Disneyland -- 4 Ways

Have you heard? You probably have...but THIS YEAR, you can get into Disneyland FREE on your birthday.
So, THIS YEAR, instead of the usual birthday thing, we decided to take all of our kids individually to Disneyland on their own birthday - since we can fly for free & all. Instead of adding to our kids' growing toy mess...er...uh...collection, we would make memories! This would replace the usual presents, parties, decorations, desserts, & Family dinners out (it almost cost the same amount.) Matt & I got our tickets on eBay each time and saved 50% or more over buying them at the gate for 1-day. We either flew out the morning of or the night before our child's birthday, depending on the flight times, and then we stayed at Disneyland all day/evening on their birthday, stayed at a hotel that night, then flew home the next day. On the first two trips, we took Baby Brookelle with us since she was still nursing. She made it to Disneyland TWICE before she saw her first birthday! When you check in for your "Disneyland Birthday," they give you a button to wear that let's everyone know, "It's My Birthday!" and it has your name on it. The "cast members" must have all been trained to notice you because they wish you a "Happy Birthday!" by name all day. We told our kids that This was their day...and they got to do whatever they wanted, and we would follow!

We just got back from our last trip and I'm happy to say our 2009 Birthday Plan was a success! I had a little nagging fear that something would happen (you know me & Murphy!) that would get in the way of fulfilling this for everyone! And then that child would be discussing it with their shrink later in life.
Even though we went 4 times this year, I'd have to say that EACH time was a different experience...because - and I learned this even more on these trips - EACH child of mine is different, too!

1st Trip - February 25, 2009 - Ryan's 13th Birthday

Hours of operation: Disneyland - 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m., California Adventure - 10:00 a.m.-6:00p.m.

hours we were there: arrived about 11:15a.m. and stayed until the final moment.

His "Plan": "I'm not even stepping foot in Toontown!"

"We are passing right on by the Tiki Room!"

"I'm going on all the BIG RIDES at both parks!"

(We didn't even go into Fantasyland either since Matterhorn was closed!)

The Rides/Attractions: Autopia

Space Mountain x 2

Star Tours (and then back again since my cell phone fell out on the ride - and it was still there! phew!)

Indiana Jones

Splash Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Pirates of the Caribbean

California Screamin' x 2

Soarin' over California

Grizzly River Run

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Maliboomer

Mulholland Madness

While Matt & Ryan went over to California Adventure, I stayed in Disneyland (we only had 2 "hopper" tickets, the b-day one is a "1-park" ticket) and took Brookelle on King Arthur's Carrousel, Storybook Land Canal boats, & "it's a small world." Then when I went to California Adventure with Ryan (to go on the rides Matt can't handle), Matt slept w/ Brookelle on a bench.

What We Ate: (He didn't want to waste much time doing this)

Chicken @ the Golden Horseshoe

Dole Whip

Steak Dinner off-property after closing

What We Did: Rides, Rides, Rides! Go, Go, Go!

Our Experience: Disneyland seemed smaller to us -- because we were getting places so fast. We didn't stop the whole day, we decided to go somewhere and we went straight there! (None of this waiting around for all the little kids - something I had never experienced when with my whole family in the past.) We were just trying to "Beat the Clock" all day. When Matt walked by crowds gathered around Disney characters, he said, "I'm so glad we don't have to stand/wait in line for THAT!" When others said, "Happy Birthday!" to Ryan, he responded with an enthusiastic, "Thank You!" He even started wishing others with the birthday badge on a "Happy Birthday!" There was not a ton of people there, so they were running their rides on a "skeleton crew" - like fewer cars/trains/sections of the ride were operating, so we still had some lines because a lot of people couldn't get through quickly. It was warm in the day (capris, shorts, & short sleeves) and cool enough for a jacket at night.Obviously, we were too "busy" to take many pictures on Ryan's day, so I'll include one of him at the airport.

This trip describes Ryan's Personality: risk-taker, fun-driven, intense, sociable, carefree, over-the-top, gutty, comfortable being in the lime light

2nd Trip - April 8, 2009 - Haylee's 7th Birthday

{Does that date scream, "Spring Break!" to you? It was. And I've never seen that many people there before!}

Hours of Operation: Disneyland - 8:00a.m.-12:00 midnight, California Adventure - 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m.

hours we were there: 9:00a.m. to 9:20p.m. (and that was pushing it to get her to stay that long!)

Her "Plan" - "We get to do what I say!"

She bragged ahead of time that she was going to go on Space Mountain & California Screamin' (but she didn't since we wasted...er..uh..ran out of time.)

She'd say, "I wanna go to _____________" (and then change her mind on our way there or when we arrived.)

Help Brookelle have a good time, too!

