Checking 20 Items Off My Disney Bucket List (Updated)

16th October, 2010 ~ I have a few day before my Disney trip that I have modified a little bit. I'm looking forward to seeing some friends and also doing some things I haven't done before. I'm also looking forward to some alone time. Some are things that I just never got around to do before, others range from restaurants to tours. I will update as I do things and then post it all together. I am hoping to get at least 10 of my 20 items done on this trip alone. On my Disney Blog, I will have posted them as I did them.

26th October, 2010 ~ I was able to do 7 items on my list of 11 that I had hoped to do this past trip to WDW. I stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge on the concierge level(1) and that was very nice. Liked watching the animals outside my room and brought back some memories of someone special to me. Later I went to Via Napoli (2) to eat dinner. I got the Prosciutto with melon pizza and it was very refreshing. The next morning I was suppose to do a tour, but that got rescheduled for the following day. I was in Epcot with my niece and friends, where we went to Captain EO (3) and watched that. That too made me think of T. I finally did my Wildlife Discovery Excursion tour (4) and it was really nice. The animals were close at times and some were sparse. I did another tour, the Mickey's Magical Milestone tour (5), which will be leaving soon because Toon Town Fair is leaving. This part of the park is an important part of the tour. The night before I left I had dinner at the Hoop Dee Doo Review (6) and it wasn't too bad. What I liked most was seeing a couple characters that were occasionally in the Adventurer's Club. Finally, to end my trip, I rode Dumbo (7). I had never ridden it before. Not that it was a big deal... I just wanted to ride it before it was relocated again and enlarged to what they have planned when the Fantasyland renovations are completed.

18th December 2010 ~ During a holiday tradition, my mom, sister and I were able to have lunch at San Angel Inn at Mexico (8). It was a very nice place and not something I would normally pick. The menu has changed up though slightly from what I saw on a couple web sites.

2/13/2011 - Quick trip to WDW to meet a friend and send some magic off to a young man dealing with cancer. Thankful to the CM who broke a bit of a rule to get the magic sent. While there at DHS, I went over to the Sounds Dangerous set (9). It was open and being it is closed so much of the time. Needs an update I think.

4/8/2011 - Did a photopass photo shoot (10) with my mom, sister and niece. Was wonderful! Had a really fun photographer too. We plan to do it again, and even bring my other sister and niece. May even splurge and do the larger one since the group will be larger and would like more locations. But even if we don't go larger, it will be wonderful to do. It was a surprise to my mom which is what matters most.

4/9/2011 - Had breakfast at Chef Mickey's (11) with my sister, mom and niece. We all really enjoyed it. Had a great variety of foods that we all enjoyed. Lots of fresh fruit and protien! And yes, carbs for the carb lovers.

6//2011 - Was at WDW with R. and his family. What a weekend that I will treasure forever. I could die happy right now. We had dinner at Shutter's at Caribbean Beach Resort (12). Wasn't one on my list, but since I hadn't eaten there before I added it. I guess the Pirate rooms (13) at CBR is another check off. That is where they were staying and I did end up there for a couple nights despite having paid for another room (for 1 night and 2 unplanned stays).

9/3/2011 - Was at WDW this Labor Day Weekend with R. For dinner on this evening we went to Jiko (14). Was very good and I would like to go back. We also rode 2 of the 4 updated versions of Star Tours. I like the changes. Looking forward to trying to get the other 2 done to complete this as a checked off item. One R and K had ridden already from their trip back in June. (added: Sunday we did the updated back to original Enchanted Tiki Room).

10/16/2011 Stayed at Coronado Springs resort (15). Didn't get to look around much as I was on the go with getting ready for the RFTC across Orlando at UCF and there was also Food and Wine to enjoy. Heading back to the WDW resort this coming weekend and have something else to check off!

