Saturday, February 19, 2011

A Sign Its Saturday

With the diet I have been enduring this past month or so, I spend a little time now and then thinking of foods I miss, or foods I want to eat when I am having one of my "indulgence" days. As for the Boulangerie Patisserie, I'll have the French Baguette and a Cheese Plate if you please. For dessert, the Chocolate Eclair.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Where In The World

On January 10 we posted this picture asking where in the world would you find it.
We had a few opinions, but sadly, not a correct one. Admittedly, this one may have been a little tough. While it is in plain sight if you are in the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, the lighting and the fact that it is only a part of the whole, may not lead you to think it is a giant Crayola Crayon. But it is. Another factor may be that if you're in the World without children, you may not make Honey... a regular stop during your theme park tour. I don't. I just happen to be there when I took my grandson to Walt Disney World in October '09.

There is a good chance I'll be visiting Honey... again in April when I take my granddaughter.

But, thanks to each one of you who considered what it was and who posted a guess.

Now, let's try another. Where in the World would you find this?

Monday, February 14, 2011

What's Up?

Lately I have been making excuses about how busy I've been and how that may be keeping me from updating the blog on a regular basis. While it is a excuse, it is the truth. My job, as I am sure most people's jobs, keeps me rather busy at times. There are some weeks when I may have 2 or 3 meetings that will take me in to the early evening. No complaints - it is just the way of it.

But, there is also something else that keeps me out of my study at home. Here is a hint...
My wife and I will be sailing on the Disney Dream on February 27th as part of the WDW Radio Dream Cruise. Counting down the days actually. But as part of our cruise preparation, my wife and I joined a gym with the intent of trying to get in better shape. Not that we'll ever be the way we were when we were younger, but better than we have been. We've hired a personal trainer, we're exercising and we're on a fairly strict diet, which of course, will go right out the door when we land in Orlando on the 25th. Hey, who is going to pass up an opportunity to have dinner at LeCellier? We may not look a great deal different when we walk across the gang plank, but we will feel a great deal different.

This is all a vast departure for me. I have often said that I felt that health was highly over rated. Ask around. It's true. Seriously, we joined a gym in August '10 and I walked into the gym for the first time in January '11. Health - not a high priority for me. But my mind is changing on this. I can't deny that I am getting older and though I would like to live as thought numbers don't matter, my age, my height, my weight, I know that they really do. If I want to continue loving my wife, playing with my grandchildren, being with friends, and yes, making regular trips to Walt Disney World, then perhaps I had better start being more considerate of my health.

But the cruise is less than two weeks away. What will be my motivation to continue? True, I'll need to work off some of the weight I'll put on during the cruise and the two days before and the two after in the parks. That may take a month or so, but what after that?

Now before I make this next statement, let me say that this is not an official announcement nor should not in any way be construed as a commitment on my part to fulfill this thought. But here is the statement:

I am very seriously considering running the 2011 Walt Disney World Half Marathon!

There I said it. But again, it is only a consideration at this point. And after some of the cardio sessions I've had on the treadmill these past seven to ten days, I am begin to wonder if my senses have totally left me for even having such a thought. Perhaps so. But it doesn't change anything. I am still carefully, and prayerfully, considering this as my motivation to keep on going to the gym long after the Disney Dream has docked.

In my heart I know I really want to do this, but my mind is battling with the notion. So, it is day-to-day, setting small goals. Such as, being about to consisting cover a mile in 16 minutes or less. I have done that once and it was a great night, but it was only over a two mile stretch. Getting to 13.1 is still a ways away.

In the weeks and months to come, I'll keep you posted on this. If you're so inclined, send a thought or two my way every now and then. I really encourage your comments from time-to-time as those will encourage me also. After all, until last month I could actually recall the month, year and location of the last two times I ran. One was in '96 and the other in '05. Nothing to be proud of true, but it is what it is.

Oh, and about those tennis shoes, I suppose I'll be spending more for a really great running shoe in the next week or so. Any suggestions?

More to follow...

Sunday, February 13, 2011

And The Survey Says... Epcot

I have been a little late updating the last poll we took on The Disney Obsession. We asked the question "What is your favorite park once the sun goes down?" No, there wasn't an article that included the question (I checked, it was a casualty of being busy), it was just a question in the right hand margin. Yet, without an article, fourteen readers took part in the poll. And the results show that 8 of those 14 (57%) prefer Epcot. Five people (35%) preferred the Magic Kingdom while one vote (7%) was cast for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney's Animal Kingdom received no votes, but this comes probably from the fact that not many people have the opportunity to experience it after dark. You have to travel to Walt Disney World when we are not in Daylight Savings Time and also have a chance to be in the park with Evening Extra Magic Hours. As often as I go, I have only been able to get into the Animal Kingdom one time after dark. It was magical!
While my choice after dark is Epcot, it is not an easy choice. Each park takes on a different atmosphere once the sun goes down. Whether you prefer Main Street U.S.A. and Tomorrowland, the Art Deco of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Strip, or the countries of the World Showcase in Epcot, lighting does something to each. It changes the way we experience an area of the park as we look at things specifically illuminated to evoke a response from our senses. The Eiffel Tower at night looks much different than it does under the full glare of the sun. And Tomorrowland? Tomorrowland is a completely different feast to the eyes once the sun sets.

Now, let's more on.

Last week I placed a stand-alone poll asking "What is your favorite park icon?" The choices are Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, the Sorcerer's Hat and the Tree of Life. Before time ran out on the original poll, I extended it another week. So, visit the margins and vote for your favorite park icon. And as always, feel free to leave a comment and let us know why it is.

Hope you have a great week!

More to follow...

Something On A Sunday

Nashville 05.05.07

There are few things in life that can compare to spending time with my grandchildren! It is also such a joy to have three of them living just across the street from me. So getting together, playing, watching Disney movies, and just plain goofing off, is something that happens on a regular basis.

I love being a grandparent!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

A Sign Its Saturday

I have long sang the praises of this little corner of The World, so in preparation for a visit towards the end of the month, I'll spend this month in France. February is a month in which we celebrate love with Valentines Day and Paris is city known for amour. And after all, it was a February some years ago that my wife and I spent our honeymoon in Paris. Yet more memories I can associate with this part of Epcot.
La vie est bonne!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

A Sign Its Saturday

Let's spend a little time in my favorite part of my favorite park; Epcot World Showcase.
Le Maison de Vin may be an ordinary sign along a small street, but I like it. Not so much for the sign but for its location. It is just below a window that evokes certain memories, and yes, certain dreams I once harbored as a younger man. Perhaps I read too much Somerset Maugham in those days.