At one point she said she wanted to stay in Toontown ALL DAY.

The Rides/Attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean (with her head hidden in my lap)

Splash Mountain x 2 (using the child switch pass)

Jungle Cruise

Chip 'n Dale Treehouse

Donald's Boat

Goofy's Playhouse

Mickey's house

Minnie's House

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (1 hr. 5 min. wait) - but Haylee "changed her mind" half-way through when she saw the "Star Wars Training Academy" starting next to us. Matt took her to see that while I continued to inch my way forward in line. They came back to enjoy the ride without the full wait.

Pinocchio's Daring Journey

Mad Tea Party

Alice in Wonderland

Matterhorn x 2 (child switch pass)

"it's a small world"

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Storybook Land Canal Boats

Disney Princess Fantasy Faire ( 1 hr. 30 min. wait!)

Monsters, Inc

When Matt & Haylee went into California Adventure, I stayed out while Brookelle slept in her stroller.

What We Ate: (I started to wonder if this was what she thought you do at Disneyland!)

Pizza in Toontown

Churros

Icees

All-Day Lollipop

Nacho Cheese Doritos

A Big, honkin' Turkey Leg

What We Did: We spent the entire morning in Fantasyland. She was disappointed that the only 3 princesses she got to see after the hour & a half wait were Princess Ariel, Snow White, & Mulan. We spent the next few hours in Toontown. She only went over to California Adventure for one single ride. We "shopped" in gift shops x 4! We saw/watched baby ducks & their mommy in 3 different ponds - and she begged for a pet duck...or 15.
She wanted to play with Brookelle - I told her I had it taken care of because, afterall, she was suppose to be enjoying her Day at Disneyland! We had to make a rule that she couldn't buy a toy 'til the end of the day (since she might change her mind.) When she did buy her toy, she wanted to go to the hotel and play with it - we had to remind her that We Were At Disneyland!

Our Experience: We moved along slowly. It took us 23 minutes to walk to/from our hotel that was only a block away! When the baby couldn't go on the ride, she chose Matt to go with her every time. We had to force her to agree to go with me when we got a "child switch pass." She wanted to leave early - we saw the fireworks on our walk back to the hotel -- but she was "asleep" in Matt's arms already. She wanted to keep getting treats. When others wished her a "Happy Birthday," she shyly smiled & giggled, but was very pleased. It was cooler weather - we wore a jacket or long sleeves most of the day/evening.

This trip describes Haylee's Personality: distractable, sentimental, brave, wants instant gratification, cute, attention-seeker, fanciful, Daddy's Girl

3rd Trip - October 20, 2009 - Kyle's 10th Birthday

Hours of operation: Disneyland - 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m., California Adventure - 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.

hours we were there: 10:45a.m. to 8:00p.m.

His "plan": "I'm staying away from Toontown & Fantasyland" (but much to his dismay, he found out that the Matterhorn was technically in Fantasyland and so he DID enter!)

He did not express much else (true to Kyle form.)

The Rides/Attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean x 2

Jungle Cruise x 2

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (kind of "tricked into" this one)

Pirate's Lair (explored there for over an hour!)

Matterhorn

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Star Tours

Innoventions (hung out in there for over an hour!) My absolute 1st Time ever in there!

"it's a small world" (only because I "pretty please-d" him)

Soarin' over California

Grizzly River Run x 2

Indiana Jones - as the "Grand Finale"- and because we made him! ;)

What We Ate: Corn on the Cob

Dole Whip

Kettle Corn

Dinner at Rain Forest Cafe in Downtown Disney (as he put his head down on the table & almost fell asleep)

What We Did: We moved through the park casually & INefficiently (we went on ONE ride that was on one side of the park & then would walk across to the other side for the next ride.) Kyle studied "the map" for ONLY rides/attractions that interested him. He "passed" on many. Matt & I waited as Kyle "explored" different caves & hideouts in the Pirate's Lair until he'd gotten his fill. In Innoventions, Kyle found a touch screen chess game that he played for a good long while. He played a game of "computerized" soccer with me, too. (Even though he says that's not HIS sport anymore - and explains why I won!) We asked if he wanted to go on numerous different rides - and he declined....We COULD NOT get him to go on Autopia, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion Holiday, or Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (for Halloweentime) even though we asked over & over again. We also spent time in Downtown Disney (even though that didn't require an admission pass & our Disneyland hours were ticking away - but it was HIS day, right?!?) and visited Kyle's dream store - The Lego Store.

Our Experience: This is my first time ever in my adult life going to Disneyland WITHOUT a child 2 yrs. & under AND WITHOUT a stroller. (It was very free-ing, but no stroller = no place to put your "stuff.") It was "Halloweentime" at Disneyland. Kyle didn't even want to wear the "birthday badge" for everyone to see (but we made him.) When others wished him a "Happy Birthday, he kept a straight face, looked down or away, & softly mumbled, "Thanks." (because his mom made him.) Kyle asked questions about the intensity/recklessness of the rides FIRST - he definitely wanted to make "well-informed" decisions about this. Whenever we were somewhere that they needed a "volunteer" from the audience, they called on the "birthday" people a lot, so Kyle would always cover up his "birthday badge" with his hand when they started calling for people. Kyle always chose Dad to ride with him. Kyle opted to leave early since there was "nothing else he'd like to do and so we might as well go eat dinner." The fireworks must've gone off when we were in the restaurant. The weather was 80 degrees! We only put our jacket on the last hour or so (but hauled them around all day!) The lines were pretty much all 10 minutes or less.

This trip describes Kyle's personality: meek & mild, thoughtful, cautious, humble, introvert, does not like to be the center of attention, imaginative, strategic

4th (& final) Trip - November 4, 2009 - Katelyn's 5th Birthday

Hours of Operation: Disneyland - 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m., California Adventure - 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.

hours we were there: 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m. (The whole entire time!)

Her "plan": She got our past Disneyland maps out of my scrapbook stuff and studied them. She had a list all ready of the order she was going to do things, starting with the Tea cups, then Dumbo. (although we did make an "executive decision" to start off with Nemo to avoid a longer wait!) If we ever made a suggestion, she replied, "It's MY Birthday!" to remind us of our deal.

The Rides/Attractions: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (a SHORT 25 min. wait)

Disney Princess Fantasy Faire (a shorter 50 min. wait)

Disneyland Railroad x 2

Pirates of the Caribbean x 2

Splash Mountain

Dumbo

Mad Tea Party

King Arthur Carrousel x 3

Peter Pan's Flight

Pinocchio's Daring Journey

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Snow White's Scary Adventures

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon spin

Gadget's Go Coaster

Mickey's House

Minnie's House

Goofy's Playhouse

Donald's Boat

Autopia

Monsters, Inc x 2

Francis' Ladybug Boogie

Flik's Flyers

Tuck & Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train

Soarin' Over California

Matt went back to the hotel to get our jackets for the evening (we didn't want to carry them all day this time) while Katelyn & I went into California Adventure.

What We Ate: (She didn't ask for any food)

Lunch at the Blue Bayou (I had never eaten here before, but heard so much about it, so another "executive decision" was made & I made reservations a couple of weeks before we left.) We got a table RIGHT ON the water, at the point that jets out the furthest - we couldn't get any closer - without waiting for it, either. The food filled us up so much, we didn't need to eat the rest of the day at the park.

Then we had dinner & ice cream at an off-property DQ after closing.

What We Did: A Lot! She was like a kid in....Disneyland!! :) We did do the Disney Character thing in addition to rides. Katelyn got to see Cinderella, Princess Ariel (her new favorite), and Jasmine in the Princess Fantasy Faire...and then when we were in there, they did a switch with Sleeping Beauty & Snow White, so she got "5 Princesses for the price of 3!" She also met Mickey, Minnie, & Goofy, but she passed on Mr. & Mrs. Incredible. We happened upon the parade route in California Adventure right before it started, so we stopped and watched the Pixar Play Parade (on the front row) - and she chased the bubbles afterwards.

Our Experience: I've always said that 5 years old is THE PERFECT age for a child to go to Disneyland. In fact, we have always planned our family Disneyland trips around when we have a 5 yr. old up until now (and we will make sure to go when Miss B is 5, also.) It's perfect for a few reasons...1) It's just more "magical" for a 5 yr. old than any other age, I've noticed. 2) They are tall enough to go on just about EVERY ride (except Indiana Jones & California Screamin'.) and 3) They can actually WALK around the Park by themselves - no stroller, no parent carrying them needed! (and that's a BIG reason alone, right there!) So, true to my "5 yr. old Theory," Katelyn had an absolute MAGICAL time. I don't think she ever walked, though. She skipped, and lept, and ran in place in excitement! She jumped, and clapped, and pretended to fly like an airplane. She twirled, and did some dance movements, and boy, did she ever GRIN!! She even was talking like a "baby" - not sure WHY she was doing that, except that maybe she WAS our only "baby" with us for the moment? Whenever she spotted a character, she made a LOUD announcement about it and pointed. When she was told, "Happy Birthday!" she would smile BIG, maintain eye contact with them (for a while) and sweetly say, "Thank you."
In some places, the Park was empty! I'm serious! It was empty, I tell ya.

