True Grit

Disney Ain’t My Jam

By

What have I been doing for the past 10 weeks? Not writing for my blog is the easiest answer. It is a really good thing this is not how I pay my bills. But….maybe if I was dependent on my blog being written and most importantly- being read to get a paycheck, that would give me the kick in the ass needed and I would start writing all the time???.

We likely will not find out anytime soon as I am loving my real job right now and it has me very busy working and travelling…and then there is my leisure/vacation/lay around and do nothing travel which is also time consuming …and let us not forget those pesky kids- they are a lot of work- and I have TWO of them!

So for Christmas we unwisely gave Henry and Molly a trip to Disneyworld…. that wasn’t happening until February. I say unwisely because it was such a miscalculation to assume that on Christmas morning a 5 yr old and an 11 yr old were going to be able to process “Wow Mom and Dad spent thousands of dollars to take us to the marketing capital of the world…in 5 weeks!! That is better than getting tons of other stuff right now”. I mean they are kids, and more importantly they are my kids…which means they are genetically unable to delay satisfaction.

I want to clarify two things:

  1. That they are not brats, but they are so spoiled by grandparents and loved ones that they likely didn’t notice lack of presents from us. It was more the problem of once we got to February and were actually going on the trip- instilling what a big deal it was.  AND
  2. Disney is not my jam. I know so many people that love it and others that find it not that bad…it just does not light my fire.

The craziest thing people forget is that Disney is so expensive!! Which I don’t think bothers you when you are a person that loves Disney- but when you don’t…. all I could think of was “I could be in Europe”, “think of all the shoes I could buy?” or the real gut kicker “this is a mortgage payment”. I felt like Clark Griswold the entire time. This started while driving to the airport I am like “Kids, are you noticing the plight?” ….but of course they weren’t as they had their earbuds in watching something on their ipads. Then jump to me trying to find something remotely healthy after 2 days of hot dog eating (which I am not knocking as I love a good wiener…I just thought a vegetable would be advisable) so I make them eat at the one place that has a salad- now it is an iceberg lettuce salad in a bag saturated in some nasty dressing- but beggars cannot be choosers. Just as I am about to lament out loud how bad the food is I look at their faces full of delight eating a D grade microwaved pizza and I zipped it.

Folks have asked “What is it that you don’t like about Disneyworld?” Well, here are the main things:

  1. It’s crowded.
  2. There are lines.
  3. There are lots of annoying children and adults in those crowded lines.
  4. You are paying hundreds of dollars to be in crowded lines with annoying people.
  5. The food is gross and expensive. **I am not saying I did not have a good hot dog or funnel cake here or there, but in general just not a fan.
  6. Morbidly obese people on scooters eating Genghis Khan sized turkey legs. **Full disclosure: I have a personal bias against the morbidly obese people on scooters who do not have a medical reason to be on a scooter and/or are not elderly**

Now all of the above points are obliterated by the joy in the kids faces when they meet Mickey Mouse- but, I don’t ever need to go back.

During my time in the crowded lines and watching some of the shows I came up some questions/suggestions for improvements:

  1. Why would you bring a baby/infant to any Disney park? I am talking under 1 year of age. The ONLY reason I came up with- which is likely the case for many, was that people spend so much money on this Disney trip they can’t afford a sitter on top of that. But seriously, unless that is your situation why in the world would you put yourself through the hell of bringing and caring for a baby in a crammed hotel room and then crowded theme park?? And even if ages 1 or 2- they are sooo tired, need to nap and won’t remember one fucking thing about the trip! I don’t get it.
  2. Names on Resumes? So this is probably the recruiter/HR person inside of me, but as I was watching many of the live action shows I kept wondering how these people finesse their job descriptions onto a resume. So for example, we are watching Beauty and the Beast and I think “Dancing Guy With Large Gold Spoon”…hmmmm how does he describe this on a resume “Cutlery Manager” or “Chorus Line Spoon”- or maybe “Lead Flatware Dancer”. Think about it.
  3. Parent Support Group Needed: Every morning as I was refilling my refillable mug I would chitty chat with various parents at our hotel breakfast spot. All sharing tips from the what they learned the day before. For Example: “The Avatar line is 3 hrs and not worth it” or “you can use your snack credits for ice cream” or “I never knew how much my kids bugged me until I shared a hotel room with them”. All I could think of was that if they had some sort of official gathering at the end of the day with cocktails, and no kids allowed- people would come just to be alone, drink and maybe pick up a tip or two.
  4. Smoking: **Disclaimer!! I have been known to have a cigarette or two after a couple of cocktails…but always in the absence of children. Now, still a gross disgusting habit but at least I have my pride.** IF you seriously cannot go through a day without smoking should you really be at the most magical place on earth? The amount of signage and verbal reminders they have to give about not smoking is beyond hysterical and there are still people that light up either real cigarettes or start vaping INSIDE places. There was literally this women behind us in the Frozen Singalong Show who kept asking her friend while her 4 yr old Elsa was in her lap “are you sure we can’t vape in here?”.

