Florida Trip: Day 5

This morning we woke up on time and made our way to the free breakfast. I know, I know, it's not the greatest but when one is trying to get to an amusement park near opening time and already is expecting close to $25 for two people each meal, a free breakfast is great, no matter how not so great the food is.

Sidebar. I forgot to note that Jude actually slept to about 8:20 this morning.

Our first stop this morning was one of those unsightly tourist gift shops "that smells like China." Pat wanted to get one of those spray bottles that feature a fan on top of the sprayer, to create a mist.

Next stop: Hollywood Studios, formerly known as The MGM Studios. I won't be going into too much detail about this park becuase we were only there for about half a day and I didn't get a chance to get a feel for it. So, here is what we did. Once we arrived we went over to one of the sections to experience Muppet Vision 3D. There is one at Disneyland's California Adventure that we have seen before, but we thought Jude would enjoy it. This is a cute show with special "4D" effects, e.g. when there is a splash on screen, water is sprayed into the audience.

Next we checked out a special effects themed Indiana Jones show. It was fun, showing us how some effects are done off screen. Annd after this we did another show, Hollywood Studios has a lot of shows. This one was based on a show that originated in Disneyland Paris and featured car themed stunts. I recommend it.

Jude fell asleep during this show while Nichole was with him outside. So Pat and Wendy were kind enough to watch him while Nichole and I went a little ride that was themed after various classic movies.

At this point we decided that since we got the park hopper ticket we should make our way over to the Magic Kingdom, the Disney World counter-part to Disneyland. The set up is similar to Disneyland, a Main Street USA which leads to a statue in the center if the park with the different lands surrounding. The lands are the same for the most part, Adventurland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. However, MK doesn't have New Orleans Square but Liberty Square. While the lands are the same, the way they are laid out are different, as are the rides. MK has a few rides that DL doesn't have, like Country Bear Jamboree; while DL has rides that MK doesn't have, like the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Mr.Toad's Wild Ride. And while they both have some of the same rides, one at MK may differ slightly from the one at DL.

The first thing we did was make our way over to Tomorrowland, which is vastly different and larger than DL, to catch the Carosel of Progress. After that neat little animatronic-starring show was over we went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, which is a little tram that took us around Tomorrowland. Our final stop in this futuristic place was the Buzz Lightyear laser ride.

We then made our way over to Fantasyland to exeperience the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The Country Bear Jamboree was next. This animatronic show used to be in DL untill the Pooh ride replaced it. However, if you ride the one in DL, look up behind you as you enter the honey room and you will find a tribute to the Jamboree. Pirates of the Carribbean was next. This, too, was different from the one in DL, but still quite enjoyable.

It's a Small World was the next attraction; it, of course, was different but still cute. Since we still had about 20 minutes until the park closed, we thought we'd check out Mickey's PhillharMagic, a 4D show featuring some of the more popular Disney songs, such as "I Just Can't Wait To Be King," "A Whole New World," and the Fantasia theme. At this point Jude was really sleepy and needed to nurse, so Pat, Wendy, and I went on Peter Pan's Flight.

9 o'clock had rolled around so it was time to leave. Imagine Main Street USA filled with people all trying to exit at the same time. Yeah, it sucked. And so was the long throng of people trying to get to the monorail. Oh, I forgot that part. WDW is so huge and the MK is so far from Hollywood Studios, it takes a bus and the monorail to get from one to the other. So, people are stupid and everyone will be able to get to where hey need to be. However, apparently some think that they absolutely have to be first and that they are entitled to push their way through a million people all trying to get to the same place.

Sidebar. What was really interesting to observe while at WDW was the number of Orthodox Jews. I have never seen so many all in one place I all my life. Of all the families we saw, a number of them were young, the fathers a bit older and the child counter was more on the higher side. It'd be fascinating to learn more about them.

Fast forward a bit. We made it to the hotel where Jude slept while we got packed and slept as well. One flight down and one to go and we will be home!

Wesley

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Cinderella's Castle (unlike Sleeping Beauty's at DL, one cannot walk through it)

Florida Trip: Day 4

Easy morning. Woke up and had the free breakfast at the hotel. I know now why it is free. It includes your typical hotel serve yourself breakfast. Cereals, yogurt, breakfast meats, baked goods, etc... My word though, the "juice" was pretty much apple or orange flavored water. But, again, it was free.

Jude has been doing really well. I'm not sure if he is used to trips now or if it is just his easy going nature. That being said, ever since he realized he could walk help-free, that is all that kid wants to do. I'm sure those of you of whom has experience with kids knows that is adults tend to walk a wee bit faster than them. Needless to say there were many times today where he was upset because someone was carrying him.

