It is hot in my house.
Last night around 10 pm, we noticed it was a bit warm in the den. The AC was set on 77, but the thermostat was reading 79. We turned it way down, and it climbed way up.
Quickly.
We put in an emergency call to the repair folks and sat up until the wee hour of midnight. The temp downstairs was 81, and the temp upstairs was 80.
After another call to the repair folks, we all passed out from the heat and went to sleep.
"Sleep" is a word I am using loosely.
Dan/Daddy slept on the couch to wait for the repair man who was a no-show.
I let the boy sleep in our bed because it tends to be hotter in his room anyway.
Have you ever tried to sleep in an 82 degree room with a baby giraffe in your bed?
That's how my night went.
My thoughts for Ten on Tuesday may be a bit scattered from lack of sleep and the greenhouse-like heat in my den.
1. Do you have an innie or an outie?
Hee hee. Cute question! It's an innie. And because you want to know, I will now give you TMI... I have a little brown birthmark right beside my belly button. It's the only brown skin on my whole body.
2. What kind of milkshake do you order?
Usually chocolate, but yesterday I was craving peach. Chick-Fil-A peach. And they were out. Boo. Hiss.
3. How often do you repeat outfits at work?
Back in the day, I tried not to repeat outfits at work. 4 year-olds and Kindergartners usually don't notice. Except for some of the girls... "Hey Teacher! You wore that skirt last week with a pink shirt and it makes your bottom poke out." Future fashionistas.
4. What are your feelings about thank you notes?
I feel like they are polite and not written often enough. My Mamaw will cut you out of her will if you forget a thank you note.
5. Do you like spicy food?
Yes. But not so spicy that the "heat" overpowers the taste.
6. How many toilet paper squares do you use?
Too many. Because I can't ever remember actually counting the number of squares. I pull the end of the roll and let it swirl off.
7. Were you in Girl Scouts?
Yep. Brownies to be exact. But not for long. I remember going with my friend, Sally. We would get all decked out in Brownie brown and walk to the meeting which was right by her house.
8. Notebooks/Journals: College ruled? Wide Ruled? No lines? Spiral Bound? Plain front? Decorative?
Oooo... I love journals and little notebook things. It is a weakness of mine. I prefer spiral, I think. And definitely decorated.
9. Do you snack throughout the day? What do you pack for snacks?
My life is one continuous snack. If I have to pack something, it's usually granola bars or almonds or crackers.
10. What is your favorite month? Why?
December. Christmas and my birthday... which is becoming a drag.
Happy Tuesday friends! Enjoy your AC and think of me.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
You Can Call Me Grace
Remember the death flops?
I still have them, and I still wear them.
But they are apparently not my issue.
I am sitting sideways in my chair as I type this.
Not sideways as in "turned to the right or left."
Sideways as in "balancing on one booty cheek."
Last night, I fell down our steps. Good times.
I was walking downstairs to get a glass of ice water from the kitchen, because I don't like to drink water from the bathroom. The boy and Dan/Daddy swear bathroom water is God's finest form of hydration. They are weird.
I, however, prefer mine with ice and from the Britta. Call me high-maintenance.
About 5 steps from the landing, my feet slipped out from under me, and I landed hard on my hind end and bounced the rest of the way down. I somehow also managed to drag my right arm along on the carpet underneath myself.
The sound of me crashing was loud; the not-very-nice word I said was loud, too.
Dan/Daddy and the boy came running.
One of them hovered over me, waiting for my writhing and moaning to stop.
The other one laughed until I thought he'd pee his pants.
I'll let you guess which one was which.
I think the culprit was the socks I was wearing. I just slipped.
Dan/Daddy made a new household rule for me right then and there.
"You must go barefoot in this house. If you are going to wear socks in this house, you must have on shoes. Or else stay upstairs. And always hold the rail."
He really is trying.
But because I cannot live upstairs forever, I will run around in socks when he isn't here. Or when he isn't looking.
So today I have a bruise and a rug burn on my right arm.
I also have a bruise on my tailbone (I looked).
And, I have to sit sideways.
I'm walking like a 99 year-old woman. Or a 39 year-old woman who fell down her stairs.
Do you want to know why I had socks on in August? Why I am covering my feet when it's 100 degrees outside?
