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Researcher Wins Prestigious Faculty Fellowship Award
Date: 11/18/2011Contact: Amy Albin (email@example.com)
Phone: (310) 794-8672
Dr. Tumaini Rucker Coker (Studio City), assistant professor of pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, was honored with the 2011 Herbert W. Nickens Faculty Fellowship award from the Association of American Medical Colleges in Denver, CO on Nov. 7.
The award recognizes an outstanding junior faculty member who has demonstrated leadership in addressing inequities in medical education and health care; demonstrated efforts in addressing educational, societal, and health care needs of minorities; and is committed to a career in academic medicine. The recipient receives a $15,000 grant to support his or her academic and professional activities.
Coker was selected for the Faculty Fellowship based on her extensive work in child and adolescent health, including her research in the area of preventive care delivery system redesign for children in low-income urban communities. This award will help add technology-based tools to her community-based research project on preventive care practice redesign.
Coker is also a natural scientist at the RAND Corporation and health services researcher at the UCLA/RAND Prevention Research Center. In addition to her work in pediatric preventive care delivery design, Coker has also examined issues of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in family-centered care; the health and health care of homeless children; perceived racial and ethnic discrimination and its effects on child mental health; racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care utilization; and the health and health care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.
After graduating from Stanford University, Coker earned a concurrent MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a medical degree from the Drew/UCLA Medical Program. She completed her pediatric residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from 2001-2004, and was a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar at the University of Chicago between 2004 and 2006. She joined UCLA and RAND in 2007.
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Weekend Highlights
Most Read
At Home & Living
A YA Novel that Takes You from the Ridiculous to the Devine
Have you ever heard of the Soul Rehabilitation Program for Nefarious Teens (Deceased)? No? Then you probably also don't know that your guardian angel, if you have one, may well be a wayward teen who is just doing his best to escape Hell by looking after you.
That's the case in the novel Devine Intervention. Heidi, a 17-year-old, gawky misfit, thinks she may have multiple personality disorder due to the "voice" she's been hearing in her head as long as she can remember. It's the voice that tells her that "Corn" would be an awesome name for a dog – "Corn Dog, Get it?" – who sings her to sleep with Lynyrd Skynyrd's overwrought "Freebird," and whose words of advice sound more like an annoying older brother than a guardian of her soul.
The real trouble starts when said guardian angel, 17-year-old Jerome, yanks Heidi from her body before she's really dead. Heidi ends up with only 24 hours to tie up the loose ends and say goodbye to her loved ones, while Jerome ends up scrambling to find that Guardian Angel's Handbook: Soul Rehab Edition that might just tell him how to fix the mess he's created before Heidi ceases to exist and he's thrown out of rehab and into some ring of Hell.
Devine Intervention is undoubtedly a funny debut novel from former newspaper reporter, high school teacher, grammarian, and columnist Martha Brockenbrough. But, it's comedy that takes on some serious questions about living. Jerome gets an inkling about what it means to truly care for someone, and Heidi learns a lot about who she really is.
We asked Brockenbrough about her first venture into fiction for teens and what the book – and life – means to her.
SC: How in the heck did you come up with the idea of a wayward, rehab guardian angel?
Brockenbrough: It's not at all the first thing that came to mind, that's for sure. When I was just out of college, a high school friend died of a complication of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She was an amazing person … smart, athletic, beautiful. One of the things a speaker said at her funeral was that they used to talk about "when my life would begin."
Years later, I was teaching high school and many students would say the same thing. And it struck me that we are often waiting for our real lives to begin, or at least for some other time to do what we most want to do. The huge tragedy is when people die with the true work of their lives left undone. If that happened to me, I can imagine that my soul would not want to rest.
That sounds really serious, doesn't it? I didn't want to write something tragic, though. And as I was thinking about my character who dies, I realized the worst possible person to help her through that would be the worst possible guardian angel.
When you have this underlying framework of tragedy, any humor you can put on top will make for a lot of fun. And with heaven as one of the settings, I also got to create a celestial world that pleased me. I mean, who wouldn't want a personal lobby full of vending machines of all your favorite snacks? More seriously, though, I was able to think about heaven as I'd like it to be: a compassionate place with room for people who still have some work to do on their souls.
SC: Gender aside, who is most like you, Heidi or Jerome?
Brockenbrough: I share Heidi's insecurities about public nudity and Jerome's ability to miss the obvious.
I think, though, that all of the book is like me. I filled it with many of the emotional experiences I've had – the feeling that no one's listening to you, that no one really sees you, the agony of having what you care about seem worthless to other people, the feeling that you're a disappointment to someone who matters to you. I think that's what makes good books, where we can recognize feelings we've had. They make these made-up stories feel true. And in some cases, they help us feel more compassion for ourselves and others.
SC: This is a darned funny book; do your kids think you're funny?
Brockenbrough: I just asked them. "Yes," my 11-year-old said. "She's very funny. It is occasionally annoying. Actually, very often. But I love you anyway."
SC: This is your first novel, yes? How long have you been working on this book?
Brockenbrough: I started writing it in late 2009, finished it in 2010, revised through much of 2011, and have been counting the days till it's here ever since. I'm having two parties in Seattle, by the way: one at Secret Garden Books in Ballard at 7 p.m. on June 1, and another at Queen Anne Books on June 10 at 5:30 p.m. Families are welcome, and this book is a good fit for ages 12 and up.
Writing novels does not come easily to me. I wish it were otherwise. I've been writing professionally for more than 20 years, mostly as a journalist, and I've done two nonfiction books for adults. But that's a whole different kind of writing. It's been humbling to have to think so very hard about each sentence, each paragraph, each scene, each chapter. I know people who literally write books in a matter of weeks. I guess it's just a good thing I like hard work.
SC: What's next?
Brockenbrough: I will have a picture book coming out next summer. It's called The Dinosaur Tooth Fairy and it's a tale of unlikely friendship and teeth. After that, I will have a really big, exciting novel set in Seattle in 1937 (with side trips to Paris, Venice). Love, death, jazz music, airplane stunts and an impossible romance: It's a lot of fun. I can't talk any more about it than that yet, but I am having a really good time working on it.
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Devine Intervention
by Martha Brockenbrough
Arthur A. Levine Books, $17.99
Ages 12 and up

subset: commoncrawl


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Yoga Nidra - March 2013 |
The Yoga Fusion Studio - Yoga Workshop |
Yoga Workshop: | Yoga Nidra - March 2013 |
Chevy Chase / Bethesda MD USA | ||
Event is Over | ||
Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Mat Pilates, Massage | ||
The Yoga Fusion Studio | ||
March 29th at 7:30-9pm with master teacher Neva Ingalls Yoga Nidra is one of the truly untapped treasures of the yoga tradition, dating back some 5000 years. Yogis believe that it is not just past traumas, but also daily stresses and disappointments that slowly drain us of our inner vitality and hope, resulting in the inability fulfill our potential for joy and happiness. This is Yoga's systematic approach to unwinding accumulated stress from the deepest layers of our being. Through guided meditation in an extended savasana or corpse pose, layer upon layer is relaxed until you are in a state of sleep with just the slightest trace of awareness. It is in this state that your fullest potential is available to you to change the course of your life. When working with a resolve or "sam kalpa" in this state, the sub conscious is ripe for change. When coupled with conviction and positive feeling your resolve will take root and manifest. Benefits of Yoga Nidra Include: •Mental and physical stress reduction •Activation of right brain activities such as imagination and creativity •Empowerment to manifest your heart's desire •Healing and integration of body, mind and spirit •Release of samskara or negative patterns •Lowers blood pressure.
We recommend you bring: Your yoga mat, water, comfortable stretchable clothing. Qualified attendees recieve 2CEU hours for attending this workshop by attending a 30 minute discussion after the Nidra. Learn more at: http://www.theyogafusionstudio.com/workandplay |
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Lucky to be doing this work...
Tuesday, August 9
Today my team worked on House #3—our main task for the day was to complete the stucco work on the exterior of the house. Work started slowly in the morning as we assembled to begin the stucco. Large pans were filled with thick mud. I was led to the wall and was requested to watch as the stucco was slapped on the wall with the same motion as hitting a top spin on a tennis ball. Our instructor—one of the masons—made quick work of a patch of wall, applying an even coat of mud. He made it look so easy.
Next, it was my turn. I nervously gripped the trowel and having a vague flashback to my previous stucco experience—haphazardly flinging stucco onto the foreman five feet away—I pursed my lips and swung. The stucco hit the wall with a slap and actually stuck. After an hour I rotate to mud crew, passing the metal trays full of stucco from our mixer to those doing the work. I was working with four women from Kanyakumari. They gracefully passed the trays, not spilling a drop. They repeated my name each time they passed a tray and would lead me into the shade for breaks. I was well taken care of by my Indian friends.
At the end of the day, I was exhausted and covered from head to toe in splatters of stucco. All I wanted to do was go home and crawl into bed. Our afternoon activity, however, helped remind me how lucky I am to be doing this work. We visited a community hit by the tsunami. We saw shells of homes and piles of rubble where homes once stood mere meters from the waves of the sea. The images will stay with me and I will be reminded of them each time I think of a bit of dirt or inconvenience.
Carolyn Beal, CCYP volunteer in Kanyakumari, India