10/22/2011 R. and I were at Food and Wine, but he needed to actually eat because of a medical reason. We ate at Nine Dragons (16) in China. It was actually very nice. R had us moved to a table by the window and we could people watch. The food was good. I don't remember what R. had, but we did some pot stickers and then I had house special fried rice with shrimp. It was huge! I didn't finish. We returned to the room after lunch which was club level/concierge at the Beach Club (17).

1/1/2012 My mom, niece, R and I had dinner on New Year's Day at the Brown Derby at DHS (18). Was very nice and food porn was taken. We almost did Mission Space the other day but I was glad to not ride it. I will only with R I think. Did enjoy ToT with R. Unfortunately, the picture was blurry. Spent NYE in a Disney Park which was incredible. Wasn't on my list though, but I would consider it a bonus to this list.

Toys For Tots update

There are a few things I can hardly wait for. One right now that relates to my list of 101 in 1001 is shopping each month for the Toys for Tots. I wanted to share with what I bought total for the last 4 months of 2010 and 2011. Some items were duplicated, partly out of forgetting what I had gotten and also looking at what I had to spend at that time. I am going to do a list next year to not do that again. And I am hoping that the budget will allow for no "small" toys. Either way, its the thought that counts and I think all are fun. I was just trying to think of the bigger kids vs younger. Am hoping to also throw in Cabbage Patch doll next year. Some bigger Lego sets too.

I have a couple pics that I will have on my FB page but here I will list with 1 photo only:
There were 2 Lego Creator (1 "3in1 Mini Plane" and 1 "3in1 Mini Digger"), 2 Lego Creator "3in1 Transport Truck", 2 Lego "Hero Factory", 2 "Sorry" board games, 1 "Operation", 1 "Candyland", 1 "Chutes and Ladders", 2 "Cootie Bugs", 1 Basketball, 1 Soccerball, and 1 Baseball with 2 balls.

Complete: Have a Glass of Mead

I was at Epcot this year, Food and Wine Festival 2011, and had a glass of mead. It was actually pretty good. I was also given a bit of an extra pour which was good too. I would like to have some more some time.

Walking 3 Times a Week (Updated/Incomplete)

Well, I did pretty well until April 15th. That day was really the last day I walked. I did 8 miles that morning with friends who were walking for a cause. Their goal was 25. I was amazed I did more than 3. I was arguing via text with my ex BF and it was a great walk. The arguing didn't last the who time, may just a mile or so. I think I would've gone further had I been able to keep the pace we were doing, but we joined up with another group and they were going faster. I lasted another mile and then I was out. I had blisters starting and it wasn't worth it to kill myself. The blisters are not what kept me from walking again though. I am not sure what it was. I do hope to start again, but this task goes to the incomplete side and $5 goes to charity.

Complete: Lose 15 Pounds by my 25th Reunion

Nope... didn't lose 15 pounds. I lost 32!!!!!!!!! And have kept it off. It is awesome and today my friend Casey paid me a huge complement. Actually there was 2 of them but since I wasn't wearing scrus and I was wearing real clothes, she was amazed. It was great! I have more to lose but that is a great start. Haven't been following any diet. I haven't been walking, but am hoping to get that going again. There is also some planning for going to a class to work out too. I have been trying to not eat late, cut down on sugar, soda and carbs. You need some carbs, but picking the right ones is better.

Complete: Pay off/help pay off my sister's car

A few months ago my niece was in a car accident, caused by someone else, that caused the car to be totaled out. Well, that caused the car to be paid off technically, but a new car was needed. We probably should've said, "You get this much because that is what the settlement is." but we gave a little more. Why??? Because we didn't want her to get a piece of crap that she would be calling on to get repair for. Thankfully, my niece is a lot more car savvy than her mom and knows how to do some things like change the oil. So, I have helped in that sense and the car is no longer in my mom's name which is the goal.