I have dry cracked heels. Gross. I am forever trying to soften them and make them more presentable. I had just coated them in lotion and Vaseline and put on socks to seal in the moisture.
And obviously create an health hazard in the process.
Hmmmm.... Soft heels or a broken tailbone?
So here I sit... sideways.
But I have really soft heels today.
I still have them, and I still wear them.
But they are apparently not my issue.
I am sitting sideways in my chair as I type this.
Not sideways as in "turned to the right or left."
Sideways as in "balancing on one booty cheek."
Last night, I fell down our steps. Good times.
I was walking downstairs to get a glass of ice water from the kitchen, because I don't like to drink water from the bathroom. The boy and Dan/Daddy swear bathroom water is God's finest form of hydration. They are weird.
I, however, prefer mine with ice and from the Britta. Call me high-maintenance.
About 5 steps from the landing, my feet slipped out from under me, and I landed hard on my hind end and bounced the rest of the way down. I somehow also managed to drag my right arm along on the carpet underneath myself.
The sound of me crashing was loud; the not-very-nice word I said was loud, too.
Dan/Daddy and the boy came running.
One of them hovered over me, waiting for my writhing and moaning to stop.
The other one laughed until I thought he'd pee his pants.
I'll let you guess which one was which.
I think the culprit was the socks I was wearing. I just slipped.
Dan/Daddy made a new household rule for me right then and there.
"You must go barefoot in this house. If you are going to wear socks in this house, you must have on shoes. Or else stay upstairs. And always hold the rail."
He really is trying.
But because I cannot live upstairs forever, I will run around in socks when he isn't here. Or when he isn't looking.
So today I have a bruise and a rug burn on my right arm.
I also have a bruise on my tailbone (I looked).
And, I have to sit sideways.
I'm walking like a 99 year-old woman. Or a 39 year-old woman who fell down her stairs.
Do you want to know why I had socks on in August? Why I am covering my feet when it's 100 degrees outside?
I have dry cracked heels. Gross. I am forever trying to soften them and make them more presentable. I had just coated them in lotion and Vaseline and put on socks to seal in the moisture.
And obviously create an health hazard in the process.
Hmmmm.... Soft heels or a broken tailbone?
So here I sit... sideways.
But I have really soft heels today.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Happy Shark Week
I was working away on this week's Ten on Tuesday, and I stopped dead in my tracks when I read the third question.
Was someone looking into our windows?
I don't think anyone else feels the same way we do about Shark Week. We're a family of Animal Planet nerds.
1. What is your current favorite television show?
I have my buddy, Jeanna, to thank for this. She got me hooked on "Criminal Minds."
I mostly watch the reruns. I love it, but it is TWISTED.
The whole psychological aspect... the "profiling" of the worst criminals... It's fascinating to me.
I even told my brother (who is a real mental health professional) that I wanted to join the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Team and be a Profiler. He told me I would have to become a cop first, and that there are actually very few REAL profilers. He's a wet blanket on my FBI dream.
2. Apple juice or orange juice?
OJ all the way.
3. It’s Shark Week on Discover Channel. Do you watch? Why or why not?
Woo Hoo!!
How much of a geek would I be if I told you I (we) live for Shark Week?!? I can't remember a year we haven't watched. I wonder if the boy had been a girl, would we still be watching? Or would we be watching something with princesses and fairies?
I think sharks are beautiful and amazing creatures, and I get freaked out every time I go into the ocean... thank you, Shark Week.
4. What are the non-blog websites that you visit regularly?
Facebook, Hotmail, CNN, The Weather Channel, and Fox News.
5. What is your favorite way to prepare green beans? Asparagus? Potatoes? Carrots?
Green Beans? Roasted.
Asparagus? Roasted.
Potatoes? Baked. Mmmmm... With butter and sour cream.
Carrots? Raw.
6. What is your favorite flower?
I think my favorite flower is a daisy.
7. How do you feel about handkerchiefs?
I feel like they remind me of my dad, because he always has one. He has the worst allergies of anyone I know (except maybe my own child).
I think a handkerchief is old-fashioned and kinda yucky, but a bit more practical for a man.
