Sip the Water Slowly

I have returned from Florida alive and kicking. What an adventure! I always seem to forget the relationship I have with Jay vs. the relationship my parents have with each other. They are the prime example that a marriage takes a lot of work! Overall, the trip went well, but I have never been so eager to end a vacation in my life!

...It was a chance of a lifetime. Just the words "Disney after-hours" sparked my interest, and the thought of having the oh so magical kingdom to ourselves at night was very exciting. The park closed to the public at 8 and we had the run of the park until 11. Since this was a business trip for my dad, the IBS (International Builders Society)had paid to keep certain rides open until the late hours. Here is a useful note: My parents are rebel parents. Those that break the rules and always seem to make a scene. I remembering them partying in Sturgis when I was in bed. Anyway, they brought in two bottles of water. One for me and Jay and one for them which I later discovered was a far cry from water! No wonder they were sipping it all night! My dad is an intense person and I am used to them doing stunts like that. I would laugh if some little kid picked up the wrong water bottle and had a tasty surprise. Anywho, Space Mountain was one of the rides my husband (that I am convinced has split personality that is 7 years old) had been looking forward to since we bought our tickets back in July. We had found the indoor coaster Space Mountain and practically ran through the empty halls where a rather long line would have stood. We boarded the coaster without a wait and were soon headed up the tall incline where the chain pulling the coaster made the clicking noises (which no doubt activates the adrenaline of being dropped at an amazing speed). Then the coaster stopped and then there was silence. And more silence. Then, an amazing thing happened. This gigantic dome littered with stars and planets, the very dome that no child had ever imagined Disney actually didn't capture the space for the coaster; lit up. They announced they were having "technical difficulties" and to wait for a host or hostess to help you out of your seat. Even though there weren't many of us, I wondered how many children were crushed by seeing the dirty coaster rails and the patched holes in the ceiling they really thought was a piece of space. Of course, it took a good 20 minutes for them to get us out and it was hard to climb out of a coaster car at a 45 degree incline, but we all managed to escape (including a visitor from Australia sitting with us). My dad proceeded to chew out the manager when he offered us a ticket to ride again without a wait as he thought they should give us all free passes. He again chewed out another innocent lady that was telling people a ride was closed because the IBS decided they didn't want to pay to keep it open. He continued to rant about the Space Mountain episode (of which she had no idea) and at that very moment I wanted to melt (like when the water was poured on the wicked witch).

I don't think I will ever return to the magic kingdom without flashbacks. Makes me thirsty even thinking about it.

Football Again?

I am learning that football is one of my favorite topics. I think I have always known it deep down inside, but have been in denial for many years as I was trying to be the girlie-girl my mother wanted so badly. I was graced with tickets to last Sunday's Broncos game from my old man. Even in freezing weather my spirit wasn't broken. The fans had asked us to cheer louder (as the new stadium doesn't retain sound as well), and boy did we. I don't think I have heard the stadium that loud before. I went home with my lungs feeling abused but with wonderful memories as we tried some really fantastic plays. The fact that we won always helps post-game spirits, but the real accomplishment is how we played. And, we played well. Into the playoffs we go, again to play the Colts on Saturday. I am sure it will be a tough game, but it is the first playoff game we have made it into since Elway left, which I would assume makes the team hopeful.

Enough with the football talk, I am leaving for Florida in 4 days! I am so excited because I have not been on vacation for almost two years. The only bad thing about vacation is coming home and having nothing to look forward to. That is not a problem this time as I am going away for a long weekend for Valentine's Day with a couple of friends. Life feels good at the moment.