Spending $30 Every Other Month Towards Interfaith (Updated/Incomplete)

Mission statement:


Interfaith Emergency Services is a not-for-profit organization which brings together people of all faiths who seek to minister to persons in need through combined prayer and action. We strive to be the church in action and to find unity in purpose through our singular and combined faith and dictate to love and serve our fellow man. Our History: In 1983, the religious pastoral community in Marion County saw a need to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families in crisis. With a minimal group of workers, Interfaith Emergency Services was given birth. For more than two decades, Interfaith has continued to serve the people of Marion County with sincere Christian love and caring devotion.

 
11/30/2010 - I was at church Sunday (the 28th) and saw that there was a change on needs for Interfaith. Previously, they were asking for food items like speghetti and sauce, other items that are canned or non parishable. They were now asking for personal care items. I went to the dollar store last night and was able to pick up a lot I think, especially with multipacks. I spent a little over my goal, which is fine. I may go there again for when I shop for the Rape Crisis/Spouse abuse center. Both are benevolences that my church serves. It is nice to help others.

I did this a total of 3 times but failed to write about them. I will be adding $5 to the pot for the charity that will be getting whatever I do not complete out of the 1001 days.

Spending $30 Every Other Month for Spouse Abuse/Rape Crisis Center (Updated/Incomplete)

11/1/2010 ~ For starters, next time I do my 101 in 1001, this should be more money I think and if I can increase it this time around I will. I did my first donation/purchase this past weekend (10/30/2010) and already I want to do this one more regularly than every other month. This can be something I change when I redo my next 101 in 1001 list. I purchased some items and then called to find out how to get it to them. I have directions to the Outreach center and will drop off the items I got today. I found out that some of the items I got were good, but they needed some others that I hadn't gotten. Anything was welcome.

12/24/2010 ~ I took my donation of $30 dollars to the Spouse Abuse/Rape Crisis Center so they would have a little something for Christmas. Wasn't much though. Again, it really needs to be a higher donation. I also took a lot of stuffed animals and toys/games that I had had. Figured they could use them for something. Just need so much more.

I did this one 3 times before I failed it. I just forgot to blog it. I will be trying to pick this back up to help them out but it's going to be $5 toward the charity of choice when this 1001 day list is completed.

Completed: Pay Off 4 Out of 5 or All My Medical Bills From My Car Accident

4/18/2011 ~ Today I paid off one of my medical bills. Thought I would pay a second one, and still may be able too. Will have to see what happens with a couple other bills I am paying on.

7/18/2011 ~ I paid off another today!!!! And I will confirm, having time to stop and take care of it, if I pay another off this afternoon (or morning). Hopefully, the billing office is where I remember it being at. This is a very liberating feeling.

I really need a balance from my massage therapist for the last that I am aiming to do in this time frame. I really would like to be debt free by the end of this year, and I really think I can be. I have been very blessed. God is wonderful! You should try Him sometime if you haven't or if you have gotten away from him.

8:23pm - YAY!!! I did pay off the other too! It's an awesome feeling. I may not really be 100% debt free by the end of the year, but I would say I could be 25% away from by then.

11/1/2011 I was in for my massage and Sally told me what the balance was. She had been telling me it was a lot more than it turned out. Not sure why, but I have paid it off!!!! The outstanding balance to the Chiropractor is going to be covered and paid off from the settlement. I almost thought that this last one would be also, but the lawyer is very slow moving. I just figured that with that little bit, I was going to do it and feel very successful!

Writing a Letter/Note a Month to a Friend (Updated/Incomplete)

When I started my endeavor of my 101 in 1001, I had shared the list with a friend prior to the release. She liked the idea and started her own list. When I started my list officially, I received flowers from Tracey. They a beautiful. Starting to fade now, but their memory will last. She checked off something on her list by sending me the flowers and I sent her a note to thank her for them. This note was the first letter/note that will kick off this pleasure. I think that letter/note writing is a lost art. So many people think about just emailing and calling. It is easier, but I know I love getting a letter/note from a friend. I like to know how things are in their life.