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Rated 3.9 out of 5 by 305
Rated 4 out of 5 by Flyingtailor A little different
In a good way nice hotel right in a marina and 10 mins from wine country. Very homy and friendly staff make you feel right at home. Rooms are big and comfortable.
May 1, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by shrvoinc good stay
It was a good stay. I was satisified with my experience at this sheraton. I was a little weary about hearing the freeway from my room, but it was very quiet.
February 21, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by Anex43 Good but nothing great
Club closed and relocated in inconvenient location.
Lights in room to dim, makes it hard to read and room looks dingy.
Sheets and pillowcases not changed when room cleaned.
November 22, 2014
Rated 3 out of 5 by lckojo Room small for price
Hotel was nice and Lobby was nice.
But for the price I would have expected a bigger nicer room.
September 3, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by ChasD Great Location
Easy access to highways and surprisingly convenient to Sears Point/Infineon Raceway
August 30, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by TP42 Petaluma Stay
Carpets are dirty everywhere
January 2, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by aeht Nice but next to freeway
The hotel is nice, clean, and quiet.
October 27, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by jctc555 Pet Friendly
We visit often because we travel with a small dog and this location is pet friendly. On this particular visit we found a treat waiting for us of wine and cheese celebrating our 25th stay. The staff is always friendly and accomodating.
November 19, 2014
Rated 4 out of 5 by ccss great service
Jose, Daniel, Dianne and Dominique hosted us beautify for the UMass training. Bravo!
November 21, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by WineSpectator A great place to stay at the gates of wine country
Our family recently stayed at the Sheraton Sonoma County in Petaluma, and had a wonderful experience. After a long drive through San Francisco traffic we finally arrived at the hotel totally wiped out. We were so happy to be greeted by the welcoming front desk staff who helped us immediately.
While booking online we were promised sparkling wine and strawberries upon our arrival. We didn't find the strawberries or wine, but there was a generous and delicious spread of charcuterie. Eventually I asked Josue at the front desk about the wine, and he brought it to our room immediately on ice.
We were travelling with a puppy, so we didn't want to sit in the restaurant, although the rockstar hostess, Jordan said she could accommodate us. We instead gave her our meal order at the host stand. At the same time an unruly table in the lounge well into their drinks started verbally accosting my lady and our dog, eventually accusing our dog of wetting the floor. Although we couldn't see where it happened, we were thoroughly embarrassed, and growing frustrated. Jordan defused the situation with the unruly table and told us not to worry about the dog, that it goes along with the territory of a hotel that accommodates pets. Thanks to Jordan our minds we were put at ease, and we able to enjoy our food back in our room in peace and quiet.
We enjoyed the food, and the comfort of our room that had a great view to the water. We highly recommend taking a run along the path through the estuary adjacent to the hotel at sunset. It was gorgeous. All in all we had a great stay thanks to the wonderful staff of your hotel. Hope to see you all again sometime.
May 30, 2014
Rated 2 out of 5 My first horrible stay at a hotel...
I check in with my wife and think at first glance wow not too shabby.
First of let's start with room 342... Enter the room and there is a foul oder coming from the bathroom. Oh my not surprising there is a used toilet paper in the trash can already. I figure no big deal I'll take the trash out.
So I proceed to open the drapes and what do I find right outside the window a great view of the service roof with AC and Heat pumps right outside. No view worth talking about.
I go down to the front desk and ask if I could change rooms, they would have to move me and my wife the next day if I wanted to take a different room. I check in a day early and get shafted after not seeing my wife for 5 weeks. WOW!
Now we get in the room and those little bottles of water you see in the room NOT COMPLIMENTARY very pricey. I could have bought a couple of cases at grocery store 3 minute walk away from hotel.
Bar area was nice but small and service was very slow. Restaurant food was good but service again way to slow... I waited for 25 minutes to get and order of garlic fries... just ridiculous.
The overall room itself had quality furnishings but when I lifted the comforter there was black lint all over the foot area of the bed as if someone slept in the bed before and they didn't change the sheets. Nice sheets too unbelievable the filth of it though.
Shower had some small traces of mold on the caulking not much but enough to see with your naked eye.
The room I stayed in should not be used to accommodate guests!
My stay was not the worst but for a 4 / 5 start rated hotel not the best... my experience 2 / 3
May 2, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by Petallergic20 Pets and Rusdness
We stayed for two nights (Dec 20-21, 2103) at the Petaluma Sheraton. It's in a beautiful setting and we had no problem with the comfortable, quiet room. However, we were not told at check in that this is a Pet Friendly place. I love pets but I am allergic to them. I slept badly but didn't know why: then I heard dogs running up and down the hall. Then I noticed dog hairs all over the lobby, on the rugs and chairs, where I was sitting. When my husband asked, a staff member admitted our room was in the Pet Friendly area. I could have had an asthma attack, instead of "just" suffering from the allergies that bothered me to point of not being able to sleep. But here is the worst part: when we asked to speak with the guest service manager, and was told she would be in later after we checked-out, I left my cell number. She never returned my call. I called her 5 times and left messages, always being told by the front desk that she would be in later. Then I called the Central Manager and left him a message. No return call. Although they were both out at some point for vacation, I know from the front desk they were both in numerous times when I called, although obviously busy and I was always put through to their voice mail. How rude! What terrible customer relations. The only kindness came from the nice woman working the Starbucks mini café next to the front desk who overheard my pet-related problems and how I hadn't been asked if pet friendly was OK for me (not). She gave me a free cup of coffee. Thank you, whoever you were, because that's the only response I ever received from anyone at the hotel. Shame on you, managers! We would have stayed with our daughter in Petaluma but she has a cat!
December 29, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by mrskbg Love Dining here!
Delightful food and service, shocked and comforted to be remembered, visit to visit, and treated with such lovely welcoming and friendship.
Nice deep soaking bathtub, miss bathrobe. Lovely crisp ironed sheets. Appreciate refrigerator, tv not bad but miss some, Thanks for fan working this time in bath, Phone conformation for room 446 she called and verified as making reservation, but given 384, with no club froor access at $???. not AARP? AAA @ club floor price. AC blows up drape and is so noisy. Litter in hallways and elevators. Never got internet access in room. Wish for outlet by bed to plug/charge phone.
Room hot for arrival, prefer fresh air to enter.
August 14, 2013
Rated 1 out of 5 by NeedsBagArrivalService Petaluma Sheraton - no bag arrival service
We arrived by car & there was no one to help us with our bags. I asked for a cart; the 3 they had were all being used. When one did get returned by a guest there was still no one to help me; so I loaded the cart & took our bags up to the room on the cart & then brought it back down. When you're paying over $200 a night for a hotel room; the hotel should have this service available.
I don't recommend this hotel.
September 19, 2014
Rated 4 out of 5 by TravelFanatic412 Nice hotel in good location
We had a couple pre-paid rooms and had to reschedule the original reservation dates due to a family emergency. The staff we spoke to at the hotel were accommodating and let us reschedule (not cancel) the reservation. Although it took calling back to get an email confirmation of the change, the staff was helpful in providing this. Rooms were nice with great amenities for SPG members. There was also free wine tasting in the evening from very nice people. Overall, it was a great hotel to stay at that provided a good central base to come back to after visiting all the vineyards in the area. Would definitely stay here again.
June 23, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by Sscroft1 Great stay
It was my first time to the hotel and I had a lot of questions about the area when I checked in. Ben, Morgan, and Christian were really helpful and full of information. Christian loaded me up with things to do and Morgan was very informative about the amenities the hotel had to offer. I had minor problem when the batteries were dead in my remote but I called down and Ben had someone to my room in 5 minutes with a new one. The entire staff of the Sheraton made me feel very welcome with the impression that they actually wanted me to be there, and wanted to be there themselves. I am really looking forward to my next stay!
May 31, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by ssss1986 Great hotel for a visit to Wine Country
Great pool, nice view. Wonderful hotel for a quick trip to wine country.
November 12, 2014
Rated 3 out of 5 by DesignGuy949 Typical Fwy Hotel
As a Plat SPG I have to say I was disappointed in this property. We had two rooms and neither were on the SPG floor and one had one of the worst room views I've ever had and this was just beyond the dirty curtains. The A/C unit was so noisy we couldn't even sleep with it on. The Lounge on Level 4 was OK but needed better restocking procedures. I was told they had run out of cereal selections other than the few boxes remaining. I'm sure the earthquake nearby had some impacts on this property. I have to say the one true upside of this was the front desk staff---extremely friendly.
August 27, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by Grandmom1 Great choice for R and R
My grown daughter and I are now in the staycation mode, as we care for my mom age 93 and don't want to travel too far. 1 in 6 families care for their elderly parents. This can be draining. So, a few times a year, we now pick a hotel within a couple of hours of our home, help Mom into the car and off we go. The staff is so understanding and kind. They just let you be, just do your own thing. Yet, if you ever need them, they are there. Nice people. Super location, as we stayed in our beautiful room most of the time. Order up! It's great food!! Thanks everybody for helping us thru this difficult time.
May 15, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by wgb1 Best place in town to stay
I put up my 84 year old parents at the hotel. David and his whole staff were very accommodating with her specail needs of a wheelchair and a handicap room. I knew immediately that I would not have to worry about them being well taken care of.
All of the staff were very friendly to them as they passed by the front desk several times during their stay. I own a restaurant in town and will send all of my out of town customers that are looking for lodging to the hotel. There is now place in town that can provided everything that you do. Thanks once again for making my family feel so warm and welcomed.
June 23, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by PSPGUY Pleasure in Petaluma
This is a must stay property when you are visiting southern Sonoma County. What a great location, close to many great wineries, just a very short drive to downtown Petaluma, and literally steps away from Shollenberg Park, for a fabulous morning walk, jog, bike ride, or run through the wetlands. The views from the property are also wonderful.
The staff succeeds in making your stay special. Chef Danny's restaurant Tolay is wonderful. The pool (salt water) and hot tub are great, especially in the afternoon, with the gentle west winds blowing.
We would not stay anywhere else when we visit Petaluma.
June 17, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by deanimal very noisy room
I love this hotel generally and always stay there when I go to that area as I can take my dog and it is a wonderful hotel and great location. This time however I was given a room that was underneath the housekeeping and it was extremely noisy all night, sounded like there was a bowling alley on top of us. We had been offered a room earlier that they said was near the elevator and some people thought it was noisy and I did not take that one and said I really wanted a quiet room! We did call and complain but the only recourse we had at 11:00 at night after being already in bed was to change rooms. I really don't think they should offer rooms that are that noisy during the night, it was AWFUL!!!!
June 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by btlpa Great hotel, lousy Cisco room phone
I was very happy with my stay at the Sheraton Sonoma County, with one annoyance: the Cisco IP phone in the room was just awful:
- The handset never did work. Only the speaker phone mode worked.
- Because only the speaker phone mode worked, wake up calls were a shock. The phone would announce, loudly, "Are you there?" over and over until you answered. Weird and annoying. Not a good way to be woken up in the morning.
This phone is a model of poor user design: a phone with limited capabilities that few people will know how to use offhand. Sheraton should just replace them with simpler phones.
October 22, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by SixtySomething Comfortable Stay
We were in Petaluma for a wedding and stayed at this Sheraton. Despite a small snafu with our reservations and room assignment (because I had reserved 3 rooms for other family members), the rest of the stay including the pool and hot tub, was comfortable and efficient. I especially like having a refrigerator and microwave and coffee maker in the room. Wish there was a free breakfast included, though. The hotel is near the highway and a short drive to the center of this cute town. Don't miss Copperfield's bookstore - it's fabulous, with new and used books...
August 20, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by srj2000 Lovely property
We were very pleasantly surprised with this property as stopover on way to Sonoma. As Platinum we were upgraded to room with lovely wrap around balcony. Lounge was quite nice with wonderful evening spread.. Not as happy with limited breakfast selections and no hot buffet in AM
October 21, 2014
Rated 4 out of 5 by Jk11 Not So Fancy
This property isn't fancy or quaint, not that we expected it to be. In fact, it looks like it'll be coming up soon on the Sheraton renovations list. It is light and spacious and airy, though, and well-kept by the housekeeping staff. The club lounge has hot and cold selections for breakfast and happy hour. The adjacent nature trail is a bonus - so convenient for morning exercise. Just a minute off the 101, 5 min from downtown Petaluma, and 20-30 min from Sonoma, it's easy to get to and from this hotel. Overall, it's a very easy place to stay.
August 17, 2014
Rated 4 out of 5 by OrangeRacer Great stay - really only one complaint
I had a great stay. The staff was super nice and accommodating. We had late arrival and I requested late check out which was politely granted. Rooms were clean and roomy. Noisy in the halls with screaming children but not hotels fault. My only complaint is that at the pool there was only 3 usable lounge chairs...one was torn and not comfortable. All the other chairs were upright sitting chairs...not great for lounging at pool. There were not towels in the box, but I also did not request one. Overall nice place, great location and loved the close by running trail!
July 11, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by JJPARISCAL Great Stay close to Wine Country
Can't recommend Petaluma highly enogh. Very very comfortable, clean, smart hotel with crack staff. Terrific Club Lounge serving a breakfast far better than most Sheratons.
January 4, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by DisappointedCustomer VeryDisappointing
I've stayed at this hotel several times and was very surprised to discover upon check in that wifi wasn't working for apple products. I called the front desk and they said yes, it was a problem and had been and they had been working on it. It's unacceptable to have a known situation go on for this long - I was there for 3 nights - this should have been fixed in less than a day and it was obvious that the issue had been going on previous to my arrival. Having to sit in the lobby in order to get the wifi to work is ridiculous - I expect more from a starwood hotel.
September 4, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by kam35rdm Wonderful stay
We spent 8 nights here and the staff was excellent. We received an upgradeand had access to the Club Lounge. Host & Hostess in the Club Lounge were super terrific and friendly. Front desk was very friendly and we enjoyed our conversations with Danny the Executive Chef. Hotel was very clean, room was nice. Tolay restaurant food was very good.
Only thing I would recommend would be some furniture replacement. The desk in our room was a bit worn. Would be nice to have those magnifying mirror in the bathroom, Would most definitely stay here again.
May 4, 2012


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Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
© 2014 Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Edited By: Edzard Ernst, Peninsula Medical School, UK
Online ISSN: 2042-7166
NEW! FACT Now Accepting Original Research Papers
Authors are now invited to submit papers to Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. The Journal is seeking good evidence based original research papers, reviews and perspective papers. For more information please see the author guidelines. All papers should be submitted via the Journal's online submission system.
Articles Published Online Ahead of Print
Articles which have been fully copy-edited and peer-reviewed will now be published online through our Early View feature before the print edition of this journal is published.
Online Open
FACT participates in the Wiley-Blackwell scheme which allows authors that wish to allow open access to their papers to pay for the publication cost. Authors should NOT indicate at the point of submission whether they will wish to make use of this facility. If the paper is accepted, they will be given an opportunity to make their wishes known at that time. Read More.
NIH Public Access Mandate
For those interested in the Wiley-Blackwell policy on the NIH Public Access Mandate, please visit our policy statement.


text:
Indicative Rate* $170.00 to $170.00 Entire House/Apartment
Wynnum By The Bay is a three bedroom, fully furnished house on the waterfront at Wynnum, on beautiful Moreton Bay; where Brisbane City meets the water. The house is 400 metres from the waterfront, 15 kilometres from Brisbane City, a short walk to train/bus to Brisbane or connecting train to theme parks and the Gold Coast. It is located 20 minutes from the Airport for easy access. The property is close to restaurants and two shopping centres and is well located for the visitor to Brisbane.
... moreThe house has three bedrooms, queen bed, single beds and bunk beds and also a sofa bed in the lounge - in total it sleeps eight. Enjoy all the comforts of an Australian home and privacy while still allowing the group/family to stay together.
Go sailing, fishing or an island tour on Moreton Bay, or early morning walk along the waterfront five kilometre esplanade.
... less
Contact operator for further details on child suitability.
Cancellation Policy
All monies to be refunded providing house can be booked out again for the booked period at same cost.
General Comments
A fully fenced back yard allows for privacy and the secluded front deck is ideal for barbcues all year round.
How To Get There
On Airport Drive, take first exit left onto Gateway Motorway, heading south towards the Gold Coast. Take first exit after toll bridge, Lytton Road exit and turn left and continue along Lytton Road. Turn left at Pritchard Road, this turns into Tingal Road at first round about.
Continue straight after second roundabout, drive 500 metres and Southwick Street on left.
From the City train, take the Cleveland line and exit at Wynnum station on Thorn Street. Walk up Thorn Street to Tingal Road, 157 metres. Turn left at Tingal Road and continue straight at roundabout, 560 metres, and turn right into Southwick Street.
Tariff Text
An AU10.00 linen surcharge is charged once only for every guest after second adult.
Three bedroom house. First bedroom has a queen size bed, middle bedroom has two single beds and third bedroom has bunk beds.
In the lounge is a pull out sofa with a double bed. A separate toilet and bathroom. Bathroom has shower and a bath. Large kitchen.
Three bedroom
Bed Types Available:
Bunk Beds, Double Sofa, Queen Size Bed, Single Bed
From | To | Inclusions |
$170.00 | $170.00 | Adult Entire House/Apartment |
Children: Contact operator for further details.
* Please note: These rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available costs of listed products and services. To obtain a firm price from the provider, please use the contact the operator. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.


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lca+ wideangle lens
This photo was shot on film. Taken by -dakota- with a Lomo LC-A+ (available in our Online Shop) loaded with Lomography Earl Grey at 1600 iso film in palermo, Italy. These tags describe this photo: notte, night, wide angle lens, wideangle, 35mm, lca, marzo, palermo, nero, bianco, black and white, bn, 400 exposed 1600, iso, 1600, and earl grey 400. Date: 2013-03. Time: Night. This photo can also be found in the album Earl Grey at 1600 iso.Please login to get more out of this site
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Hello: as-salam alaykum
Hello (response): wa alaykum e-salam
Goodbye: ma'a salama
Welcome: marHaba
Good morning: sabaH ala-kheir
Good afternoon: masa' al-kheir
Good night: tisbah ala-kheir
Tourist Guide | Information
A quick course in Arabic
Useful arabic phrases to help you get around Dubai.
- Staff Report
- Published: 10:31 June 28, 2009
- Image Credit: Supplied
- Useful Arabic
Yes: aiwa/na'am
No: la
Please: min fadlik
Thank you: shukran
You're welcome: afwan
Excuse me: lo tismaH
Small talk
How are you?: kef Halak?
Fine thanks: zein al-Hamdulillah
What's your name?: shismak?
My name is...: ismi
I understand: ana fahim
I don't understand: la afham
I speak?: ana atakallam ?
Getting Around
Where is the airport: wein al-matar
Where is the taxi: wein maHattat tax
Do you speak English?: Tet Kalam Ingleezi
How much is this?: Kum Hada


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The summer's coolest fabric.
Madras—a stylish way to beat the heat.
Suffering for your style in heavy fabrics—especially during the heat of the summer—just doesn't cut it. Walking down a sun-drenched street, trying to scuttle to the safety of an awning's shade like a seagull-spooked crab is no way to live. Luckily, there's madras. It's colorful. It looks cool. And it'll keep you cool. So you can come out of the shadows. Origins. As you might think, madras originated in a hot, humid climate. The town of Chennai in India was called Madras (pronounced muh-drahs) during its British colonial period. The comfortable, breathable fabric became very popular among ... Read the full story »


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Sprint's WiMax Plans Have No Data Cap
May 12, 2010, 6:56 PM by Eric M. Zeman
updated May 12, 2010, 7:45 PM
Today Sprint representatives informed Phone Scoop that users of any of its WiMax 4G network services don't have to worry about a data cap. The $10 add-on WiMax plan for the EVO 4G, for example, provides unlimited access to both Sprint's 4G and 3G networks. Some of Sprint's 3G-only network services still retain a 5GB limit.
from Sprint
This forum is closed.


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By Zal Bilimoria, KF9, Ecuador
Ecuadorian cheese tastes a bit different if one is not accustomed to eating it. Cheese is not necessarily the most common ingredient in local fare, as the staple for most meals is rice, plantains and beans served with beef, chicken or some other type of meat. However, it's unmistakeable when you take that first bite of pizza, pasta or ham and cheese sandwich…especially if it hasn't been refrigerated properly due to the energy crisis sweeping the country.
Continue Reading >>


text: We knew this was going to happen. As soon as we started running the R&C Archives photo on the last page of every issue, we knew wed start finding a slew of cool old vintage photographs that nobody has ever seen. The photo library at R&C world headquarters is a virtual treasure chest of this stuff. So just for grins we pried open the lid and pulled out 20 vintage photos to share. Some have a little historical significance, some capture the flavor of a particular time or place, and some are just goofy. We believe that none of them have been published before and hope that you enjoy all of them.


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Hey, guys. I'm Kristen. I'm a junior at Penn State University, and I'm a part of Seventeen's College MVP program. So, basically, I'm just gonna give you guys some tips on dorm life and how to get along with your roommates, so you guys won't end up hating each other and calling each other 12 within the first week because that will be bad. All right. First off, being a freshman in college is the first time that most people will ever experience living on their own. So, dorm life is gonna be really different from your home life. Mom is not gonna be cooking for you anymore, and you know, you're probably gonna be sharing your bathroom with like 50 other people. So, there's definitely gonna be a little bit of homesickness, but it's gonna subside really quickly after the first week because you'll be so busy making friends and with your classes and all that stuff that no amount is gonna matter. Also, make sure you take advantage of the five meals in the dorm because you're literally just surrounded by other people that are your age and that's pretty freaking cool. So, just don't be shy. Make sure you get to know the people that live on your floor. Go, knock on people's doors and just introduce yourself and say, "Hi." I mean, nobody is gonna be like, "Oh, what a weirdo." You know, everybody is in the same boat as you and everybody just wants to make new friends. So, just try your best to not be shy and to be as friendly as possible to the people around you because living in a dorm is probably one of the easiest ways to meet new people and make new friends. Now, as for the subject of roommates, make sure that you actually put an effort to get to know your roommate as a person, like don't just [unknown] gonna go, "They're weird. I don't like them." You know, you have to actually put an effort to get to know them. I mean, you guys could go to a movie together, go out to eat. You could go, hang out with the neighbors. Just make sure that you actually put an effort to be friends and to bond with them because you're living with this person. So, it's just gonna make your life so much easier if you two can at least get along. Even if they really seem like the type of person you wouldn't normally be friends with, that person might actually end up being your best friends. So, you never know. If you wanna get along with your roommate, respect is probably the most important thing. Since you're sharing your room with somebody, there's gonna be a lot of give and take and a lot of compromising, like, for example, if your roommate is sleeping, that is not the time to start slamming doors and playing loud music and having a good time, you know. I mean, it's just commonsense most of the time. So, basically, just be mindful of the fact that you're sharing your room and that you can't just do whatever you want-- whatever you want anymore. And lastly, make sure that you're neat. I mean, since you're sharing a room, if you're side of the room is just a little bit messy, it's gonna kind of overpower everything. I remember that there was a girl who lived on my floor my freshman year and everybody knew that girl that wasn't in a good way. She was really, really messy and her poor roommate had to like wade through crusty Ramen noodles left on the floor and dirty laundry just to get out the door. And you know, nobody really likes them as a roommate. So, it's just easier to make sure that you keep the mess under control because, in that way, you and your roommate won't be fighting over how messy the room is and what not. All right, guys. So, these are all-- this is what I have for now, but be sure to check back in with Seventeen and the college MVPs so you can get more tips on how to make it through your freshman year. Bye.
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Laws, Regulations & Annotations
Business Taxes Law Guide – Revision 2014
Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act Regulations
Title 18 of the California Code of Regulations
Article 4. Penalties and Fines
Regulation 4605
Regulation 4605. Penalties for Licensed or Unlicensed Manufacturers and Importers.
Reference: Sections 22974.7, 22979(b)(1), 22979.4, 22979.5(b), 22979.6(c), 22979.7, 22980.1(a), (e), and (f), and 22980.2(a), 22980.3 (a)(2) and (d) , Business and Professions Code.
The following penalties shall be assessed in addition to any other civil or criminal penalty provided by law upon a finding that a manufacturer or importer has violated any provision of the Act:
(a) A first offense of a violation of any of the following provisions will result in the issuance of a Warning Notice to the licensee or unlicensed person:
(1) Business and Professions Code section 22979.4 (importer's failure to retain purchase invoices on premises).
(2) Business and Professions Code section 22979, subdivision (b)(1) (participating manufacturer's false statement on certification to the Board).
(3) Business and Professions Code section 22979.5, subdivision (b) (manufacturer's or importer's failure to retain sales records on premises).
(4) Business and Professions Code section 22980.1, subdivision (a), (e) or (f) (purchases or sales from or to an unlicensed person or person with suspended or revoked license).
(5) Business and Professions Code section 22980.2, subdivision (a) (sales of cigarettes or tobacco products by unlicensed person or person with suspended or revoked license).
(6) Business and Professions Code section 22979.6, subdivisions (c) (manufacturer's or importer's failure to comply with invoice requirements).
(b) A first offense of a violation of Business and Professions Code section 22980.1, subdivision (g) (purchase of cigarettes to which a stamp may not be affixed in accordance with Rev. & Tax. Code, section 30163, subd.(b)) shall result in a 20-day suspension.
(c) A second or subsequent offense for a violation of the provisions listed in subdivision (a) or (b) above shall result in both a 30-day suspension or revocation and a fine.
(d) In cases involving multiple violations, the violation punishable by the most severe penalty will be used for purposes of determining the penalty assessed.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b) through (d) above, a reduction in the length of a suspension period may be warranted if mitigating circumstances are present, as set forth in Regulation 4606. If any suspension period is reduced, the redetermined period of suspension shall be 0 days, 5 days, 10 days, or 20 days. The existence of mitigating circumstances may also warrant reducing a revocation penalty to a 30-day suspension, unless revocation is mandated pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 22980.3, subdivision (a)(2) or subdivision (d).
History: Adopted December 12, 2006, effective April 21, 2007.
Amended June 11, 2013, effective October 1, 2013. Inserted "5 days," into the second sentence in subdivision (e); deleted the references to Business and Professions Code sections 22974.4 and 22978.6 from and added "or subdivision (d)" to the last sentence in subdivision (e); and deleted the reference to Business Professions Code section 22978.7 from, moved the references to Business Professions Code sections 22979.4, and 22979.6, subdivision (c) in, and added a reference to Business and Professions Code section 22980.3, subdivisions (a)(2) and (d) to the regulation's reference note.


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Home > Boards & Commissions > Tourism Commission
Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau
The purpose of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to promote recreational, convention, and tourist activity in the City of Murray. In addition, the Convention and Visitors Bureau works with other community organizations to increase the economic impact of Murray and Calloway County.
Hotel/Motel Association
Mike Dybus, term expires - 03/28/16
Jim Foster, term expires - 06/30/15
Priyesh Nathu, term expires - 06/30/16
Chamber of Commerce
Jim Carter, term expires - 07/10/17
Restaurant Association
Joan Capo, term expires -06/30/15
Mayor's Office
Anne Adams, term expires - 06/30/15
Kate Reeves, term expires - 06/30/16
Robert O. Miller Conference Center
201 South 4th Street
Date and Time: 3rd Wednesday of each month at
4:30 p.m.
If you are interested in serving on this board/commission please complete an application by clicking here or if you would like more information regarding this board/commission, contact the City Clerk by email or call 270-762-0300.
Establishment of Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau
Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau Resolution
Additional Information:


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Mobile Career Coach
Mobile Career Coach
The Mobile Career Coach project is a partnership with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, which is specifically designed to provide Saskatchewan First Nation communities with career support services. To house these services two recreational vehicles were purchased and custom built to provide ample office space. Equipped with internet capability, servers, laptops, facilitation screens these RVs are an innovative design concept of this nature which allows staff and participants to comfortably engage in career services.
What is our approach?
Personality and character play a huge role in career selection and overall job satisfaction. We can work with participants to discover personal skills, abilities, values and interests related to careers by simply listening to their personal stories or conducting assessments. When this type of approach is taken it allows career coaching staff to properly guide the process of career selection and identify where improvements or added supports may be needed.
Our Services
- discover unique skills and career abilities
- identify employment barriers
- provide education and program referrals
- resumé and cover letter writing services (Optimal Resumé)
- interview preparation
- community service referrals
- research occupations (National Occupational Code)
- connect with local employers
The following assessments are delivered either online or in pencil/paper format. Each assessment varies in completion time. Please contact us to discuss the assessment that would best suit your needs.
- Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) - Bow Valley College
- Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) - Pearson Canada Assessment Inc.
- Career Interest Profiler (CIP) - Psychometrics Canada Ltd.
- Ability Profiler (AP) - Psychometrics Canada Ltd.
- Career Values Scale (CVS) - Psychometrics Canada Ltd.
How can I book a Mobile Career Coach?
Please note that each mobile coach should be booked at least one month in advance of your desired community visitation date. Booking forms and additional details are provided through the Life Coaching Unit by calling (306) 477-9341 or emailing email@example.com.