One more thing about Jude, he absolutely loves his Papa. When he is not nursing, walking, or in his stroller, he wants to be with Pat. Once he is with him, he could care less about any of us.

Oookay. So, today we went to Epcot. We were planning on taking the van from the hotel, but there are no strollers allowed and it is offered at only 8:30 am and 12:30 pm. That is stupid. Epcot is quite grand upon entering. Spaceship Earth (the huge globe) is huge. The first thing we did was ride in Spaceship Earth which was narrated by Judy Dench and took us on a history lesson of a ride.

Epcot is divided into two main sections laid out in an hour glass form. The first half is Future World and it includes Spaceship Earth and about 4 or 5 "attractions" with such themes as innovations, the environment, land, and sea.

The second hour glass section is the World Showcase and it consists of the following countries surrounding the Showcase Lagoon:

- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- The American Adventure
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada

Each country has shops and eateries that are authentic to where they represent. Some even feature a small, slow moving water ride. What is really neat is that the crew members who opperate each country is actually from that country.

Our next stop was the World Showcase. Let me pause here a moment and say that at 10 am, the humidity was extremely high and the sun was just beating down. It would take too long to highlight what all we did there, so I will just include the main ones. Epcot is undergoing their food and wine expo. This means that there are several state fair sized booths from all over the globe, not just what is represented in the Showcasw, that feature food and wine from those places. We did not partake of this event, however, we did partake of the Beer Hop (I hope they intended a pun).

There are two side by side booths that feature 8 beers from all over the world. The idea is that you receive a passport and get to sample 4oz of 4 beers of your choice. Wendy and I did this together, so by the time we were done, we tried all 8 beers.

The next highlight was lunch. We ate in Germany at the Biergarten or beer garden. This was a traditional eating hall that featured a buffet of traditional German food, schnitzels, spatzels, sausages, pretzel rolls, etc... Delicious. Needless to say I had a 1/2 liter of the Opitmator, a dark German beer.

We did a see a couple Circlevision 360 films. You stand in a circular room with 10 screens around you that are all syncronized to play together. Really neat.

At the America area, coinciding with the expo, the Boston Beer Co. had a 20 minute history lesson of the company/explanation of the brewing process/beer tasting. We tasted about 2oz of 4 of their beers. We each got a bottle opener key chain, and yes, Nichole actually partook.

After the Showcase we went to the Sea area for a couple Finding Nemo related attractions, the three of us really enjoy that movie. Next we headed back to the Showcase for a quick bite and to see the light show on the Lagoon.

Well, that is it for tonight. I'm tired so I'm ending this, some of this may not make sense, so let me know if there are any questions or if you want me to expand on something.

Wesley

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Crest on the bottom left represents the area in Germany my great-grandmother is from.

Florida Trip: Day 3

Another reason why I love my wife. As I sit down to write this I hear "Farve is is kicking his old team's ass. " =)

So, on with day 3. We actually got up at a decent time, 8, and began to get ready. Jude and Nichole went downstairs so I could pack. We met up with Pat and Wendy and made are way to the day's breakfast location. The Waffle House.

I'm sure many of you have heard of the infamous breakfast chain that seems to have locations in every state, except for the one I live in. I'll admit it, I really do enjoy this place. I'm not sure exactly why, but I do. Jim Gaffigan is an extremely funny comedian who does a Waffle House bit, I suggest you find a way to hear it.

Anyways, we all order the special: 2 eggs, 2 slices of toast, grits, bacon or sausage, waffle or biscuits & gravy, all for $6.99. Needless to say I order the waffle and bacon. Holy crap. Apparently most people like crispy bacon, I could care less for it, but these were crispy strips of carbon. Everything else was really good. The clientele of this chain includes, but is not limited to, haggard bikers (and their drug-skinny-tattooed-spikey hair SOs), older folk, folk that could be seen on COPS and out of towners. Well, it is cheap, fast and pretty good considering what it is.

Once we left we made our way from Clearwater to Orlando. So, if none of you looked at a map, Clearwater is on the west coast sort of near the middle of the state. Orlando is about 1 1/2 hour to the east and I believe to the north as well. Lake Mary (where Pat's aunt lives) is northeast of Orlando by about 45 minutes. Florida is very flat compared to SoCal. In my opinion, it's quite weird be because you can see everything for miles. On our way to Orlando we passed by Dinosaur World and upon entering Orlando there was a metal power pole in the shape of Mickey ears.

Orlando is interesting. There are a lot of large, tall buildings and touristy shops. As far as the shops are concerned, it's like Anaheim, but on steroids. What is also interesting to observe is that it seems the economy drop hit harder in Florida than many parts of the country. There are numerous shops, restaraunts, attractions that we have seen that have been closed, for what looks like quite awhile. On the brighter side, I guess, I have seen more green driving from Clearwater/Tampa and around Orlando and Lake Mary.

Pat's aunt, Chickie, is really nice and hospitable. She is the oldest of the six kids, Chickie, Dalores, Art, Joan, Louie, Terry. Dalores died years ago and Pat's mom, Joan, about five ago. I've went with Nichole and her parents a few years ago to Virginia to visit and meet Terry, super nice and has done extensive geneology.

Enough family rambling. We had a nice visit with Chickie. She lives in a really nice gated condo community about 15 minutes away from her adopted son, Tim. Her husband past a couple of years ago. Chickie made a yummy dinner, with dessert and we were off, after spending a few hours catching up.

Back at the hotel we said goodnight to Pat and Wendy and retired to our rooms only to be disturbed by our rumbling tummies. So while Nichole had quiet time with Jude trying to get him to sleep I was on a mission to find snacks. Our room had a mini frig and micro, but there was no pantry to purchase snacks (like others we have stayed in with mini appliances). So I ask the front desk if there was a convenience store I could walk to (the rental was in Pat's name). Bless her soul, the woman at the desk informed me that there was a Walgreens aways away, but in walking distance. I googled it, yeah, try 15 minutes. But I stumbled upon a Winn-Dixie that Google said was 5 minutes away, it was really 15. I couldn't imagine the far the Walgreens really was.

Well, it's late and we are going to Epcot tomorrow, so goodnight.

Wesley

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Florida Trip: Day 2

Woke up today at 8:30 to find Nichole and Jude dead asleep, so what do I do? Yep, go back to sleep! Finally woke up about 9:45 to a call from Wendy. Once we were all up, Pat and Wendy took the Judebug so Nichole and I could get ready.

Once we were all set to go, we headed over to Einstein Bros bagels for a small breakfast, we would be eating a little bit later at Pats's step-aunt's house.

What is interesting to note that the Clearwater/St.Petersburg area is pretty heavily populated. There is a lot more greenery than in San Diego, but definately a lot less than say, Virginia. Also, there are a million coves, harbors, etc..., take a look at a map. I also noticed that there are quite a lot of strip clubs and various adult stores. A couple of other things to notice is that there aren't as many freeways like in CA and chain restaraunt are pretty prominent and there are many of the same ones closer together, e.g. there will be two Applebees on the same road only a mile apart.

So after breakfast we drove around St.Petersburg/ St.Pete Beach area awhile before realizing that we really needed to be about 35 miles opposite of the direction we were going. Needless to say we were about 45 minutes late.

The homes in Palm Harbor were a bit on the larger side, close to the 3,000 square foot range, I would guess. Margie's (Pat's step-aunt) house was two story but with the design of the layout and closed staircase, one would never have known. Once there we were greeted with good ol' Southern hospitality, complete with y'alls and all. We had a lovely time with Pat's step-mom, Carol, (his dad had pased a few years ago, it's nice he stays in touch with her); her sister, Margie, her family of two; brother John & his family of seven; daughter Debbie & her daughter; and Pat's niece, Cristina.

Carol has MS pretty severly, and completely dependant on others for everything. But she does have a motorized wheelchair, a handicap van so whoever is able to drive her can, and she lives at an assisted living facility. It's nice how her family is so helpful and, as I above mentioned, that Pat and Cristina stay in contact with her even though they aren't really related.

After that nice visit we went back to the hotel with a sleeping child so he could sleep and we could chill out for a bit. Needless to say, the child didn't sleep for much longer. So after some deliberation we had dinner at Cody's Steakhouse. A charming little chain that had "Hot Steaks and Cold Beer." They did. And mini pails of peanuts to enjoy and throw the shells on the floor and butcher paper as the table cloth. I didn't catch the server's name, he was nice, but a character to say the least. Wendy ordered a Sam Adams that came in a paper bag. I ordered a New Castle and was offered the small or the large, I chose large. Expecting a 22-24 oz pilsner l was quite surprised when this ginormous 32oz mug was placed in front of me. After endless yeast rolls, New York strip steaks, pork chops and a grilled Rosemary chicken, and yes, the ginormous beer we wen back to the hotel pretty full.

Nichole, Jude and I said goodnight to Pat and Wendy and retired to our hotel room for the night.

Tomorrow's agenda will start at the quintessential east coast breakfast chain, The Waffle House, followed by the hour and a half drive to the Orlando area to visit with Pat's aunt and her family.

Wesley

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Cheers!

Florida Trip: Day 1

So here we are in Clearwater, FL. It wasn't that bad of a day considering spending 11 hours on a plane/in an airport. Here is how the day went:

Woke up at 4:30, got ready and was at the airport a little before 6:30. Jude was a real good sport about getting woken up around 5:30. Our first flight was just a commuter to LAX. Nothing too special about it, except for the stereotypical blonde flight attendant who talked funny and looked like she just walked out of a porno.

After being there for a short while we boarded and were on our way to Dallas/Fort Worth. Jude did really well, he actually fell asleep before take off. He also made friends with a sassy, but in a friendly way, attendant. I dozed too and before I knew it, we were about to descend.

Once at DFW we met up with Jude's Grams and Papa (Nichole's parents). Jude was all about Papa today. We ate at TGI Fridays, actually my first time, since we had a few hours to kill. Once we were full and a glass of beer consumed we took off to wait.

As we were walking Jude decided to surprise us. He was walking with Papa and decided to walk all by himself! That was exciting, we even got it on film

So after waiting and being "helped" by a very unhelpful coffee vender it was time to board. This flight was longer but Nichole, Jude and I all fell asleep. We woke to a cranky Judebug who was calmed with puffs and Monsters Inc. Also, we were unapologeticly passed by the beverage cart.

Finally arrived in Tampa around 8pm, 5pm San Diego time. The temperature was about 80 with pretty high humidity. We got our rental car, ate at Cracker Barrel and now are tired, full and ready to sleep as soon as Jude falls asleep =).

That's it for today. More tomorrow!



Wesley

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Forethoughts on the Aftermath

Forethoughts on the Aftermath

As the flame
Flickers and shines
That soft glow
It creates dancing
Silhouettes upon the page
You dip your
Pen of thoughts
Into the well of ideas
To give birth
To those words of feelings
On this thin wood
You empty all that
You have placed
And hidden in that
Bloody muscle of yours
Everything you thought
To be true and
Know to be right
Was spewn upon?
The paper
As if the artist
Was splattering his
Aggression and angst
Of color onto canvas
Soon the ink
Became swirled
With the salty
Fluid of weeping eyes
And then you write a
Word which opens
Your eyes
And gave you being
Your spirit is lifted
As you tip
The candle over the page
The wax drips
With certainty
To create your seal
Your seal of life

Who is daring to open it?

Daloris

Daloris

I came across a box this day
Its contents:
An old charming picture frame
And only this picture
Will fit
Our photograph
We both can see it
So perfect, so complete
But only one can place it there
It is up to Him
Our photographer

Automobile

Automobile

You took off so fast
Where are you going?
As you look in your mirror
What is behind?
Now look ahead
Do you see those signs?
They are there
Open your eyes
Or you will crash
And when you do
I’ll be here
As I’ve always been
Even before the day
You left

Abandoned Heaven

Abandoned Heaven

We come through
An earthly portal
Into this world
Of pain, of suffering
Heartaches and death
But amidst all this
From time to time
We see a glimpse
Of whom we came from
Yet we voluntarily blink
It away into non-existence
And when we do
The day turns cold
And starts to rain
Tears of loneliness and sadness


w.e.b

Stoled

This is stoled from my sister. I will continually update this blog with random facts about me. My goal would be to compile these facts and place them in paper form.


1. My alter ego is Burly Mulligan.

2. I am quite impulsive.

3. The first Valentine's day I shared with my wife, I bought her black boots and we went and saw mewithoutYou. My wife wore the boots (they had heels) in the crowd. It was an awesome sight for me.

4. When I am seriously and extremely mad, I am intensely quiet....and often times I won't to break something.

5. I know that I am intelligent. Often, I feel too smart to do things like study and read for class. I am a good test taker and can quickly study before tests and fare well, provided if I have been going to class. If not, then I'm screwed.

6. My son is changing me.

7. Here is a sad one: I am pretty sure that my mom cheated on my dad, I would assume because of the choices he had made.

8. Seborrrhea is on the same scale as leprosy, the opposite end. I have it.

9. My first real kiss was when I was 18 on the night of the day I graduated.

10. I seriously could not ask for better in-laws.

11. I recently just learned to ride my bike without holding on to the handles. If I could, that is how I would always ride.

12. The above image is one of my favorites- and I made it myself.

13. My favorite book is The Giver, by Lowis Lowry.

14. I spent a year at a private Christian university. It would have been nice to finish there, but I do not regret not doing so.

15. I am a twin, love it and could not imagine anything else.

I have a blog.