Anyhoo, many questions abound for me as to the allure of Disney- I just can’t understand why go there as opposed to all the other places in the world? This is likely a question that can never be fully answered. Kind of like some of the questions Doug frequently asks me, like: “Why are you so tired?” or “Do you really need another white t-shirt?” or “How many episodes can you watch in one night?”.

For much of the rest of February and March I travelled by plane or car- and logged numerous hours listening to podcasts. Most of these trips were for business or fun- but one recent roadtrip was for a funeral. And as sad as that time was I felt blessed to spend time with childhood friends and I realized that I can definitely learn a lot from my myriad of NPR shows and inspirational interviews with the likes of Brene Brown and Oprah- but, the most profound wisdom came from a day/evening with my tribe- if you think about it the best advice is always found closet to you.

I leave you on this beautiful Master’s Sunday with one of my favorite pieces by Kelly Corrigan. I am off to eat pimento cheese and drink bloody marys!

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. LOVE this post and YOU. As my husband says -“Disney world is like Jury Duty – you only have to do it once and you spend the rest of your life trying to avoid going back.”

    Loved seeing you in person this week – and tell Brene this week’s work has been fulfilled.
    XOXO
    NPD

  2. Finally, someone who understands. I thought I was the only (Scrooge) one who disliked Disney World.

  3. Hallelujah! You forgot, probably because you already are used to it: hot & humid 🙁 Nope. I did take a 2 year old. Once. It turned out to be brilliant. She “had to go back to the air conditioned hotel to nap”, and after have a cool swim to wake up. We won Disney. Because we left. Every day, for three hours. How do you not look at a sign that says “says 2 hour wait and instead think “I know a swim up bar…?”

  4. I was suggested this web site through my cousin. I’m not certain whether this publish is
    written through him as no one else recognise such particular
    approximately my trouble. You are incredible! Thanks!

  7. I do not know if it’s just me or if everybody else encountering problems with
    your website. It appears as though some of the text on your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let
    me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This may be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Thanks

  8. I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and check once more right here regularly.
    I am fairly sure I’ll learn a lot of new stuff proper here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  12. Your favorite justificationreason appeared to beseemed to be on the internetnetweb the simplesteasiest thing to be aware of. Sandy Yulma Wawro

  13. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site is very good. Delores Tris Ellerd

  14. Every weekend i used to visit this website, because i wish for enjoyment, since this this web site conations in fact fastidious funny data too. Celia Codie Redd

  15. In online gambling games, many game designs are used to responding to the chances of victory and thinning your capital every day. Ros Brandtr Jenine

  16. Ahaa, its good discussion about this article here at this blog, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting at this place. Chris Jim Wayne

  17. I am sure this post has touched all the internet visitors, its really really pleasant article on building up new web site. Catarina Boony Evie

  18. Hello. This article was extremely fascinating, particularly since I was searching for thoughts on this issue last Saturday. Carlene Fredrick Archer

  26. There is apparently a bunch to identify about this. I think you made certain good points in features also. Ambur Edgar Veronika

  31. Your means of telling the whole thing in this article is truly pleasant, all can effortlessly be aware of it, Thanks a lot. Arlen Hasty Pember

  33. A lot of thanks for each of your hard work on this web page. Kim really likes getting into investigation and it’s really easy to understand why. Many of us know all of the dynamic method you make invaluable steps on this web blog and as well as improve participation from people on that idea so our girl is certainly learning a lot of things. Have fun with the remaining portion of the new year. You are conducting a pretty cool job.

  34. My brother suggested I would possibly like this
    blog. He was entirely right. This publish truly made my day.

    You can not believe simply how so much time I had spent
    for this information! Thank you!

  35. Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you, However I am
    encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t know
    why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else getting the same RSS problems?
    Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

  39. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog
    and I am impressed! Very helpful information specifically the
    last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

  50. Every weekend i used to visit this website, for the reason that
    i want enjoyment, since this this web page conations actually fastidious funny stuff too.

  52. I simply could not depart your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual information an individual
    provide for your visitors? Is gonna be again often to inspect new posts

  53. Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just
    wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading your blog posts.