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Keep it coming! I am oh so enjoying reading your report!
Approaching the Wilderness Lodge brings a sense of closure to our afternoon excursion, but DH, DD8 and DS6 are not ready to resign for the day. They determine that a swim in the pool is an ideal mid-day activity. But this doesnt seem to be a wise choice for DD3. She exerted an immense amount of energy with her gold-winning leap off of the escalator, and I can see that a nap is needed to restore her resources. So after some lunch in our villa, DH, DD8 and DS6 tramp off to the water hole while DD3 and I ready ourselves for a siesta.
I confess that a part of me is nervous about sending my older kiddos off to the pool with just DH. They are not strong swimmers, and DH is not always attentive like NDMs tend to be. I imagine that Marlin must have felt much like this when he let Nemo and his lucky fin go to the Drop Off with his well-meaning but distracted teacher, Mr. Ray. However, this is a good opportunity for me to practice taking it slow, so I push my concerns aside and hope for a better outcome than the disaster that befell Marlin. I put DD3 in her resting place, and I snuggle up in mine. As my breathing slows and I recede into slumber, I note that relaxing while on vacation does have benefits.
When DD3 and I awake, we find that there is still time for us to join the others at the pool. We put on our bathing best and scurry out into the sunshine. DH, DD8 and DS6 are delighted we came, and DH tells me of my elder youngins reaction to the slide. DS6 is enthralled by the rush of accelerating down the slope and into the pool. But DD8 is slightly mortified by the inevitable thrust of her head under the water when she reaches the slides end.
DD3 looks at the playful waterfall in question and decides that it is not beyond her capabilities. If one can manage the perils of moving stairs, surely one can handle the docile pushing of a water current. So DH and DD3 accompany one another to the water slide line.
DH comes down first and waits at the bottom of the slide, ready to catch our little fish that is to follow. DD3 does, indeed, descend with the current. But the current is not gently coaxing her along. It is vehemently shoving her down its tract. I watch in horror as my baby spins recklessly, bumping her head and bottom as she bounces between the sides of the slide. DH grabs her as she is dumped into the water. This has not gone well. My little trooper will need to be comforted by the safety of her mommys embrace as soon as she regains her bearings. Butto my surprise--a smiling and laughing child emerges from the scene. She cant wait to do this again.
DD8 is slightly shamed by the courageous acts of her younger sister, but she will not be bullied into such dangerous endeavors. I offer the plausible option of wearing a life jacket, and she agrees that this would resolve her slide-phobic mentality.
Since Disney Vacation Club Members can avail themselves of life jacket privileges at no extra cost, we take advantage of this perk. DD8 is fitted for her new attire, and I sign off on its use. We then return to the pool with a new sense of bravado.
DH greets me at the pool steps with hearty laughter as he relays DD3s insatiable desire to go down the slide. DD3 proudly holds her head high, and she and DS6 play near us while we talk. I show DH the new solution that DD8 and I found for her dilemma. He admires her sporting fashion and encourages her to try the slippery slope once again. We look to DD3 for confirmation that the slide is nothing to fear, but she has disappeared. My heart is seized with immediate terror as my eyes dart to different locations in hopes of seeing her. I chance to spot her little bottom running toward the water slide. Her sense of invincibility has overcome her sense of reality. She is going to throw herself upon the avalanche of H2O without parental supervision. There is no time to stop her, so I command DH to go back to the bottom of the slide and catch every being that descends until we have recovered our ego-inflated baby. After a full minute of agony, DD3 comes sliding down into the eager arms of DH. She is safely delivered to her NDM who looks around for a paper bag to breathe in.
Witnessing the panicked reaction of her parents in reference to the water slide, DD8 reconsiders the wisdom of coming down its slippery tract. We try to reassure her that she will fare well and has no reason to fear. She finally relents and goes with DH who promises to catch her just as he caught DD3. Meanwhile, DD3 receives an animated lecture about the fatal dangers of wandering off without a parent, especially when it is towards a continuous flow of aggressive fluid.
DD8 makes a successful journey down the wilderness slide and receives many rounds of applause from her adoring family. DD3 and DS6 are once again granted permission to accompany DH in the water slide line, but this is the final round of sliding for all.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
Keep it coming! I am oh so enjoying reading your report!
Last edited by lexitoad; 01-09-2009 at 02:03 PM.
We head back to our villa to clean up and change. The Cubs Den, a kids care center, is open from 2 4 pm today for free arts and crafts. My little cubs can hardly wait to see this den and delve into the planned activities, so we ready ourselves and head in the direction of the fanciful playroom.
We enter a pleasant room. Wooded murals are painted on the walls. The creative artwork of various cubs is proudly displayed. There is a significant inventory of Disney books, Disney movies, Disney games, Disney action figures and toys. We see on a miniature table, surrounded by miniature chairs, the supplies for todays craft. The supervising Mama Bear of the kid-friendly den explains to us that we can design our own sunglasses today. All my critters get a twinkle in their eye at the suggestion. They have never designed their own sunglasses before.
DD8, who has a natural artistic inclination, immediately gets down to business. She seems to have already decided on her personal plan. So without hesitation, she avails herself of the various colors in the middle of the table and begins detailing the rims of her given glasses.
DD3 sweetly says, Mommy, you do it. She hands me her sunglasses so that I can concoct some flamboyant frames for her. I ask her if she wants anything in particular on her glasses. She shrugs and says, No. Just put whatever you want. Easy to please, I write her name in a clever font and accessorize it with stars.
DS6 stares at his blank sunglasses for a time, deep in thought. He seems to have a direction that he wants to take with this craft, but he hesitates in starting the process. This is not unusual for DS6. He is a perfectionist at heart, and his fear of not reaching his own standard often stops him in his tracks. Finally he hands me his glasses and says, Mommy, I want a dog on my glasses. Will you please make one? But DS6, I implore, dont you want to make the dog? No, he resolves, I do not know how to draw a dog very well. You need to do it. I inform him that I dont think I can draw a dog very well either . . . at least not in such a small area. But he insists that I have this ability and should apply myself.
I get to work on the dog, butas suspectedit does not meet with DS6s expectations. He suggests that maybe DH can do a better job and fix the disastrous design I have created. I warn that DHs artistic abilities are inferior to mine, so I doubt that he can improve on my humble beginning. But DS6 decides that DH should be given a chance. DH does, indeed, manage to disturb the dog image even further.
Seeing that he is now doomed to don the deformed dog shades, DS6 bursts into tears. He cannot bear the thought of such humiliation. I agree that this appalling accessory will not do, so I offer to repair the situation if DS6 is agreeable to a more simplistic design. He tearfully surrenders his dog-fashion dream to my less enticing idea of a masculine color scheme that features his name.
Once the new creation is complete, DS6 does find his shades to be acceptable. No more tears are shed, and he even tries them on to see how the man-empowering design makes him feel.
We play with the toys in the den for a while, but time soon runs out. The den is closing so that it can prepare for the arrival of the privileged children with pending babysitting reservations. We clean up our mess, make way for these important visitors and leave the great fun of the den behind.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
Thank you! I was beginning to wonder if anyone was reading here.
I had such a huge response in some other forums yesterday that I started a club. So far I have inducted 16 NDMs, 2 NDDs (Dads), 1 NDGM (Grand Mom), 1 NDW (Wife) and 2 others are trying to figure out what they want their chosen titles to be . . . NDIs (Individuals) or NDAs/NDUs (Aunties and Uncles). It has been a blast.
Anyway, thank you for being the first to give me your feedback. It makes the posting worthwhile.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
Great report!! I'm having fun reading and you are such a creative writer!! I'm definitely entertained and can't help but to start laughing at some of your stories!
When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.-Walt Disney
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
Our growling, bear bellies persuade us to go home. It is time to think about our next meal. While preparing dinner, I broach the subject of girl time with DH. DH is agreeable to this idea since it means that he will be able to remain in the villa and watch ESPN without the naggings of a NDM who has no appreciation for sports. He adds that he will borrow a DVD from the mercantile, a delightful perk for Disney Vacation Club Members, and we can have a family movie night upon my return with DD8. This sounds perfect, and I turn to wink at DD8 so that she knows our request has been approved.
DD8 and I make our plans and relish the idea of getting away. We decide that a tour of the monorail resorts is the best option for the evening. She and I, both, thoroughly enjoy inspirational atmospheres, but such surroundings are sometimes lost on the remainder of the family. So we agree that this is our chance to indulge in the dreamy environments of Disneys Contemporary Resort, Disneys Polynesian Resort and Disneys Grand Floridian Resort & Spa without the bothersome presence of less-romantic relatives.
After a healthy dinner, DD8 and I trek back to the marina to catch another ride to Disneys Contemporary Resort. DD8 meekly petitions the driver about the possibility of driving the boat. This rigid skipper expounds on Disney regulations that prohibit non-licensed persons from sailing his fine ship. Drats! DD8 was hoping to commandeer this vessel so that her brother would no longer have bragging rights concerning this privilege. But she is rejected and given the consolation gift of a Mickey Mouse sticker.
We take our places in the boat, arrive at the desired location and board the monorail with smug familiarity. Our first stop is Disneys Polynesian Resort. It is exquisite with its water gardens and exotic flowers. We wander outside and discover erupting volcanoes and a placid pool. The views of Seven Seas Lagoon are particularly calming, and DD8 and I revel in the aura of this place. We lament that we dont have more time but know that we should move on.