Probably because they are "in between" events. There were a couple of Halloween decorations/props still up and some of the Christmas stuff was going up, too. In fact, "it's a small world" was closed for the "holiday revamp." (much to our disappointment.)
We literally walked on to both Splash Mountain & Pirates - not just walked to the front of the line, but walked straight onto the boat that was ready & waiting for us - without stopping - now, that's never happened to me on those rides before! Of course, Katelyn always chose Dad to ride with/sit by as well. Because of daylight savings, the sun set quite early, so jackets were needed earlier and we didn't have a lot of warm hours in the middle of the day. There were no fireworks at all that night. Katelyn is the child who needed Disneyland to stay open 'til midnight on her day because she could've made it! We ran onto the last ride at 2 minutes before closing and then as we exited the Park, tears filled her eyes and were brimming over - she just was so sad to have it all end! This trip describes Katelyn's personality: bright & happy, passionate, loud, enthusiastic, tender-hearted, easy-going, friendly, craves justice, affectionate, doesn't forget.

So, after 4 trips in 8 1/2 months, we think we got a pretty good handle on the freeways, shortest line secrets, hotels in reasonable walking distance and we found some favorite places to eat.
We also enjoyed having this alone time with our children - amazing how well-behaved they can be when they have all your attention & time...and there's no one to fight with...AND they get to "call the shots" and pretty much get to do whatever they wanted! :) The kids totally loved their time with DAD! They just don't get to be with him as much as they are with me...or is it that they just find me plain repulsive?!? :) Only when a child [Ryan] needed someone with a tolerance for "thrill rides" was I good for anything! (And orchestrating/planning/following through with this whole PLAN in the first place, of course!)

As far as the best time to go to Disneyland? October & November were a "tie." October had better weather & longer daylight, but November had better lines. (As long as Oct. is a non-UEA time a.k.a. "Utah Escapes to Anaheim" & November is a non-Thanksgiving week.) I'd rank February as 3rd, and April (Spring Break) was 4th (last). But, I've been there during "Halloweentime" three times over the years, so I kind of want something different.

*****

There's still a little time left of this Birthday offer...so, hurry and go before 2009 is over (if you have a Nov./Dec. b-day, that is!)

Opening my Mind

We made wall clocks at our Super Saturday.

When we were signing up for our projects ahead of time, there was a wall clock on display made by our own "decorating Guru" in our ward. So, of course, it looked fantastic!

It lured me in - and I registered for the class.

We were to provide our own paint color of choice, but I just found out the EXACT color & brand that the "example" had been made with. (Since I figured if it was going to look good, it had to look like that one.)

Much to my dismay, when I went to Robert's Craft Store, that color was no where to be found! So, I got another paint that was as close to a medium beige-ish that I could find (that's how her paint color was described.)

And then I fretted about it, since it wouldn't look just like the "model."

I came to Super Saturday and would not get started right away because I still wasn't sure about the color.

This is so stupid, huh?!?

Well, another lady at my table had brought some pink & green paint with her to try out along with her color in the medium beige-ish family.

And then it hit me...Could I do another color besides medium beige? Could I do COLOR - period? It had never occurred to me before since I was "STUCK" on following the "example."

I LIKE RED. I really am quite fond of it. My mind started turning. Why didn't I ever consider doing any other color? I knew I had some "Barn Red" paint at home, so I went home to fetch it.

It was a pretty bold decision to make a 24" Wall clock in a COLOR other than "medium beige" but I was going for it. And it was kind of exciting!

There was only 1/2 a bottle left, so we barely made it. And this is how it turned out:

{Either my camera - or the photographer - needs help, but I could not get a photo without a glare on the clock!}

At first, mine was the only COLORED clock amongst a sea of beiges & browns. As I was painting it, I was questioning whether or not I should've done it! But, everyone really liked it. Others even said they wished they would've done it. Another gal even decided to do RED because she saw mine! I actually wasn't sure I liked it for a while, but now that it's been in my home for a week - I DO!

It really got me thinking...I was so closed-minded about how to do the project that I didn't even consider any other color besides the one on display until the very last minute. In this case, my "thinking outside the box" turned out to be delightful! How many other times & situations have I not been able to "open my mind" and see multiple possibilities and solutions? What amazing things have I missed out on because I put my creativity to a standstill? Have I been hindered by my "medium beige thinking" that everything has to be done a certain way - that there is no other way?

That reminds me, I had a mission companion from the South and she had all kinds of great sayings (which, of course, I'd never heard of before, and required translation) but one she'd frequently say is.... with her accent,

"Sis-tah, There's more than one way to skin a cat!"

And I found one - and I hope I do it more often.

Kids Say the Darndest Things - October '09 Edition

Taken from the sidebar...