10/30/2010 I did a note to a friend who is having some trouble. I want to do more for here and might be one of my random gifts to a friend. I hope I can do more to really help that what I can do in the next month. I also need to find a way to do it, without her knowing right off. That is why I am keeping the name off of here.

11/30/2010 I did a note to an old friend, Shari, that I haven't heard from in awhile. I hope to hear back from her via email or FB. Hoping that all is well with her and her family.

12/31/2010 I wrote a note to my sister. It was also one of my letters of people who inspired me letters.

Today, 1/11/2011, (or as mom said in recovery... "one one one one... one") I wrote a note to a friend I met at the hospital where we were. Her name is Grace. She is a wonderful Italian woman who is very inspiring. She is in a wheelchair and helped head the volunteers at the hospital. She and her husband moved, which I wasn't aware of. I got her note yesterday. The timing was very good because I would've been VERY worried why she wasn't at the hospital today when we were there. I missed seeing her though.

2/28/2011- I sent a letter to a friend that is an honor to know. She is one of my 4 Disney friends I can go to when my faith is down or needs some restoration etc. Glenda is so strong in her faith and inspiring. She has a great smile. She recently lost her mother and I can only imagine the pain she was feeling but she made a comment that just defined her and her faith. Was about knowing she will see her mom again because of their faith. What a blessing! I know that doesn't ease the pain most days... but it's wonderful to know.

3/10/2011 add on: I received a private message from Glenda. "Thank you so much for your letter! glad I was picked this time for you to write to! I haven't received a letter in YEARS! Thanks again!" I am glad that I wrote her too!

3/25/2011 - I have written to my friend Christiann. I was enjoying some tea she sent me this past weekend with my mom and sister. I decided that I would write her. The tea is wonderful... and I have some to enjoy in a bit.

4/25/2011 - I wrote a letter to my mom. This is also one of my letters to 5 people who have inspired me etc. I know she is going to cry, which isn't my intention at all. Her strength is outstanding and I love her for showing me the grace she has when she was first diagnoised with cancer.

About the 14th May 2011 I wrote a letter with a lot of info in it for an ex BF for a trip to WDW that he was going to be taking with his son, daughter and grandson. I did not only do the letter though but maps, hotel information and more. He said it was helpful. Glad that I was good for something being I have been having a rough time with my self-esteem again.

In June 2011 I wrote a letter to my friend Christiann again. She sent me some tea for my birthday and a special tea mug. There was also a book about tea that I haven't gotten to sit and read yet. I also wrote a thank you note to the every lovely, Heather French. I had received from her 3 autographed bottles of wine from the Biltmore Estate. Heather was suppose to do 2 lables and then something happened to cancel her doing it. The Estate released someone else's lable design when it should have been Heather. I wrote to the Estate and complained. Heather got the information that someone had writte and she was doing the next lable. This was released in April. As a thank you, I receieved the bottles. I haven't enjoyed one yet, but would love to press the bottle and return it to her as a serving plate for cheese or crackers.

July 26th 2011, I wrote a letter, 1 page to someone in my life, who isn't "in" my life. I gave them the option of being able to reach if they so chose. No pressure at all is my intent. There was another letter written that day too. One that I have no mailing address for but was as equally important. I had to email it. It was to Mark. He was there that day and was a blessing. I had to thank him. He emailed me back and I treasure that he felt it was a special day for him too.

On 31st July 2011, while still in Baton Rouge visiting R. I wrote a letter to Linda. She was important in A. many ways for me 22 years ago, and I hope she can/will/may forward the other letter that was written on the 26th. She too was a thank you note that was long overdue.

Update: Linda called me today (8/18/2011) regarding my letter to her and the other part that she has now forwarded. If it is meant to be, then it will be. Either way, it is a blessing!

Unfortunately I have let this slide by and it is an incomplete item. I hope to get back to it though but $5 is going to a good cause!