It looks normal for a woman to pull out a bunch of Kleenex from her purse. (I might even take one if she offered it to me.) It seems odd for a man to pull a bunch of wadded up Kleenex from his pocket. Kinda weird. (And I probably would not take one.) Handkerchief? Not so weird. (As long as it's clean!)
8. If you could only shop at 3 stores for the rest of your life, what would they be? (You probably should include a grocery store.)
A grocery store. One like Whole Foods. (Did we say money was no object?)
A craft store (like Hobby Lobby).
And probably Target. Target would have all the other stuff I'd need.
9. If you could only use wine for one purpose for the rest of your life, which would you choose? To cook with or to drink?
To drink. And I could get it at Target, too!
10. What’s your bedtime?
Whenever the last of the Criminal Minds reruns goes off.
Was someone looking into our windows?
I don't think anyone else feels the same way we do about Shark Week. We're a family of Animal Planet nerds.
1. What is your current favorite television show?
I have my buddy, Jeanna, to thank for this. She got me hooked on "Criminal Minds."
I mostly watch the reruns. I love it, but it is TWISTED.
The whole psychological aspect... the "profiling" of the worst criminals... It's fascinating to me.
I even told my brother (who is a real mental health professional) that I wanted to join the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Team and be a Profiler. He told me I would have to become a cop first, and that there are actually very few REAL profilers. He's a wet blanket on my FBI dream.
2. Apple juice or orange juice?
OJ all the way.
3. It’s Shark Week on Discover Channel. Do you watch? Why or why not?
Woo Hoo!!
How much of a geek would I be if I told you I (we) live for Shark Week?!? I can't remember a year we haven't watched. I wonder if the boy had been a girl, would we still be watching? Or would we be watching something with princesses and fairies?
I think sharks are beautiful and amazing creatures, and I get freaked out every time I go into the ocean... thank you, Shark Week.
4. What are the non-blog websites that you visit regularly?
Facebook, Hotmail, CNN, The Weather Channel, and Fox News.
5. What is your favorite way to prepare green beans? Asparagus? Potatoes? Carrots?
Green Beans? Roasted.
Asparagus? Roasted.
Potatoes? Baked. Mmmmm... With butter and sour cream.
Carrots? Raw.
6. What is your favorite flower?
I think my favorite flower is a daisy.
7. How do you feel about handkerchiefs?
I feel like they remind me of my dad, because he always has one. He has the worst allergies of anyone I know (except maybe my own child).
I think a handkerchief is old-fashioned and kinda yucky, but a bit more practical for a man.
It looks normal for a woman to pull out a bunch of Kleenex from her purse. (I might even take one if she offered it to me.) It seems odd for a man to pull a bunch of wadded up Kleenex from his pocket. Kinda weird. (And I probably would not take one.) Handkerchief? Not so weird. (As long as it's clean!)
8. If you could only shop at 3 stores for the rest of your life, what would they be? (You probably should include a grocery store.)
A grocery store. One like Whole Foods. (Did we say money was no object?)
A craft store (like Hobby Lobby).
And probably Target. Target would have all the other stuff I'd need.
9. If you could only use wine for one purpose for the rest of your life, which would you choose? To cook with or to drink?
To drink. And I could get it at Target, too!
10. What’s your bedtime?
Whenever the last of the Criminal Minds reruns goes off.
It's Official
It hits me at different times every summer.
The "I am over hot weather" feeling.
It hit me yesterday.
We were driving home from our mini-vacation with our "old" friends. (Much more blogging about this later.)
We drove through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (hello Dramamine) instead of around.
At one of the highest elevations, the car temperature thingy dropped from about 94 degrees to a beautiful 76 degrees. And the sun was shining. Yes, there is a God.
On the way through Asheville, NC, it was foggy and rainy... and a blistering 67 degrees.
I put my window down and stuck my hand out into the glorious coolness and imagined long sleeves. And football games. And soup. And not 96 degrees.
And I was happy.
It's official. I'm done with the hot weather.
The "I am over hot weather" feeling.
It hit me yesterday.
We were driving home from our mini-vacation with our "old" friends. (Much more blogging about this later.)
We drove through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (hello Dramamine) instead of around.
At one of the highest elevations, the car temperature thingy dropped from about 94 degrees to a beautiful 76 degrees. And the sun was shining. Yes, there is a God.
On the way through Asheville, NC, it was foggy and rainy... and a blistering 67 degrees.
I put my window down and stuck my hand out into the glorious coolness and imagined long sleeves. And football games. And soup. And not 96 degrees.
And I was happy.
It's official. I'm done with the hot weather.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Mystery Diagnosis
I say it every year.
Our summer would not be complete without a trip to the ER.
The boy has obviously inherited his momma's grace and uncanny ability to get hurt. Poor kid.
We spent last summer recovering from a catfish barb to the hand, so this year we had to top that with a case of raging hives. Good times.
The boy has allergies, and we've learned to live with that.
But every now and then, his body throws us a curve ball.
Once - when he was 2 - he broke out in huge horrible hives. Scary-looking hives. And we played the guessing game. What did he wear? Did we change soaps? Did I change detergents? What did he eat?
The only "new" thing he'd eaten was watermelon. Yep. Watermelon. Something that even allergy-prone people are rarely allergic to. So we deprived the poor baby of watermelon for about 3 years.
When he finally tried it again... nothing.
So we really never knew what caused those hives.
Last month, we spent a week with Dan/Daddy's parents on the Gulf. (Yep. The oily Gulf.) About halfway through our trip, the boy woke up one morning with his right eye almost swollen shut and hives all over his face and neck.
I have a photo, but it is a bit yucky. I put it up, and then I took it down.
When did my blog become a place for only the strong-stomached?
After a dose of Benadryl, they didn't go away. Our biggest concern was the swelling all over his face. Swelling on the outside isn't so bad. It's the swelling I can't see that worries me.
So we loaded him into the car and headed to the ER. And the guessing game began again. No new foods. No new clothes. No new detergents. Nothing.
Nothing except he'd been swimming in the Gulf one day before the oil came into Pensacola Beach.
At his point, I'm thinking, "Please let me sue BP."
But the doctor says the words I hear more than I'd like to.
"We may never know."
Agh.
As a bit of a control freak, let me say that those words are hard to swallow.
I want to KNOW.
I feel like I can handle the situation better if I KNOW.
I can even handle bad situations if I KNOW.
But, apparently, being in the KNOW isn't always part of God's plan for this girl.
After week of steroids (again), he was all better.
And the ER doc gave me the advice I had been considering for a while now.
Have him re-tested.
I knew it was probably time... his last allergy tests were done when he was 5.
All those little needle pricks in the skin. Good times.
Who wants to go with us?
Our summer would not be complete without a trip to the ER.
The boy has obviously inherited his momma's grace and uncanny ability to get hurt. Poor kid.
We spent last summer recovering from a catfish barb to the hand, so this year we had to top that with a case of raging hives. Good times.
The boy has allergies, and we've learned to live with that.
But every now and then, his body throws us a curve ball.
Once - when he was 2 - he broke out in huge horrible hives. Scary-looking hives. And we played the guessing game. What did he wear? Did we change soaps? Did I change detergents? What did he eat?
The only "new" thing he'd eaten was watermelon. Yep. Watermelon. Something that even allergy-prone people are rarely allergic to. So we deprived the poor baby of watermelon for about 3 years.
When he finally tried it again... nothing.
So we really never knew what caused those hives.
Last month, we spent a week with Dan/Daddy's parents on the Gulf. (Yep. The oily Gulf.) About halfway through our trip, the boy woke up one morning with his right eye almost swollen shut and hives all over his face and neck.
I have a photo, but it is a bit yucky. I put it up, and then I took it down.
When did my blog become a place for only the strong-stomached?
After a dose of Benadryl, they didn't go away. Our biggest concern was the swelling all over his face. Swelling on the outside isn't so bad. It's the swelling I can't see that worries me.
So we loaded him into the car and headed to the ER. And the guessing game began again. No new foods. No new clothes. No new detergents. Nothing.
Nothing except he'd been swimming in the Gulf one day before the oil came into Pensacola Beach.
At his point, I'm thinking, "Please let me sue BP."
But the doctor says the words I hear more than I'd like to.
"We may never know."
Agh.
As a bit of a control freak, let me say that those words are hard to swallow.
I want to KNOW.
I feel like I can handle the situation better if I KNOW.
I can even handle bad situations if I KNOW.
But, apparently, being in the KNOW isn't always part of God's plan for this girl.
After week of steroids (again), he was all better.
And the ER doc gave me the advice I had been considering for a while now.
Have him re-tested.
I knew it was probably time... his last allergy tests were done when he was 5.
All those little needle pricks in the skin. Good times.
Who wants to go with us?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Ten on Tuesday is Back!
Ten on Tuesday never went away. I did.
I went on a crazy long vacation and then had a blogging brain block.
But it's nice to be back.
1. How do you take your coffee on an average day? How do you like your coffee if you’re splurging?
On an average day, I use flavored creamer (if I have it) or just plain old creamer with some sugar. If I am Starbucks bound, it's a Cinnamon Dolce Latte. But that changes from time to time. Especially when the holidays roll around. It's safe to say I like a little coffee with my flavors and sugar.
2. What is your genre of books to read?
I'm not too picky here. I read a lot... mystery, medical, Southern, fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, Children's Literature, Christian, and People magazine (Does that count?) I do not like Romance Novels... at all. I've even tried to read a few. I don't mind a love story in whatever I am reading, but those corny titles and pictures make me cringe.
3. Where do you want to retire, if you could go anywhere?
It's my first week back at T on T, and I am already beginning to bore you.
The beach. Specifically, a giant house on the Atlantic Ocean... with sea turtles nesting on my front lawn. Because my front lawn would be the beach.
4. The 17-year-old you is told to write a 10-minute speech. What topic would you have picked?
The 17 year old in me? You mean the one from the late 80's? Oh goodness. It would be a speech called "AP Art is the Coolest Class" or "How to Get Your Bangs to Stick Up to Their Maximum Potential." Or maybe "If I Could Marry Jon Bon Jovi."
5. What word describes you best?
Real. (I think.)
6. What is the next “event” that you are looking forward to? (ex.: vacation, moving, date, job change, etc)
We are going on a short little trip with our oldest friends! Let me say that another way... They are not OLD. We have known them a long time! Since BK. "Before kids," not "Burger King." We are taking ourselves and our kids (us-1, them-3) to the mountains for a get-away/reunion.
7. Do you like to discuss controversial topics or do you prefer to avoid those types of conversations?
Ugh. Avoid. Unless I feel "safe" with the folks I am discussing them with... Which means, we agree on the controversial topic!
8. Would you rather add 4 free hours to each day, or add 1 extra day to the week?
Oooo... an extra day to the week! But it would be a weekend day.
9. If you created a sports team; what would your colors and mascot be?
The Sea Turtles. And their colors would be brown and green. And I would cheer them on from the porch of my beach house... where I will be watching their game and eating snacks with friends.
10. If you had to be a teacher, what subject would you teach?
I was a teacher... and I am not sure I could go back. Kids know too much nowadays. And I am apparently 65. If I could choose one subject, it would be Art or Photography, so I could go back to school to get all brushed up on the subject.
I went on a crazy long vacation and then had a blogging brain block.
But it's nice to be back.
1. How do you take your coffee on an average day? How do you like your coffee if you’re splurging?
On an average day, I use flavored creamer (if I have it) or just plain old creamer with some sugar. If I am Starbucks bound, it's a Cinnamon Dolce Latte. But that changes from time to time. Especially when the holidays roll around. It's safe to say I like a little coffee with my flavors and sugar.
2. What is your genre of books to read?
I'm not too picky here. I read a lot... mystery, medical, Southern, fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, Children's Literature, Christian, and People magazine (Does that count?) I do not like Romance Novels... at all. I've even tried to read a few. I don't mind a love story in whatever I am reading, but those corny titles and pictures make me cringe.
3. Where do you want to retire, if you could go anywhere?
It's my first week back at T on T, and I am already beginning to bore you.
The beach. Specifically, a giant house on the Atlantic Ocean... with sea turtles nesting on my front lawn. Because my front lawn would be the beach.
4. The 17-year-old you is told to write a 10-minute speech. What topic would you have picked?
The 17 year old in me? You mean the one from the late 80's? Oh goodness. It would be a speech called "AP Art is the Coolest Class" or "How to Get Your Bangs to Stick Up to Their Maximum Potential." Or maybe "If I Could Marry Jon Bon Jovi."
5. What word describes you best?
Real. (I think.)
6. What is the next “event” that you are looking forward to? (ex.: vacation, moving, date, job change, etc)
We are going on a short little trip with our oldest friends! Let me say that another way... They are not OLD. We have known them a long time! Since BK. "Before kids," not "Burger King." We are taking ourselves and our kids (us-1, them-3) to the mountains for a get-away/reunion.
7. Do you like to discuss controversial topics or do you prefer to avoid those types of conversations?
Ugh. Avoid. Unless I feel "safe" with the folks I am discussing them with... Which means, we agree on the controversial topic!
8. Would you rather add 4 free hours to each day, or add 1 extra day to the week?
Oooo... an extra day to the week! But it would be a weekend day.
9. If you created a sports team; what would your colors and mascot be?
The Sea Turtles. And their colors would be brown and green. And I would cheer them on from the porch of my beach house... where I will be watching their game and eating snacks with friends.
10. If you had to be a teacher, what subject would you teach?
I was a teacher... and I am not sure I could go back. Kids know too much nowadays. And I am apparently 65. If I could choose one subject, it would be Art or Photography, so I could go back to school to get all brushed up on the subject.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Part VI... The Day We WISHED We'd Died... Or, Universal Studios
This is it. This is the end of the vacation blog-a-thon. Did I hear a cheer?
It really wasn't the end of our vacation... we had 2 more weeks on the road and away from home, but this daily recap is over. I know I heard a cheer.
Let me begin by stating... I still haven't forgiven Universal Studios.
Way back in February, when we bought our Disney tickets, we also bought a one day ticket to Universal Studios.
(Side note: 4 days at Disney costs less than 1 day at Universal. Disney gives a great military discount. Universal does not. But I am not bitter. I just thought you should be informed.)
We had no intention of going to Universal except for one thing. And one thing only.
Let's just say we are fans. Big fans. All 3 of us have read all the books. Me twice. And all 3 of us have seen all the movies.
When we bought our Disney tickets, there was a sign advertising the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Which was supposed to open in April.
Very cool, we thought... While we're in Orlando, we can go!
Not cool.
It didn't open as scheduled. The grand opening was delayed until June.
June 18th.
The day we bought our tickets for.
We knew it would be crowded. Very crowded.
We knew it would be chaotic and crazy.
We were up for the adventure.
Or so we thought.
What we didn't know (or imagine) was that Universal would be totally unprepared and disorganized for the event.
We stood in a thick wall of people just waiting for the theme park itself to open. Not the Harry Potter part... just Universal.
This was my view for 2 solid hours.
There were people passing out from the heat. There was almost a riot or two.
There was no security, no water stands, and no one with any information.
Every staff member we asked gave us bad or wrong information, if any. And I am NOT exaggerating. It was ugly.
Once we got into the park and rushed into a line that was forming, we were told,
"Oops! Wrong line, folks... This gate into Harry Potter's Wizarding World will not open today. You must go get onto the other line."
The other line which snaked from the Wizarding World to the front gate.
The line that we were told would take us 9 HOURS to stand in.
The line that we were told to stand in with NO guarantees we'd even get into the Wizarding World by the closing hours.
And then we found out that the actual Wizarding World section of the park wasn't even opening until NOON. Noon. On opening day. (The movie cast was inside with the press. Pretty neat... but couldn't they have done pictures and interviews when it wasn't opening day???)
Chaos doesn't even come close to describing it.
We stood for a while.
We drank a lot of water and drinks.
(By the way, Disney allows you to bring in drinks and snacks. Universal? Nope. OK... Maybe I am bitter.)
We finally decided to get out of line, get some AC, and eat some lunch. We needed to make a family decision because it was beginning to look pretty bleak.
We decided to ride a few of Universal's other rides and see some shows and then try the Harry Potter line later in the day.
(And I think Dan/Daddy was afraid I was about to go red-neck momma on some Universal staff.)
We tried to make the most of the day, but by that time... we were finished.
Hot, frustrated, and sad.
We were not upset because we couldn't see the Wizarding World or because it was crowded... we were upset at the way things were handled.
And we were not the only ones. The line to complain at Guest Services was 2 hours long. Again, not exaggerating.
Dan/Daddy had a chat with one of their Guest Services reps, who were (by this time) all around the front gate, talking to ticked off guests.
The representative even said to Dan/Daddy,
"This was expected to be the BIGGEST event in theme park history, sir."
Well, um... yep. Really? That's all the more reason for you folks with the name tags on to be prepared.
We did get 3 free tickets to go back. (A lot of people did.) But the damage was done.
We talked bad about Universal the rest of the day. Mature, huh?
We kept saying, "Disney would have done this or that."
"Disney wouldn't have let that happen."
So we went back to the Happiest Place on Earth and nursed our wounds.
We still love Harry Potter enough to try it again.
In the winter, when it's not blazing hot.
When it's not the newest attraction.
When I find it in my heart to forgive and forget.
It really wasn't the end of our vacation... we had 2 more weeks on the road and away from home, but this daily recap is over. I know I heard a cheer.
Let me begin by stating... I still haven't forgiven Universal Studios.
Way back in February, when we bought our Disney tickets, we also bought a one day ticket to Universal Studios.
(Side note: 4 days at Disney costs less than 1 day at Universal. Disney gives a great military discount. Universal does not. But I am not bitter. I just thought you should be informed.)
We had no intention of going to Universal except for one thing. And one thing only.
Let's just say we are fans. Big fans. All 3 of us have read all the books. Me twice. And all 3 of us have seen all the movies.
When we bought our Disney tickets, there was a sign advertising the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Which was supposed to open in April.
Very cool, we thought... While we're in Orlando, we can go!
Not cool.
It didn't open as scheduled. The grand opening was delayed until June.
June 18th.
The day we bought our tickets for.
We knew it would be crowded. Very crowded.
We knew it would be chaotic and crazy.
We were up for the adventure.
Or so we thought.
What we didn't know (or imagine) was that Universal would be totally unprepared and disorganized for the event.
We stood in a thick wall of people just waiting for the theme park itself to open. Not the Harry Potter part... just Universal.
This was my view for 2 solid hours.
There were people passing out from the heat. There was almost a riot or two.
There was no security, no water stands, and no one with any information.
Every staff member we asked gave us bad or wrong information, if any. And I am NOT exaggerating. It was ugly.
Once we got into the park and rushed into a line that was forming, we were told,
"Oops! Wrong line, folks... This gate into Harry Potter's Wizarding World will not open today. You must go get onto the other line."
The other line which snaked from the Wizarding World to the front gate.
The line that we were told would take us 9 HOURS to stand in.
The line that we were told to stand in with NO guarantees we'd even get into the Wizarding World by the closing hours.
And then we found out that the actual Wizarding World section of the park wasn't even opening until NOON. Noon. On opening day. (The movie cast was inside with the press. Pretty neat... but couldn't they have done pictures and interviews when it wasn't opening day???)
Chaos doesn't even come close to describing it.
We stood for a while.
We drank a lot of water and drinks.
(By the way, Disney allows you to bring in drinks and snacks. Universal? Nope. OK... Maybe I am bitter.)
We finally decided to get out of line, get some AC, and eat some lunch. We needed to make a family decision because it was beginning to look pretty bleak.
We decided to ride a few of Universal's other rides and see some shows and then try the Harry Potter line later in the day.
(And I think Dan/Daddy was afraid I was about to go red-neck momma on some Universal staff.)
We tried to make the most of the day, but by that time... we were finished.
Hot, frustrated, and sad.
We were not upset because we couldn't see the Wizarding World or because it was crowded... we were upset at the way things were handled.
And we were not the only ones. The line to complain at Guest Services was 2 hours long. Again, not exaggerating.
Dan/Daddy had a chat with one of their Guest Services reps, who were (by this time) all around the front gate, talking to ticked off guests.
The representative even said to Dan/Daddy,
"This was expected to be the BIGGEST event in theme park history, sir."
Well, um... yep. Really? That's all the more reason for you folks with the name tags on to be prepared.
We did get 3 free tickets to go back. (A lot of people did.) But the damage was done.
We talked bad about Universal the rest of the day. Mature, huh?
We kept saying, "Disney would have done this or that."
"Disney wouldn't have let that happen."
So we went back to the Happiest Place on Earth and nursed our wounds.
We still love Harry Potter enough to try it again.
In the winter, when it's not blazing hot.
When it's not the newest attraction.
When I find it in my heart to forgive and forget.
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