We were talking about doctors & hospitals...
Ryan: "So, why was Haylee in the hospital for so long?"
Haylee "Because I have problems!" 10/09

Haylee: "Will you make your Mint Brownies again?"
Me: "They're too many points."
Haylee: "I don't like your points! When are you going to STOP doing your points?"
Me: "When I'm skinny."
Haylee: "You're already skinny."
Me: "No I'm not."
Haylee: "You're skinny enough!" (pause) "What about donuts? Do you think they're too many points?" 10/09

I was holding Katelyn in my lap, cradling her like a baby, and we were looking into each other's eyes..
Me: "You're getting so big, you don't even fit anymore! Your legs stretch way past my lap!"
Katelyn: (giggles)
Me: "Is it OK if I still cuddle you like a baby?"
Katelyn: (smiling & nodding, talking like a baby) "Uh huh!"
Me: "Do you like it?"
Katelyn: (cuddling in closer, looking content, in "baby talk") "Yes!"
Me: "Will you promise to still let me do this when you're a teenager?"
Katelyn: "How much longer is that?"
Me: "About 8 years."
Katelyn: "Then, No, you can't!"
Me: "Why not?"
Katelyn: "You'll be a GRANDMA by then!" 10/09

I'm a Mean Ol' Witch with a Hat...

I've had this Halloween decoration hanging on my wall at home this month.

Sometimes it looks like this....

And sometimes it looks like this...

I am not changing it.
I wonder who secretly IS?

And which member of my household they are referring to? :0

The Tooth Fairy - Redeemed!

Up until now, the Tooth Fairy has NEVER come in a timely manner when our kids have lost teeth and put them under their pillows! The nerve! Nope, the "morning after" has always brought disappointment as our kids have looked under their pillows to find....NO money, but only their tooth - still there! Frequently, the "morning after" the "morning after" has resulted the same. It's so bad that sometimes a week goes by with no visit! The kids are really starting to think that the Tooth Fairy is SOOO DUMB! (I would have to agree!) I can't remember for sure, (READ: I'm in denial) but we may have had times when the Tooth Fairy never did come for a certain tooth, so the kids eventually gave up & the tooth was lost or discarded or misplaced or something. Like I said the Tooth Fairy is retarded! I have tried to make all kinds of excuses in the Tooth Fairy's behalf, to better their opinion of him/her (which is it?)

The Tooth Fairy won't come if the child isn't in bed by a certain time.

The Tooth Fairy must've had too many other children's houses to go to last night.

Maybe the Tooth Fairy tried to come, but he/she couldn't trod through this messy room!

The Tooth Fairy IS getting older, I mean he/she was around when I was a little girl (and came the 1st night back then), he/she might be "losing it" these days!

Maybe he/she doesn't want a tooth with a cavity in it.

_________(fill in the blank w/ any cock & bull story) must've held him/her up!

Oh, you put your tooth in a ziploc bag, so the Tooth Fairy couldn't "follow the scent" of the enamel (or whatever it is they smell.)

I don't know! I pretend to not be associated with such a neglectful creature at all.

BUT, Last night Haylee lost a tooth while Matt & I were at the temple, so Ryan put her to bed and she put her tooth under her pillow.
AND, this morning her tooth was gone and money was in it's place! Simple, I know. Probably a common happening at your house, but truly AMAZING at ours! We now have renewed faith in the Tooth Fairy! I guess he/she can keep his/her job for now.

**I think the "visit" might have happened around 5:00 in the morning, but the ending was happy, so who cares?!? :)

Why does she do this to her hair every year...

Right before it's time to get her annual picture taken?!?

**She said that she didn't like that strand of hair hanging down in her eyes...well, it's always "breaking loose" from the hair elastic BECAUSE SHE CUT IT BEFORE and it's not long enough, yet! I guess we need to stay better on top of keeping her hair done! ;)

Graduated from One Course, but May Need to Retake Another

I survived.
I'm done with my JetBlue Training course!
I am really glad it was only temporary. Matt & I agree, we could not handle that kind of schedule long-term. It just doesn't fit with a family.
Nor is it good on my driving competence.

I read in the Reader's Digest (where I get all my nuggets of wisdom) that "The performance of someone who's been awake for 17 hours straight is about the same as if she has a blood alcohol level of 0.05 percent (about two drinks in an hour).

Before I tell you this story, let me just say, I DON'T DRINK. I've never tasted any alcohol - EVER! (I've washed my hair with it - to make it shiny & glorious - but never consumed it!)

You see...One Friday night, after 5 nights in a row of 3 hrs. of sleep due to my training schedule, I left the JB offices at 2:00 in the morning so glad to have the weekend in front of me --I just needed to get home and that blessed time off would start! Well, I discovered (too late) that when you're driving on I-215 North, if you are in the right-hand lane, it will take you off the Interstate automatically and put you on Foothill Dr. Which is where I found myself at approximately 2:10 AM. I did not know exactly how to get back, so I drove here & there on some dark, deserted roads. One [wrong] turn included following a sign with an arrow pointing me to I-80. I found out later that the arrow had been rotated around to be pointing the opposite direction...or maybe I hallucinated the arrows direction? So, around 2:30 AM, I got back on the right freeway. Whew! I was on my way. Only to then see some flashing red & blue lights in my rear view mirror 10 minutes later. As I waited for the cop to approach my car, I wondered what the offense was. I didn't think I was speeding, but that brain fog settles in on my drives home, so I wasn't able to come up with an answer. I was startled by a knock on the passenger door window. There was the cop standing over there! Is this common? Is this what they're doing now? Anyway, after he asked me for my license (good thing I renewed it even though it meant getting a new photo & weight) and registration, we had the following dialog (while shining his flashlight on me the entire time.)

Cop: "Did you know you're drifting around your lane pretty bad?"

I don't remember doing that!

Me: "No." (But, thinking to myself, "Isn't that what the guard rails are for? To bounce back & forth between when driving at insane hours of the morning?")

Cop: "Yeah, you were. In fact, one time I watched you travel half-way into the next lane before you put your blinker on."

I didn't recall that, either!

Me: "Hmmm." (Again, thinking to myself, "Isn't that pretty normal for Utah? No, I guess it's not...most people don't even bother to signal at any time during their lane change!")

Cop: Noticing my JetBlue crew member badge still hanging around my neck... "JetBlue...You coming home from work?"

Me: "Yep."

Cop: "You a pilot or something?"

I was kind of flattered that he'd think I was a pilot! But, then I found out later, from talking to someone else, that if a pilot gets pulled over or a ticket, he can get his Pilot's Licence taken away. I'd never heard that before (I still wonder if it's true? All you "Snopes people" find that out and let me know.)

Me: "No, I'm coming from our Call Center up on....(and then I couldn't come up with the address real quickly, so I just pointed in the SE direction.)

Cop: "Have you been drinking?"

I do know this for sure!

Me: "No."

Cop: (Shining his flashlight around my passenger seat & floor, then stopping on my water mug for a second) "Is there any reason that you're not able to stay in your lane?"

Again, I didn't even remember this happening!

Me: (Thinking, Besides the fact that we've got this construction going on which has narrowed & shifted all the lanes. And the lane lines have been painted, then painted over with black paint, then painted again in a new place and you can never tell which lane is which? AND the fact that only a cement barrier is dividing the north & southbound lanes, so when a big Semi comes the other direction and shines it's bright lights through my children's fingerprint-smudged windshield, it is BLINDING? Not to mention there are no street lights in this stretch of freeway? Or it may just be that it's now 2:50 in the morning and I'm sleep deprived!!!) But, instead I just shook my head, "No."

Cop: "OK - Your car's about 8 feet wide and the lane is about 12 feet" (although, I'd bet the "under construction" lanes are NOT that wide, but I did not say anything! Shocker!) "So, try to drive within the lane."

Me: "Alright." (while nodding my head)

And he was gone.

I got home 3:00AM (still not remembering anything the cop had accussed me of) and Matt was asleep.

The next morning he asked me, "What time did you get home? I tried waiting up for you, but I must've fallen asleep!"

Me: "Yeah...I got home a little bit later than normal last night." (End of conversation)

I did tell him about the "forced turn off," but I kept the suspected DUI incident to myself. You see, I have been with him TWICE recently while he was driving and has been pulled over for "Impaired Driving." (He hadn't been drinking, either.) He doesn't like it when I have "corrected" his driving, but he's the one who the cops think drive poorly enough to be an "Impaired Driver," so I've had some fun with that. My fun would end if he were to find out about Friday Night! :) And we wouldn't want that!

(We'll see just how BIG of a FAN he is of me & my, er...uh..."our" blog...if he comes here & reads, he'll get to be privy to the juicy info!) ;)

My Son, the Radio Announcer

I volunteered at the Jr. High yesterday at "Reality Town." I had to be there at 7:30 in the morning and I was so tempted to just roll out of bed and go in my jammies after 3 hrs. of sleep, but I had Ryan's emotional welfare in mind, so I DID get showered, dressed, & ready before appearing at his school.

Reality Town is a program that provides students with a hands-on simulation in which they make lifestyle and budget decisions, as they take on careers, salaries, families and associated responsibilities of the adult world.

Students come to Reality Town dressed up and are given a career and salary based on their current GPA. They are also given a "life scenario" with a family situation and the assignment to pay all the bills of the month. They are expected to live within the means of their monthly income.

At the end of Reality Town, students [are suppose to] reflect on the experience. Did they save or lose money? Is this how they'd really live? How does education correlate with income? This program is a great way to teach students the importance of budgeting, career choices, math skills, check writing, and other hands on skills. (This is not offered at all schools, we are really lucky to have this program at ours.)

I worked at the "car dealership." The students came to me to purchase their car. The types of cars ranged from old Toyota Camrys (Hey! Mine is awesome!) to new Ford Escape Hybrids. We would also "buy back" their car (for a lower price, of course) if later they returned after finding out that they really couldn't afford it (or the insurance.) We also sold bus passes for those who could not afford a car at all.

It was really fun and entertaining.

Does this dude look like a Radio Announcer?
Because that's the "career" Ryan ended up getting. I was surprised to find out that Radio Announcers do not make a ton of money! I didn't know that. I guess I assumed they did since they're kind of celebrities, aren't they? And "famous people" are rich, right?!

Well, lucky for Ryan, his "wife" brought in $2,000/month to add to their income! I was teasing Ryan about his salary...I wondered WHY with his high GPA, he wasn't making much $$$$. (He had to inform the [shocked] people standing around that I was his Mom, so it would explain my interaction with him - good thing I got dressed!) I guess they were given a list of choices within their "college degree" (based on GPA), and Ryan selected a Pharmacist as his first choice, but there was too much demand, so he got his 2nd or 3rd choice - which really interests him. We learned not all jobs are created equal, even with equal education/degrees. So, you have to weigh it out...would you rather make a lot of money doing something you hate OR make less money doing something you love?

Anyway, I encouraged him to do something about improving his salary. So, he went to his "boss" (the school counselor) and pretty much told her that he was "worth more" than what he was making, being on the High Honor Roll and all. The "boss" agreed and approved a $1,000/month raise for him! :) SWEET!!

There was a "donations" booth where all students had to visit and at least make a $10 donation to some charity. I was proud of Ryan that he paid $442.00 in tithing on his own at this booth when a lot of others were trying to get away with just the bare minimum. He was "blessed" since his bank account ended up in the positive still at the end of the month! :)
He saved money by opting for dial-up Internet and only the basic cable package. I disagree with him on this. I'd rather have DSL/high speed Internet over any T.V. channels - hands down!

Here are some other highlights....

• One "30 Yr. old male" had no formal education, so his monthly pay was a little over $1,000. He came to me and wanted to buy a brand new Toyota Tacoma truck. His "life scenario" indicated that they already had one car that was paid for, but was used by his spouse. This purchase cost him $803! He still had to get housing, pay utilities, groceries, health care, taxes, insurance, etc, etc. I just kind of thought to myself, "Good Luck!" Needless, to say, he came back needing to sell his truck later. He wanted to buy the used Honda Odyssey instead. Because of the price depreciation, that'd only get him $166 more back in his bank account. I strongly suggested the bus pass to him (which I know was out of character and is not a regular car salesman practice). He was not thrilled with this option, but that's the REALITY of what he could afford! :)



• Another "30 yr. old male" had some money left over and was thinking about buying another (3rd) car with it. [Off the record, and out of line, again, for a car salesman, I tried to get him to think of other ways to spend his cash] I asked if he'd gone over to the "Personal Care & Grooming" booth yet and got some salon/spa services for his "wife." His exact words were, "I'm not gonna waste my money on her!" To which I replied, "Well, I just figured out where you'll be spending that extra money! Head on over to the "Health Care" booth since you'll be needing some Marriage Therapy!" :)



• One of my female customers was the sole bread winner in her "family." She indicated to me that her husband was "a bum" and made $0. Because of that she was asking for the cheapest car available. I asked her, "Why did you marry a BUM?!?" She said, "I don't know, but I'm SOOO mad at him! We're gonna have a serious conversation out back tonight. And if he doesn't change, I'm gonna kick him right out of our trashy trailer!" :)



• Heard on the scene at Reality Town - "Can we put up some kids for adoption and get some money back? They cost too much!" ;)



• One guy made a ton of money and was single (maybe that's why he had money?). He mentioned everyone always asks him why he wasn't married, yet. I gave him some "motherly advise" and WARNED him against those "gold diggers" out there! :)



• And last, but not least...I've got a fine catch for any of you out there with, say 9-15 yr. old daughters (my own don't fall in that category, so I'm opening it up to the public.) There was THE CUTEST (for an 8th grader) boy who came to the "car dealership" who happened to be an "Attorney" (thanks to his GPA & prudent career choice) so he made plenty of money! His wife also made $500/month at whatever side job she did, but he said that was just hers to go to lunch with her friends, or go shopping, or go on Girls' Night Outs/retreats/trips, etc! He was buying a Mustang - which he realized was not a practical family car, but they already had another car to use for the family - this was for he & his wife to date in! Did I mention he was CUTE?! He also said he bought his wife manicures and they're going on a cruise! His leftover money is just going to be used as a "safety cushion." He was wearing a "Called to Serve" tie, also! Yes, a very FINE boy - er, uh, "30 yr. old man" indeed.