Next, we journey to Disneys Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. There is so much to see, and yet the pace of this elegant place is one of leisure. So we stroll side by side as we window-shop and pretend to be of higher breeding. Riding in the glass elevator gives us some amusement as does watching the toddlers in princess attire, spinning in the lobby. A formally dressed pianist provides concertos and minuets for the princess dancing pleasure, and we cant help but smile while taking in the whole ensemble.
The sight of twinkling lights outside catches our eyes. Darkness has now fallen over the grandeur of this picturesque habitat, and white lights accent the structures and flora beyond the lobbys enclosure. We venture outside so that we can take part in the delicate atmosphere of the Victorian walkways.
Upon finding a romantic water fountain, DD8 confesses that she has an urgent need to use the restroom. We quickly change our focus from the fantastic views to the hunt for a toilet.
We find a bathroom of elaborate propriety back in the lobby and are not above marveling over the refined faucets and commodes. But apparently, these are not the only amenities that capture DD8s attention. For as we leave the facility and rejoin the aristocratic population of Disneys Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, my daughter brashly inquires, Mommy, what are tampons for? Why do you ask, I respond in a hushed tone, noting the raised eyebrows of others who pass us in this awkward moment. DD8 does not follow my subdued example. She responds at an uninhibited volume, Well, I saw a box hanging on the bathroom wall. It looked like a machine that you get candy from if you put a quarter in it, but it said Tampons. What are they? And why do we need them in the bathroom?
I ponder how I should direct this conversation. I am a little unprepared for this topic since I hadnt suspected its relevance for another four years. But, nevertheless, I am now confronted with this delicate matter. What should I do?
On the one hand, in the family of a NDM all momentous occasions should take place in Walt Disney World®. Certainly the explanation of puberty and its purposes qualifies as a momentous occasion. What could be more memorable than enjoying the homestead of Mickey Mouse and having an enlightened discussion about the process a girl goes through to become a woman?
On the other hand, the uptight, Victorian décor of this particular resort along with the many potential eavesdroppers doesnt lend itself to such dialog. Maybe this topic should be reserved for a less frigid hotel. I quickly search the Disney files in my memory for a more appropriate setting . . . perhaps a Winnie the Pooh area with a birds-bees-and-honey-trees theme. But, alas, I cannot immediately recall such a place.
In the confines of my head, I concede that this conversation begs for better preparation as well as more time than we have been allotted for the evening. So I tell DD8 that her questions have complicated answers and that I find myself unable to satisfy them at this time. But I placate her with a promise to take her on a retreat to Walt Disney World® when she is 10 years old. It will be a whole trip that she and I enjoy alone. On this trip, we will have girl time all the time, andafter I look into the matter a little moreI will be fully prepared to answer her questions. This is acceptable to DD8, and we move out of the abrupt situation and back into the suave practice of resort hopping.
The monorail returns us to Disneys Contemporary Resort where we board another blue-flagged vessel. We have a different skipper than the one who navigated our last trip, so DD8 tries again for the coveted, boat-driving experience. Perhaps, now that the night could hide her illegal activities, she will find a skipper that is more apt to bend the rules. But, once again, she is met with a gentle but unyielding captain who explains the fun-inhibiting restriction of the Disney seas. She is smiled at, patted on the head and given another sticker. Doh!
When we arrive back at our villa, we are welcomed with hugs and kisses. The movie is about to begin, and our entrance is timely. Meet the Robinsons is the pick of the evening. So the sleeper sofa is unfolded, and we all gather upon its comforting mattress to celebrate the beauty of family by watching the touching story.
As the film comes to an end, DH and I tuck our little ones into their soothing blankets and place the billowing pillows under their heads. We pray that they will get a good nights sleep because tomorrow we take on the demanding mission of mastering the Magic Kingdom®.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
The alarm goes off at 6:00 am. The first thing on my mind is the third tenet of The Sacred Seven: Thou shalt arrive at the theme park before the gate opens.
Getting a family of five ready for a full day at the Magic Kingdom® takes a lot of time, so an early start is completely necessary. I find that I am a little groggy. The movie last night kept us up past our bedtime, so I am already starting the day off with a less than ideal amount of sleep. But as I pull out my ULTIMATE DISNEY PACKING LIST and stuff my backpack with all the necessities for our big day, my adrenaline starts to kick in.
I try to wake DH so that he can help me get through the morning routine with the kids, but he is unwilling to get up. He mumbles that he doesnt have anything he needs to do before we leave. I suppose I can let him sleep another 15 minutes before the NDM in me turns ugly.
I get myself dressed and primped for the day and then return to the bed where DH continues to snore. DH, you need to get up now, I declare in no uncertain terms. Extra Magic Hour begins in under two hours. No one is dressed. We still have to prepare and eat breakfast. And only Heaven knows how long it will take for us to catch a bus. DH grunts at me and begrudgingly gets out of bed. He seems unable to move faster than a sloth submerged in a tank of peanut butter, but I figure that in a few minutes his adrenaline will kick in just as mine did.
I wake the children gently. They seem a little cranky too, but their dispositions improve with every minute as the realization of going to the Magic Kingdom® sinks in. I get them dressed and tie up DD8 and DD3s hair so that they wont have rats nests for heads at the end of the day. Soon I have three kingdomlings, eager for the magic that awaits them.
DH continues to proceed with all the haste of an elderly couple taking a Sunday stroll. As we go through the motions of our breakfast and supplement routine, he seems more deliberate in his sluggish mode.
It is known that DH carries his familys passive-aggressive trait, which means that his behavior pattern is to aggressively frustrate plans that he doesnt like by passively resisting them. In this instance I conclude that he is resentful about being awakened so early. So as everyone else becomes more anxious to leave, he seems to become more purposeful about resisting our exit.
In spite of the fact that during his morning gruntings he communicated there wasnt anything that warranted his attention and early rising, he now finds various tasks that need to be managed. His pace is maddeningly apathetic.
It is a rare occurrence for me to have the children completely ready for departure before DH is ready. DH is always the one standing around, waiting for the rest of us to get our acts together. So I am a little baffled that this morning the tables have been turned.
The children and I stand at the door of our villa, dressed, groomed, fed, packed and ready-to-go. We watch DH slowly walk to and fro throughout the rooms as if the Magic Kingdom opening werent for another 6 hours, and we grow more frustrated with every passing second. What is he doing? Does he not realize that when married to a NDM this is grounds for divorce?
DH finally gets his act together and is ready to leave. Sheesh! The children and I bolt out the door, leaving DH in the dust. When we are half way to the bus stop, I hear DH call out to us, Oh! I forgot that I have to return the movie to the mercantile. What?! He told me that he didnt have anything that he needed to do this morning! This is the last straw! I am calling my lawyer when we return home. Actually, I dont have a lawyer, but you can bet your sweet, mouse ears that I will find one.
Apparently DH sees the darts flying out of my eyes and towards his head. He quickly turns back towards the villa and sprints to retrieve the movie. The kids and I continue towards the bus stop. Little, dark rain clouds, much like the ones that follow Eeyore, form above our heads and hover as a warning to any other obstacles in our path to the Magic Kingdom®.
Within two minutes of arriving at the bus stop, the bus for the Magic Kingdom® pulls up. DH is nowhere to be found. So as all the other happy guests excitedly board, DD8, DS6, DD3 and I remain seated on the bus stop bench. The bus leaves, and we are left behind to contemplate our irritation with DH.
We see DH running feverishly past the bus stop and toward the mercantile with DVD in hand. Lightening bolts now shoot out of our rain cloud head-coverings, aimed at the moving target. He is worthy of a good filleting, but he narrowly escapes electrocution with his frantic speed.
After a few minutes, DH arrives at the bus stop. He sheepishly approaches the rest of the family, knowing that he has crossed an unspoken line with his behavior. DS6 and DD3 find it easy to forgive DH and are happy that we will now be able to proceed. But, in hopes that he will feel some remorse, DD8 and I inform him that he caused us to miss our first bus. Then we stand at a satisfactory distance so that he will understand he is momentarily banished from our good graces.
Multiple buses arrive at our stop, but none of them are for the Magic Kingdom®. With each one that comes and goes, the anxiety builds into a disabling tension. DD8 and I despair. Hopefully this is not a foreshadowing of our day-to-come.
Six buses later, another Magic Kingdom® charter pulls up to the stop. We frantically gather and hop on board. We take our seats, and I look at my little ones. They are antsy with expectation, trying to suppress nervous giggles. I acknowledge that it is time to release DH from his prison of ostracism. To express his repentance, DH adjusts his attitude to conform to the appropriate, excited and motivated mentality of all Disney park guests. I mull over the fact that this change is happening a little late, but for the sake of our Disney day, I spend the five-minute bus ride letting go of my pent-up irritation.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
Mission accomplished. By the time our bus pulls up at the Magic Kingdom®, I successfully put aside my dissatisfaction with DH and move on. Our family unit is emotionally united once again and proceeds toward the security tables and ticket turnstiles.