    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same
    subjects? Thank you! asmr 0mniartist

  56. These are in fact fantastic ideas in about blogging.
    You have touched some pleasant things here. Any way keep up wrinting.
    0mniartist asmr

  58. Everything wrote made a bunch of sense. But,
    think on this, suppose you were to write a awesome headline?
    I mean, I don’t want to tell you how to run your website, however what if you added a post title
    that grabbed folk’s attention? I mean Disney Ain’t My Jam
    – True Grit is a little boring. You ought to look at Yahoo’s front page and watch how they create news titles
    to grab people interested. You might add a related video or
    a related picture or two to grab people interested about what you’ve written. Just
    my opinion, it would make your website a little livelier.

    0mniartist asmr

  59. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and
    will come back later on. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great writing, have a
    nice evening! asmr 0mniartist

  60. My relatives every time say that I am killing my time here at net, however
    I know I am getting experience every day by reading thes nice posts.

  61. Currently it looks like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform available
    right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  62. Hello! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate!

    He always kept talking about this. I will
    forward this write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read.
    Many thanks for sharing!

  63. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too
    wonderful. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly
    like what you are saying and the way in which you say it.
    You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep
    it sensible. I can not wait to read much more from you.
    This is really a great website.

  64. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of
    your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for
    me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your
    theme? Exceptional work!

  65. Currently it looks like Expression Engine is the preferred blogging platform available right now.
    (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  66. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little research on this.

    And he actually ordered me dinner because I found it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this issue here on your blog.

  67. It is perfect time to make some plans for the long run and it’s time to
    be happy. I have learn this submit and if I could I want to counsel
    you few fascinating things or suggestions. Maybe you can write
    next articles relating to this article. I wish to read even more issues about it!

  68. Hurrah, that’s what I was searching for, what a data!
    present here at this blog, thanks admin of this website.

  69. Someone necessarily help to make critically posts I might state.
    This is the very first time I frequented your web page
    and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to
    make this particular submit extraordinary. Wonderful job!

  71. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme
    in our community. Your site offered us with useful
    information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community can be thankful to you.

  73. scoliosis
    Hi there! I realize this is sort of off-topic but I needed to ask.
    Does building a well-established website like yours take a massive amount work?

    I’m completely new to operating a blog but I do write in my journal every day.

    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience
    and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any suggestions
    or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it! scoliosis

  75. scoliosis
    I do not know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing issues with your website.
    It appears as if some of the text on your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else
    please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too?
    This may be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before.

    Many thanks scoliosis

  76. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me
    to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your
    theme? Fantastic work!

  77. Just want to say your article is as astounding.
    The clearness on your post is simply nice and that i could
    think you are an expert in this subject. Well with your
    permission let me to seize your RSS feed to stay up to date with drawing close
    post. Thank you one million and please carry on the gratifying
    work.

  78. Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
    I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss
    and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would
    enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

  80. I have read so many articles or reviews regarding the blogger lovers but this piece of writing is in fact a fastidious post, keep
    it up.

  82. Usually I don’t learn post on blogs, but
    I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to
    take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me.

    Thanks, very nice post.

  83. I don’t even know how I ended up right here, however I assumed this submit used
    to be good. I do not recognize who you might be however definitely you’re going to a well-known blogger if you are not already.
    Cheers!

  84. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful
    information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.

  87. Hi, its nice piece of writing about media print, we all be aware of media is a fantastic source of information.

    My web page … Jai

  88. Link exchange is nothing else except it is simply placing the other person’s website link
    on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same for you.

    my homepage; Calvin

  91. If some one wants to be updated with most up-to-date technologies therefore he must be pay a visit this website and be up to date every day.

    Here is my homepage – Latonya

  92. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I
    do think that you need to publish more about this topic, it might not
    be a taboo matter but typically people do not
    discuss such topics. To the next! Many thanks!!

    My site casino online

  95. Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe
    for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
    I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered
    bright clear concept

  96. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It
    really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

  97. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague
    who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he actually
    bought me lunch due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your website.

  98. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I to find It really helpful & it helped me out a lot.
    I’m hoping to provide something again and aid others
    such as you helped me.

  100. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to
    get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual
    appeal. I must say you’ve done a amazing job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Safari.
    Exceptional Blog!

    Take a look at my web blog :: oakley sunglasses sites

  102. Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.

    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!

    Other then that, excellent blog!

  105. I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.
    Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see
    a great blog like this one today.

  109. Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but
    I’m having a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
    Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.

    P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

    Look at my web-site: Randy

  117. Having read this I believed it was rather enlightening.
    I appreciate you finding the time and energy
    to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both
    reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  121. I’ve been browsing on-line greater than three hours these days, but I by no means discovered any fascinating
    article like yours. It’s lovely price sufficient for me.
    Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content material as you did,
    the internet will probably be a lot more useful than ever before.

Trackbacks

Copyright © 2024 · True Grit · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer