. See, he had climbed Everest (the real mountain not the ride) once and was going back to do it again. They had a banner there for everyone to sign and he was going to take it with him on his next climb.

After we looked around for awhile we decided to head back to AKL to relax before dinner. Of course when we got there Glenn's room was ready but mine wasn't. I shopped around the gift shop for awhile and then called to check again. It was ready then and off I went to check out my new digs. The villa was gorgeous! BIG comfy bed and the view was nice too.

After relaxing for a little it was time to head over to Boardwalk for dinner at The Flying Fish with some friends. Glenn and I get there but our friends were nowhere to be found. It turned out that Glenn thought dinner was at 7:00 but it was really at 8:00. So we headed into EPCOT for awhile. Long enough to see the British Invasion group and for me to have Alice sign a book for my daughter.

Dinner at Flying Fish was nice. It's always great getting to spend time with friends. I had the salmon. It was delicious but it really could've been warmer. After dinner, we walked along the boardwalk for awhile.

Some of us went back to the AKL to meet up with others at Victoria Falls, the resort bar. I was way too tired to have a drink so I didn't really stay long.

But Brian looked like he was having fun.

Day 3: I WON!!!

WDW Day 1: The Fun Begins! part 2

I arrived back at AKL and gave my car to the valet. Using the valet service is my favorite perk

of being a DVC member. It makes me feel special. I check to see if my room is ready and it is. I was really excited to see my room since this was the first time staying at AKL. My room was beautiful! I even saw a few animals and could see the construction of Kidani Village going on. Since I was moving to the villas the next morning I didn't really unpack much. I just relaxed for a little bit and freshened up for the evening.

The night ahead consisted of dinner at Raglan Road with Lou, Deanna, Pat, Greg (aka DOC), Geri (Mrs. DOC) and two of Greg's friends, Nancy and Rose and myself. They must've thought we were going to be trouble because they sat us in a back corner of the restaurant. I ordered the Heaven on Earth which was baby back ribs in a honey glace. Very tasty! But the best part was dessert. Sticky toffee pudding --it really should be called "Heaven on Earth" YUMMY!!

After our tummies were full we headed to Pleasure Island for one last Hoopla at Adventure's Club. When we arrived the place wasn't quiet busy....yet. We grabbed a few drinks and headed downstairs. Within a 1/2 hour or so the place really started filling up.

At one point we decided we'd head for the Treasure Room and wait awhile for one of the shows. Needless to say we never did make it to a show in The Library. Our group just stayed in the Treasure Room all night and hung out and talked. A few others popped in and out throughout the night. Ryan, Aileen, Lisette and Dan all stopped in for a drink or two or three.

And of course, Lou was surrounded by women the whole time. Hey Lou...where's Deanna?

Pat having some fun!

After awhile we headed over to 8Trax for some dancing. Deanna loves to dance and you can't go wrong with 80's music.

Everyone now Y-M-C-A!

It was a great way to start the trip. Although going to bed around 2 am after being up since 3:45 am the morning before was hard. Getting out of bed a few hours later was even harder.

Next up: Day 2: I Don't Know What I'm Doing!