Once we have been approved at all checkpoints, we are free to enter the Magic Kingdom®. The excitement begins the moment we pass under the Walt Disney World® Railroad station. Posters advertising different rides in the park catch the attention of my little adventurers. DD3 screams loudly, Look, Mom! There is a picture with the ghosts. Look! There is a picture with the tea cups! Look! There is a picture with the jungle animals! I cant contain my laughter. I remember feeling the same elation at 3 years old when I saw those posters, and her reaction to them makes me feel that age again.
We emerge from the underpass onto Main Street, U.S.A.®. All the children gasp at its beauty, for it gives the feeling of having entered utopia. The index fingers on three separate hands point in all directions, vying for the attention of our group. But no ones enthusiasm matches that of DD3 who is yelling out the names of everything she sees of interest. BALLOONS! FLOWERS! PLUTO! JIMINY CRICKET! PIANO! ICE CREAM! I cannot take my eyes off of her. Her giddiness is contagious, and I feel so full of joy. This must be spilling over to others around us. I look at other guests in our vicinity. As DD3 continues to yell, it catches their attention. Once they settle their eyes on her and see the magical world she has discovered, they smile and laugh too.
Soon the greatest Magic Kingdom® icon comes into view. ITS CINDERELLAS CASTLE!!! DD3 can hardly contain herself, and I briefly fear she may faint. DD3, would you like to walk near the castle, I ask. Yes! Yes! Yes, she cries.
During my Disney investigation for this trip, I was advised that the best strategy for parents with young children was to pass by the castle and go straight to Fantasyland®. Children are at their best early in the morning so they can enjoy these rides before the noon-time crankies hit them. Also, the lines are minimal at this time, so you can get on all these rides within a few hours. So the plan is to head straight for Dumbo The Flying Elephant, DD3s ride of choice. Then we are to go to Peter Pans Flight. After that the remaining Fantasyland® attractions can be done in any order.
We speed-walk towards the castle and around its sky-scraping turrets. DD3 gawks at its towering presence, but she is now anxious to see what lies behind it.
Fantasyland® appears and more gasps are heard as all the children take in the sights of whirling elephants, prancing carousel horses, colorful banners and storybook buildings. A little girl from Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, dressed in a princess costume with an immovable hair style and glittering make-up, passes in front of us. Oh, Mommy, its a princess, DD3 says in an awe-struck whisper. I grab her up into my arms, hug her tightly, kiss her cheek and nuzzle her. You are MY princess, I remind her affectionately.
We continue on our path toward Dumbo The Flying Elephant when we are abruptly halted by a husky, bald, Italian New Yorker. He points to DS6 and says in an accent reminiscent of the Godfather, Hey you! Weve been looking for you! DS6 looks panicked and doesnt know what he has done to warrant this search. The hefty mobster, whose name-tag says Edward, pulls out his walkie-talkie. Yeah! I found him. The kid with the pirate shirt that you been looking for is right here. I got him. DS6 looks bewildered. Yes, he has made some mistakes in childhood, butsurely--he is not deserving of being whacked by the mafia. Follow me, Edward commands in an intimidating voice. DS6 looks to me for guidance. I gesture that he should be obedient and reassure him that we will all be right behind him.
We trail Edward to a sword stuck in an anvil. DS6s eyes are wide in disbelief. He was unaware that executions were performed in the Magic Kingdom®. Is this the end for him? He looks to me for clarity, but Edwards commanding voice draws his attention. This sword in the stone, here, needs to be pulled out. Now, we havent been able to find anyone who can do it, but we think you might be able to. With your tough pirate shirt and all, you seem to be a strong, young man. Do you think you can do this?
DS6 appears confused. Why would the mafia need the assistance of a 6 year-old boy? DS6 looks to me for a translation. I explain, DS6, do you remember watching Sword in the Stone? He nods. This sword is just like the one in the movie, I continue, Do you remember how ONLY Arthur was able to pull out the sword in the movie? He nods again. Well, this man is looking for the ONLY person here who can pull this sword out. He thinks it might be you, and he wants you to try.
The light bulb goes on in DS6s head. He now understands what is being asked of him and lets Edward know that he, indeed, is the man for this job. Countless hours of gymnastic lessons have increased his muscle mass exponentially, and DS6 frequently takes pleasure in performing feats of great strength. He now sees that all of his previous hard work has prepared him for this moment of destiny.
DS6 pushes up his short sleeves to display his bulging biceps for the crowd that has begun to gather around him. He places his hands on the silver handle of the piercing weapon and strains to release it from its confinement in the anvil. Edwards hairless scalp perspires as his nerves are wracked with the suspense of the moment. Slowly the sword gives way until, finally, DS6 has accomplished what he set out to do.
Edward calls on the crowd to give DS6 a round of applause. Everyone explodes into loud cheers and shrill whistles. Edward turns to DS6 and assures him that he has shown himself to be of noble character by completing this task. The hefty, bald man then places a wand on DS6s shoulders and knights him as Prince of the Day. DS6 then receives a sticker-badge, proclaiming this honor to all who look upon his t-shirt.
DS6 is ready to descend from the platform and rejoin his anxious little sister who is now pulling on my arm and pleading, Mommy, we have to go to Dumbo right now! But as he begins to leave, Edward calls out, Im not done wit you yet. DS6 returns to Edwards side, and Edward gives him a certificate to commemorate his achievement. DS6 thanks him and readies to exit. Edward once again calls out, Im not done wit you yet. DS6 returns again, and Edward presents him with the official photo of Alice and The Mad Hatter. DS6 thanks him again and attempts to leave again. Hey, Edward bellows, I aint done wit you yet! DS6 crinkles his eyebrows in annoyance but returns to Edwards side. Edward pulls out a small bottle and blows bubbles all around DS6. DS6 now crinkles his nose along with his eyebrows as bubbles envelope him. He looks to the bald man for permission to leave, but Edward still insists that he hasnt finished, so DS6 stays put. He is then given a golden ticket that takes him to the front of any one line of his choosing.
DS6 wisely hands the ticket over to me for safe-keeping. Edward asks him if he will use his pass for his first ride. DS6 looks uncertain, so I answer for him. I explain that we will most likely save the pass for the long line of Splash Mountain® but, right now, we need to hurry because Dumbo The Flying Elephant is our first destination and the line is building as we speak.
DD3, who has not stopped begging for permission to board the Dumbo ride, is now dragging me in the direction of the flying pachyderms. She cannot be put off another second. Edward seems a little disappointed that he will not witness our prince using his pass, but the better plan of saving it for a more opportune time stands.
We thank Edward profusely for the grand memory he has bestowed upon us as well as his time-saving golden ticket. Then we pack away all our new treasures and make tracks to the Dumbo ride.
As we walk, I become aware of a stalking presence behind us. I turn to find a troubled Edward deep in thought. Ya know, he says as he comes out of his intense consideration, Im gonna get you to the front of that Dumbo line, and you can still keep your pass. The Prince of the Day waits for no one, so you just come wit me.
DD3 and DD8 cannot believe their luck. Their brother is Prince of the Day, which makes them princesses by association. And now the royal benefits begin with a direct entrance to our first ride.
We walk past the queque line that has piled up to a surprising length in such a short period. Edward deposits us within the designated exit area and calls to the operator of the attraction. These are my friends, he tells the Fantasyland® wench, We have the Prince of the Day here and his two princess sisters. They are to get on this ride the next time around because the Prince of the Day waits for no one. The lady smiles kindly in DS6s direction and curtsies out of respect for His Majesty. DS6 blushes because of her exclusive attentions and hides behind DD8 and DD3.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
Within a minute, DD8, DS6, DD3 and I climb onto the backs of two Dumbo carts. DH sets up in a spot outside of the gate to capture the certain-to-be-unforgettable video footage.
Our elephants soar, and DD3 squeals with delight. I witness the highlight of her lifetime as we rotate around Timothy Mouse perched on a circus ball. I look for the elephant hosting my other two circus performers. Once spotted, I see that DD8 and DS6 are looking at each other and laughing with great gusto. I take out my camera and manage to snap a fantastic photo of the castle from my elevated vantage point. We have not been here long, but this is shaping up to be a terrific day.
The elephants land gently, and DD3 exclaims, I want to ride that again! I try to explain that we may come back to it later, but we will not ride it again right now. She protests, but I explain that Peter Pans boat is waiting for us. She allows me to coax her from the grey, circus animal and be escorted to the next ride.
The whole family enjoys a pleasant trip across the skies of London and Neverland with Peter and his dedicated troop. DD3 once again cannot believe her eyes and thrills over the sight of Tinkerbell, pirates, mermaids and crocodiles. When our boat comes to rest safely on the moving platform, DD3 cries, I want to ride that again! I assure her that there is more fun to be had on other rides, so we must go. She doesnt believe me and insists that we must stay on the boat for another time around the suspended track. But I point out that there is a ride operator, quickly approaching, who will demand that we get off. She surrenders to this fate and scrambles out of the boat.
Its a small world is the next logical choice since its placement is closest. DH volunteers to skip this insanely repetitive ride and get FastPasses to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. He plans to meet us when we exit the attraction. I agree that this is a good plan, and we go our separate ways.
In the boat, DD3s eyes glimmer in expectation. The boat lurches forward and my world travelers yell, Whoa! Once we are immersed in the international community of singing dolls, my brood joins in the musical festivities by singing along. I look at DD3. Undoubtedly, there is no other child of happier countenance at this very moment.
Nearing the end, our floating vehicle approaches the area where we first boarded. DD3 gleefully laughs, I want to ride that again. I give her the same reasoning for moving on as I have on the previous rides, and her broad smile turns to a threatening scowl.
