disneygurlz2s

Wally, your post totally touched my heart.... My hubby has felt like you about almost every job he's had since I met him. For that reason, he's decided on a few occasions to say "F#$% this" and quit and either take another job, or try to go into business for himself. Consequently, it's put a lot of strain on our finances and on our marriage. I love him, and I understand how hard it is for him (I think this is really a "guy" thing, no offense, I just don't think women struggle as much about being "fufilled" in their work) but there have been a lot of days in the last 11 years where I have wanted to walk out the door and not look back. We have a 7 year old, and we live in a fairly affulent part of town (also my husband's choice) and it's hard for me to see us struggling when there are so many around us who have so much. Neither of us have a college education, my hubby was already divorce with two kids to support when I met him, and I was in debt due to health problems I had in my early 20s. We live paycheck to paycheck as it is, and just when we were starting to get ahead (about 3 years ago) my hubby decided to quit a good paying job to go into the insurance business. A year later, the business tanked and we were left about $50K in debt. It sucks. I know it's hard, but I admire you for putting your family first. Sometimes I don't think my husband does..... Shari "Sorry, I turned this into my rant" Shoufler

^^ Robb and Elissa, or possibly their evil twins.....no one knows for sure!

"Sports Night"..... I loved that show. I love anything Aaron Sorkin has written ("Few Good Men" early seasons of "West Wing"). His "banter" style of dialog isn't everyone's taste, but I love it. And on the cast of "Sports Night" was first rate-Peter Krase, Felicity Huffman, Robert Guillame. There are others, but damn! I can't remember the titles of any of them, just what they were about! Shari

I was huge into baseball (actually baseball players, but that's another story) back when he played, and so I thought this was funny..... I didn't even realize your last name was Weiss. I remember the name and never would have begun to think that you were he, but obviously others have!! LOL Shari "Do we have any real celebs on TPR yet??" Shoufler

Lifelong Cincinnatian....calls it "pop" Hubby from rural IL.....calls it "pop" also Shari

I remember reading something....probably in one of Paula's hillarious blogs.... about how they (Holiday World, The Kochs) don't get it how parks can have new attractions planned the year before and then NOT have them opened in time for the beginning of the season. I'll take an "AMEN" on that one...and that's just one more reason why these folks, and this park, are just such a rare find out there in these times. I am sure, barring an unforseen complication, that the Koch's will live up to their pledge and Opening Day next spring will be a day to be "Thankful" for!!! Shari "I don't think PKI's opened a major attraction on opening day since God was a baby" Shoufler

Congrats guys!!! I can't tell you how much fun I've had reading/posting/chatting with everybody here, and it's definitely re-inspired me to want to get out there and travel around the country going to amusement parks, and doing strange, random things!! Shari

I have not ridden MS, and honestly, don't know if I would just because I tend to be the kind of person who likes to "see" a ride in action before I decide to ride it. I am guessing by the descriptions I have heard that it is a tricked-out version of a Gravitron or something?? Considering my daughter rode a Gravitron with a 36" height requirement a week ago at our Church festival, I would be curious to compare. Which brings me to a good question though..... HEIGHT requirements... haven't those always been based on what size body would best sit safely in a ride vehicle?? What does a height requirement really have to do with the force or velocity of a ride? How do ride manufacturers, inspectors, etc decide how those forces effect a person and what does height have to do with it? Shari "just curious" Shoufler

Well, you've got a month (assuming it's still open...last time I was there it was closed) so if you want your ghoster coaster credit, I have the kid for you to borrow..... I have mixed feelings about this...like someone else said, it's hard to see the HB theme go, because that's what I grew up with there, however, my daughter watches Nick EVERY DAY and is much more familiar with SpongeBob, Dora, Danny Phantom etc than Huckleberry Hound and the gang. I pretty much suspected that they would do this since they did the same with Carowinds. I am excited about the updating of the rides and the fact that they are making family themed rides that adults can ride comfortably. We have video of me riding those little cars (the little tiny Corvette, Jeep firetruck) that go in a circle with Sammi when she was about 1. It ain't pretty. Haven't heard anything about the antique cars, yet, though.......... Shari "We'll be there opening day, I am sure" Shoufler

Kinda surprised they let you take pictures.... or were you sneaky about it? Shari "I hate needles too, but have gotten better about it" Shoufler

Paula just posted that a few days ago!! She rocks... we've emailed back and forth and I just think she is the nicest person. She sure loves her park, and gets a real kick out of the coaster enthusiasts, I think. Between this, the Turkey ride and the fact Sammi should be tall enough to ride everything there next summer, we are definitely going down there a couple of times. Can't wait. Shari "I love Holiday World" Shoufler

We enjoyed this ride when we were there the last time. I agree that Thunder Canyon is NOT FUN. I rode it once. Once. 1986. Poured water out of my purse. My clothes finally dried out about 9 o'clock that night..... Never again. I love log flumes, and Robb's right, they are a classic family ride. I was so happy when PKI revitalized theirs with the Wild Thornberry's theme. Shari

^^ Definitely a notch above Cincinnati, but we come in a respectable second. Thanks for the post! Shari

Don't chicken out.... It's not a rough or scary ride in any way. I am sure you will be apprehensive about the launch, but that is an awesome sensation and the glow-in-the-dark effects, combined with the soundtrack, definitely sets it a notch above a "regular" coaster. Have a great trip. I love WDW and this is in my top 5 rides there.... Shari

^^ Skyline rules..... although it is an aquired taste. When people move here from somewhere where "chili" means, thick, beefy, jalapeno peppery stuff, they are taken back by what we Cincinnatians call "chili". But, it's grown on my hubby so much (originally from IL) that he eats more of it that I do. But, no Skyline at Oktoberfest, just lots and lots of sausages, kraut and BEER!! Shari "and the awesome cream puffs" Shoufler

Today my mom, Samantha and I headed downtown for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (Cincinnati). Our city has a huge German heritage, and our Oktoberfest is the largest in the US, and second largest in the world next to Munich. Basically, it's 6-8 block long street fair full of mainly 3 things....beer, food and German music. When we got parked, I unloaded the 100 pound wheelchair of death for my mom (who, as I stated above, was celebrating her 80th!!! birthday today!) and while she was getting situated, Samantha and I tied a sign on the back that said "Today's My 80th Birthday!" It only took until we got into the elevator of the parking garage until someone said something.... My mom was so funny, she kept looking at this woman like "Do I know you?" and then she realized we'd done something. She was a pretty good sport about it, even though she doesn't usually like attention drawn to her. All day long people were coming up to her and wishing her a happy birthday. It was awesome. We headed about 3/4 way down through the festival to a spot where a German band, "The Polka Dots" were playing. They had some rides nearby and Sam, of course, wanted to ride, but the tickets were .75 each and every ride took 3-4 tickets. I told her she could choose one ride, so she chose the Round-Up which has become her favorite this summer. After that, we headed for food... Sam had chicken tenders and fries, my mom had a footlong hotdog and a potato pancake and I had stewed chicken and noodles. When we finished up we headed to the main stage for the day's big event, The World's Largest Chicken Dance (and Hokey Pokey). This was big deal for me, because this year's festival Grand Marshalls were local tv legends Al and Wanda Lewis, aka Uncle Al and Captain Windy. Now, if you grew up anywhere around the Greater Cincinnati area in the 50's, 60's or 70's you would know who this is. This couple hosted the longest running children's show in television history. Once we got ourselves a place to sit, I took Sam and we went and got a frozen lemonade and I got an ear of roasted sweetcorn. We got back to our seats near the stage, I glanced over and saw Captain Windy. I was so excited. She was standing off to the side, so I grabbed Sammi and my camera and we headed over to meet her. I got Sammi's picture with her, which was a huge deal for me. About 15 minutes later they came on stage and sang songs from their old show (I could immediately remember the words!) and then did their signature "Hokey Pokey" followed by the "Chicken Dance". When that was over, we headed back up through the festival and stopped for our favorite treat, the giant cream puffs from Schmidt's Sausage Haus of Columbus, Ohio. I am ashamed to say I ate 2. The crowd was getting pretty thick at this point so we made the rounds of a few other booths because my mom wanted some cinnamon roasted nuts and a soft pretzel to take home, and then headed back towards the Fountain Square garage. We stopped in front of the fountain to take a picture of my mom and Sammi, and a lady offered to take it for me so that I could be in the picture as well. It was a delicious and fun day.... and I thought of Soren and Wally both as I walked past all the beer drinking guys in lederhosen! Shari "God, those cream puffs are good" Shoufler Here we are with the Birthday Girl...80 years young today! The most delicious cream puffs ever!! "I'm angry German girl...give me some food" Uncle Al and Captain Windy lead the Chicken Dance! Sammi with the legendary Wanda Lewis, aka Captain Windy. Here's my mom and Sammi....she's ready for the Chicken Dance! Here's the bus PhishyBrewer would like to drive, I bet.

Just tonight, there was this guy and his dog, at my off-ramp from I-71. He was kind of, "artsy" looking, black beret, black shirt, pants and a black bandana sticking out of his pocket. Even his dog was black. His sign was really neatly written, "Travelling through.... need money for fuel and food. Thank you God Bless. I honestly felt bad pulling away. As I was heading north towards home, I came to the stop light where I-71 south exits and there on THAT ramp was a girl with orangey dyed ponytails and a t shirt and mini skirt, presumably his girlfriend, wife, whatever, and she was holding a sign too. You know, we're all so jaded by those who take advantage of panhandling to support a drug/alcohol habit or to avoid getting a real job (like the person mentioned above who's been working the same corner for 3 years) that we don't pay attention to someone who might be genuinely in real need. It is so odd to get on here tonight and read this.... I am feeling guilty that I didn't stop and give him something. I had six bucks in my pocket that I could have given him. Wonder if somebody helped them out. Shari "Well, now I am depressed" Shoufler

The Queen of McDonalds did not know this??? So far we have aquired Mickey and Minnie (taken from the 7 year old and on my desk at work), two Goofy's (one will go the cemetery where my niece is buried...she loved Goofy) and Tinkerbelle. Samantha is CONVINCED we are going to win one of the trips (there's a holographic trading card in each bag, and 100 of them say "Win" and you get a Disney vacation). It's like trying to find the Golden Ticket. If we get Chip and Dale this weekend, I will let you know and send one to you. Shari "I will eventually lure them all away from the child and put them on my desk at work" Shoufler

Get well soon, Soren!! I understand what you went through... when I had to be hospitalized in 1998 (I had serious heart problem arise when I was pregant with Sammi) they had to stick the really big vein in my wrist to take a "blood gas", whatever the hell that is (still don't know...don't want to know, actually). The nurse could not get it to do whatever it was supposed to do, so she tries several times, then the other nurse, then an intern..... it hurt like hell, took forever, and did nothing but make my heart race more, which was not a good thing! Needles suck. Hang in there and I'll look forward to the "Soren goes to the Doctor" TR! Shari

I would have to think that, after being underwater for nearly what? three weeks now, there are few attractions that could be salvaged. Shari

If you haven't been on Holiday World's Holiblog for a day or two, check it out.... Paula's posted some details on the Sally dark ride for the new Thanksgiving section!!! http://www.holidayworld.com/holiblog/holiblog.html This looks and sounds like a blast. We can't wait! Shari

Looks like National Geographic is going to be filming at PKI the weekend of the 28th and 29th and are looking for "stars" of all ages. (Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you're allowed to wear your TPR shirt...bummer). I copied this from my PKI e-newsletter that came today- Destination Kings Island - National Geographic steps inside the gates of PKI in search of adventure seeking guests. The NG crew is looking for stars of all ages to participate in a special National Geographic television shoot Sept. 28th - 29th. Several coasters will be included in the shoot such as the indoor dark coaster, Flight of Fear and the world's most intimidating and only looping wooden coaster, Son of Beast. Plus, participants will also get to fulfill their need for speed on the suspended steel coaster, Top Gun. Guests who take advantage of this unique opportunity should wear brightly colored tops and jeans or shorts. The tops should have no logos (park logos, especially) or advertisements. Additionally, no hats should be worn during the shoot. Lunch will be provided to all who participate. Call times for this special television shoot will be Sept 28th from 8am - 4pm and Sept. 29th from 11:30am - 2:30pm. Those interested should contact Maureen Kaiser via email at maureen.kaiser@paramountparks.com to check availability. Don't miss your chance to be a star where the Best of Hollywood entertainment is now playing! Maybe a few of our TPR friends can make their small screen debut this way?? Shari "might be willing to try for my 15 minutes of fame...." Shoufler

^ Although some of Wes's posts have really irritated me today (particularly his crack about Jimmy Buffett) I would have to say this one is my favorite. Shari "Almost as good as that email of the Bush Boys fishing that's going around" Shoufler

Someone at work said they heard that they were doing this on the advice of a psychologist/psychiatrist??? Shari "you gotta wonder about some people" Shoufler

Other than our home park (PKI) our only visit was to Holiday World, but, WOW!! What an awesome and amazing park the Koch's have! I can't wait to go back there, and we definitely will be next year, if not one more time this October! Shari