So, stay tuned...you may be hearing Ryan's voice over the air waves in the future (or will there not be radio in the future?) and y'all can say you knew him (or his Mom) when...

Shhh!...Mama's Trying to Sleep

I've got three days down, seven more to go of my "JetBlue School."

+

We're switching over to a new & improved system at JetBlue and every crew member has to go through a 60 hour, on-site training course on it - and I'm attending my session right now.

My class is from 8:00PM - 2:00AM every night/morning.

Now, before you wonder about the inhumane work environment my employer is subjecting me to - there were many class options to choose from with various times/days of the week offered. And I chose this one. Simply because: a) I need to be home with my little ones during the day. b) I want to be able to have dinner together as a family each evening.

I thought that way would be the most normal for everyone else in my family. But, it's not exactly the easiest thing on ME! My body just doesn't appreciate only 3-4 hrs. of sleep/night for some reason! ;)

I have to drive out to the call center which is FAR away (in my mind, at least, especially since walking downstairs to my home office to work has been the extent of my commute for the past 2+ years!) by the Ski Areas turn off near Cottonwood Canyons. So I leave my home a little after 7PM and return a little before 3AM.

It's a little unsettling when I arrive home after driving the 30 or so miles and I don't really remember it all! I DO frequently envision, what it'll be like to slip into my bed, along the drive home.

And then I try to go to bed...

As visions of confirmation numbers dance in my head.

And navigation keys.

And sub-navigation keys.








And "hot keys."

And Price quotes.

And Trip Summaries....

And...And...And....

(That makes me so mad when I dream about what I already lived through and don't want to think about anymore!)

And then Ryan starts practicing the piano at 6:30AM.

And Matt's alarm goes off shortly after in my bedroom.

And then there's Katelyn running down the [hardwood floor] hall (clomp, clomp, clomp), screaming.

So, I get up and emerge from my bedroom. And my family all says to me, "What are you doing up? You're suppose to be sleeping in!" Yeah, right!

I tell myself I'll sleep during the baby's morning nap (I try and I set my alarm so I can pick Katelyn up from Preschool, but I'm paranoid of being a "no-show" parent, so I keep tossing & looking at the clock during my entire "nap!")

I promise myself I'll sleep during the girls' afternoon nap, but when I lay down...I'm such a freak, that my mind just starts thinking about everything I have to do.

Book a hotel.
Use those tomatoes before they go bad & make salsa.
Go through my baby clothes to give to my [nearly delivering] neighbor.
Clean up.
Halloween decorations.
Shower.
Doctor appts.
Laundry.
Unpack from UEA weekend trip.
Paper work.
Post on my blog about why I may "fall off the blogging world bandwagon" for a while. So, don't be alarmed when I don't read & comment on your blogs (and thus, not know anything that's going on "out there") for a while or post much here.

BECAUSE, I'm always thinking about when I can sleep more...kind of reminds me of when I have a newborn. Fantasizing about sleep. Trying to squeeze it in here & there. Craving sleep. It trumps my need for food...

{Baby Brookelle & me, Summer 2008}

But, the new system will be great for JB...I'll just keep telling myself that until my training is all done! (Which won't end at my "graduation" in two weeks. I'll continue to take e-learnings 2 hrs./week until the beginning of the new year when it all rolls out. I better have it down & learned by then!)

Falling Upon Deaf Ears

THIS would've never happened IF....

My child would've listened to me the past 4 years when I told her repeatedly
NOT to slam the sliding glass door closed.

AND

She would've listened to me throughout the entire weekend when I told her repeatedly,
"Leave your sister alone!"

AND

That same child would've listened to me the previous 10 minutes leading up to the accident when I told her repeatedly to
sit down in her chair and stay there & eat her dinner.

**Sometimes I think our parents & grandparents were on to something when they used the paddle (or belt, or wooden spoon, or foot to the butt) to get us to listen AND obey...& as a result "Learn a Lesson!**

2 Nephi 9:31 is TRUE!! She better shape up! :)

I already knew that heads bleed A LOT, but what I didn't know was that little 16-month old fingers that have nearly been sliced off DO, TOO!! :(

ANYWAY, How was your nice, long UEA weekend?