When our boat finally halts next to the exiting platform, DD8 and DS6 happily jump from the ship onto the platform, eager to find DH and board the next ride. I turn to DD3 so I can assist her in climbing from the boat, but she is unwilling to take my hand. DD3, I express, it is time to get out now. Our turn is over. The people standing next to you are waiting for their turn. This rationale does not persuade DD3. She will no longer be denied her second time around. She wants to sing along with her new, ethnic friends once more, and she fully intends to do it. DD3, I call to her in a very firm voice. She glares at me defiantly and crosses her arms while roots sprout from her small derriere into the seat. An invisible battle line has been drawn. Fellow park guests and cast members alike watch to see what my next move will be.
Since it is her first time in the Magic Kingdom®, DD3 has not yet learned the fourth tenet of The Sacred Seven: Thou shalt not repeat a ride until each one has been experienced.
Many months of analysis have led to a carefully devised strategy for completing all desired activities during our few hours of Magic Kingdom® bliss. This strategy does not include repeating the same experience over and over. If rides were to be repeated according to whim, there might be rides left at the end of the day that were never enjoyed. DD3 is short-sighted with her willingness to be dictated by momentary desires. Her rationale that the Magic Kingdom® gives pleasure in an unorganized fashion--that one can enjoy the magic as it just happens to present itself--is flawed. One must plan for it, seek it out and adhere to the schedule! DD3 is naïve in her approach to taking on a Disney theme park as well as insensitive to the others in line behind her, but she is about to be schooled.
Being left with no alternative, I pass my camera to DS6 and backpack to DD8. I then swoop down upon DD3 and uproot her from her plantation. She is slightly stunned as I swing her over my shoulder and hike up the ramp, out of the building and into the blinding light.
Tears begin to stream down her cheeks. Her heart is broken. Her pride is crushed. She sobs her story to DH, who greets us in our designated meeting spot. DH sympathizes with DD3 but firmly says that disobedience is not allowed . . . especially not in Walt Disney World®. If she wants to continue to have fun in the Magic Kingdom®, she will have to abide by the rules and get off the rides when our turn is over. People who dont follow Disney rules, he relays, are taken to Disney jail. I echo this truth and tell a story about my good friend in middle school who was taken to Disney jail and banned from the park when she and a pal trespassed into an area that was off-limits.
The story makes an impact. Although the thought of Disney jail sounds like it might be fun, all three mouseketeers shrink back in horror at the thought of being banned from the park. DD3 counts herself lucky to not have been served such consequences for her recent rebellion and commits to better behavior in the future. We make our way around Fantasyland® without further difficulty and decide it is time to brave the two mountains in Frontierland®.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
Finally coming of age for these rides, DD8 and DS6 realize that potential thrill brings excitement but also trepidation. However, DD8 and DS6 have been informed of the fifth tenet in The Sacred Seven: Thou shalt not reject a ride until it has been personally experienced. They have also gone through intense training to ease the shock of their upcoming mountain expeditions. We have discussed these upcoming events over numerous dinners. They know what to expect. They have practically memorized the tracks from months and months of viewing runs of the mountains on You Tube. This has provided all the preparation one could hope for.
Splash Mountain® is first. DH and I have to take turns riding because DD3 does not meet the height requirement and must be chaperoned while everyone else rides. So DS6 and I hastily run to the entrance with his golden ticket, leaving the others at The Laughing Place playground.
DS6 likes the ride, but with each approaching waterfall I can see tremendous apprehension. He consistently blurts out, Is this it? Is this the big one? I encourage him to simply enjoy himself and all the friendly animatronics around us, but he is unable to relax entirely as the inevitable five-story drop looms in his future.
We reach the long incline that takes us to the precipice of the watery mountain. As we jiggle our way up to the top, DS6 looks a little frantic. I counsel him to just hold his breath, brace his feet and grip the bar as tight as he can. I also remind him that I will hold on to him fiercely, and we will safely arrive at the bottom of the Briar Patch in a few short seconds.
As we plummet down the waterfall, I am exhilarated by the adrenaline rush. I do find it a little more terror-inducing since holding my son leaves me with only one hand to grip our log. But it is still the great experience that it always is, and I feel blessed to be the one to induct DS6 into the Splash Mountain® Riding Club.
DS6 is shaking from the frightful sensation of falling from such a height. Wasnt that fun, I exclaim. DS6 looks doubtful and refuses to answer the question. Later on, would you like to do it again, I ask. DS6 responds quickly with, No. He is taking no chances that hesitation will land him in another Briar Boat.
As we get off the ride and head towards our unsuspecting family, I convince DS6 to not reveal his true feelings to DD8 until she has visited the Briar Patch herself. He agrees to hold this temporary confidence and stumbles beside me, trying to shake off his jelly-like limbs.
DH sees us coming from a distance. I signal to him to take DD8 and get in line before she sees DS6. He lays eyes on DS6, who has not fully recovered from his engagement with Brer Rabbit. He understands, takes DD8 in hand and exits. I have sighted DD3 on the playground slide, so DS6 and I join her in The Laughing Place.
Much to my astonishment, no one is laughing in The Laughing Place. DS6 is now trying to hold back tears. My Brer Bear-like hug during our plummet has crinkled his Prince of the Day sticker-badge, and the water has made the corners curl up. DD3 is succumbing to the misery of being left behind in a hot, plastic playground and is close to crying as well. How is this possible? There is no unhappiness in the happiest place on Earth. Something else must be at work here. I check the time, and the answer becomes obvious.
I reach into my backpack and offer my little Brer critters a homemade snack. Then I reach into my backpack and pull out a spare Prince of the Day sticker that Edward slipped me in his wisdom and forethought. They find these items to be an appropriate peace offering for making them endure such hardships.
As we munch on our nutritious edibles, DH and DD8 reappear. DD8s face is splotchy; tears are streaming down her cheeks, and she is whimpering like an abused puppy. I look to DH and venture, How did it go? DH replies, Oh, it went great aside from the terrified, screaming girl that clawed me throughout the whole ride. Apparently, You Tube has been unsuccessful in helping my thrill-challenged youngins embrace the fun of a near-death experience.
I offer DD8 an almond flour muffin in hopes that raising her glucose level will help her to calm down. She accepts, and we all take the moment to breathe and recoup for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
A similar strategy is used for Big Thunder Mountain except that this time DS6 and I hold the FastPasses that DH acquired earlier in the morning while we were on its a small world. DS6 loves the fast-paced, run-away train, so the nightmare of the Brer creatures is quickly replaced with great enthusiasm for mining in haphazard train cars.
When the thrill ends, we rejoin our family and allow DH and DD8 to have their turn. When they reappear, we find another happy miner. DD8 gushes about the great time she had and her hopes to return sometime. Now that two of the four mountains in the Walt Disney World® mountain range have been experienced, I realize that my two eldest have shed half of their Disney mountain virginity. One small tear escapes my eye. They grow up so fast, and I am very proud.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
I am thoroughly enjoying your report and am eager to join the ranks of Neurotic Disney Mom's! Maybe you could start a group on this site? I can't wait to read more! I also enjoyed your other post about booking your vacation. Great reading!
- Jaymie
I do believe in fairies, I do, I do!
I, too, am really enojoying reading your report! Your writing style really makes me feel like Im walking with you and your family through the resorts and parks. Your use of imagery is wonderful! Keep it coming! it sounds like you guys are having a wonderful time so far in the story!
DCP Fall 2012: Strollers/Main Entrance Merchandise, Magic Kingdom
Vacations to WDW: 20
Vacations to DL: 2
Hi, Jaymie. I have good news for you. Yesterday, due to a high demand in some of the other forums I post in, I did--indeed--start a group. Last night I purchased a website, thedisneydrivenlife.com . It is currently up, but I am trying to figure it out right now. Anyway, I will begin blogging there as well as keeping track of my inductees. Since yesterday I have inducted 30 NDMs, 3 NDDs (Dads), 1 NDGM (Grand Mom), 3 NDWs (Wives) and there are a handful of others who are trying to decide what type of title they resonate best with.
At your request:
Jaymie The Faithful, I now officially bestow upon you the prestigious position of NDM#31. You shall henceforth bear the esteemed and noble title of Neurotic Disney Mom. Now go forth into the World, upholding all the sacred tenets and practicing all the disciplines of The Disney-Driven Life.
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008
J.L. http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/
Disney's Beach Club Villas June 2009
Villas at Wilderness Lodge May 2008
Members of Disney Vacation Club February 2008


text:
Young's Literal Translation (YLT) | New International Version (NIV) |
5 And the messenger who is speaking with me answereth and saith unto me, `Hast thou not known what these [are]?' And I say, `No, my lord.' | 5 He answered, "Do you not know what these are?" "No, my lord," I replied. |
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain. (Young's Literal Translation - The Bible Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |


text:
I'm looking for suggestions for a replacement for my Dark Towers penstemon. In its current location it's not getting enough sun and seems more green than it should be. I'd like to move it into more sun and replace it with a plant that has all its qualities but will settle for part shade.
Tall enough to grow above the hosta in front, purple foliage, pinkish blooms, and something that disappears as much as possible in winter. I'd like to be able to cut it down like the hosta and lilies already in that bed. I've looked at Negligee bugbane but don't care for the white blooms. Brett Marie something but don't care for the orangey flowers. Chocolate Joe Pye? I've seen a purple St Johns Wort.... Any suggestions? Thanks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
Sorry, just realized I posted in the wrong spot. |
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