Time for a Rant

Ok... This particular rant has been building up inside of me for a couple of years now. It's concerning Disney's Vacation Planning DVD. I got 2010's edition today and just finished watching it. As you probably have guessed by now, I wasn't happy!

Ordering and watching the DVD has been a tradition of mine ever since the early 90s. I remember having a fake name and age just so I could order it (I was a real rebel...). It was a way for me to have a dose of the Disney Magic whenever I wanted (this was long before I even knew a "Disney Community" even existed). I'd just pop in the cassette or DVD and I'd get "that feeling".

For the most part they were different from year to year, changing with that year's particular promotion or celebration. The best version was for the Happiest Celebration on Earth back in 2005. It was sort of like a better, less annoying, souped up version of "The Top Seven Must Sees" on Resort TV. It was just really cool and very entertaining. I still watch this version as often as I can and really enjoy it.

But that all changed in 2006 with the "Year of a Million Dreams". The 2006 edition wasn't bad. It was alot like previous editions, showing the same old stock footage of different attractions, "interviews" with guests and cast members. But it was a big let down after the 2005 edition.

The real issue comes in 2008, when the Year of a Million Dreams was extended. This edition was identical to the 2006 edition. Nothing was changed what so ever. Not even a mention of the "last year" or anything. Then in 2009, "What Will You Celebrate" comes along. They did add some things, mostly Mickey balloons and a section on the promotion, along with updating the attractions, but it was still basically the same as the 2006 edition.

So, a few weeks ago, I see that the 2010 edition is out. I was really excited. I was thinking that since the whole "Free on your Birthday" thing was being phased out and this new volunteering thing was coming in that SURELY the DVD would be different. So I ordered it thinking that it would be really fun to sit down with the family and watch it just before we go on our trip. It arrived today. I was SO excited! I put in my computer and watched it. IT WAS THE SAME DAMN THING!!!!!!! Yeah, they changed the intro to incorporate the volunteer promotion and mentioned the new Hall of Presidents, BUT THAT WAS IT! Same stupid Castle in the sky, same stupid annoying people dancing at the end, same stupid annoying kids and stupid annoying people in the beginning, same stupid annoying graphics, SAME STUPID ANNOYING EVERYTHING!!! WHAT THE HELL!!!

I feel like I have 4 of the same movies lying around collecting dust... I feel cheated... Does anyone else feel this way? Am I making too much of a big deal out of this? I'm sure I am, I'm easily worked up over stupid annoying things all the time, but this one REALLY got to me. Let me know your feelings on this. Maybe we could get a mini, virtual Rantfest going on here!

Oh, and FYI, I did finish my 6 miles and feel fine now. Going to attempt another 6 tomorrow morning.

On the Rebound

Mongello! Even though nothing much has happened around here late, I just thought I'd post since it's been a while since I last updated you guys.

I did the 6 miles on Tuesday. It damn near killed me, but I did it. If 6 miles is going to hurt that much, I don't even want to think about 13.1! Maybe I just pushed too hard or something, I don't know. None the less, I took Wednesday off, but since Thursday I've walked 3 to 5 miles everyday, starting from a slow stroll working up to speedwalking. After todays walk, I feel like I've adjusted enough to start jogging again, so in the morning I'm attempting another 6 mile walk/run. I'm hoping that the walking has helped, if not just to get me in the race mindset.

I know I'll be fine. I've done this 3 times before, and I've gotten faster each time. As a matter of fact... Before Disneyland, I hadn't trained at all and I cut 15 minutes off my time. So I'm just freaking out, I know.

That being said, I am PUMPED for this trip! I NEED this trip! I cannot wait to see you guys again! Only 20 days left!!! I'm still trying to nail down all of my ADRs and other family commitments (they've already been made, but during family vacations, I'm the last to know anything) during the trip. As soon as I know this info, I'll let you guys know which meets I'll be able to attend. So far, I know that I will not be able to make it to any meets after Saturday night, since I'll be leaving Sunday morning. That means that I won't make it to the Lapu Lapu meet, which was the one I really wanted to go to. Oh well, there are other chances. Be sure to get my number off of the "master list" and shoot me a text. Maybe we can have some unofficial meets some... Let me know!

I's be Tard!

Things have been SO hectic around here for the past week. That's what happens during finals week. You lock yourself in a room and study and study and study and study......

And that's pretty much all that I've done the past week. I just realized that I didn't even leave my room all day yesterday!

Although I'm running on about two hours of sleep, I managed to crank out a 3 mile run this morning. Nothing spectacular, but I did manage to run most of a mile (minus any major hills). Assuming that I can work in some sleep between now and tomorrow morning, I'm going to attempt 6 miles then. Stay tuned for that.

On the weight training front, I'm planning on doing a heavy chest workout today. For me, a "heavy" lifting workout involves me working each part of that days target 3 times. (Normal is 2 times and "Light" is 1 time, FYI). Also, today is the first day of my sit/pushup program. I haven't had time to do them just yet today, but I will probably when I get in from the gym tonight. I'll talk about that workout in more detail in tomorrow's post.

There be Squalls Ahead!

Ye come seekin' adventure and salty ol' pirates, aye? Sure ye come to the proper place. But keep a weather eye open, mates, and hold on tight, with both hands if you please... there be squalls ahead, and Davey Jones waiting for them what don't obey..."

And where the hell was this guy earlier?!

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Ok, I finally get the motivation to get up and out and get a morning run in this morning. I wake up at 5:30 am, refreshed and somewhat rejuvenated. I put on my warm running clothes, grease up my feet, put my shoes on, tune my iPod to my running playlist and walk out the door.

I notice that it's unusually breezy out for a fall morning, but I dismiss it and count it as a blessing as I will need a good cold breeze around mile 4 or so...

Well as you may have already guessed, I didn't make it anywhere near mile 4. As I reached the half mile mark, it started to rain. And I don't mean a drizzle either, I mean like the bottom fell out. Literally, it was a squall line. But, I pressed on and got a mile in, but only because I had to keep going that way to get back to my dorm! I was drenched by the time I got back here!

According to my stopwatch, this morning's walk was done in 13:34:35. I am almost positive this is the fastest mile I have ever walked in my life! So maybe today wasn't a total loss.

Well that's it for today. I will just get up in the morning and try again I guess. Hope everyone is well!

Cool Computer Doohickey

My aunt emailed me this link:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/pacing/javascriptCalcs3-v2.asp

Y'all know that us backwoods Mississippians aren't very technically savvy, so I don't really know what to call this thing other than a "doohickey".

This "doohickey" is pretty cool. It allows you to make a pace band for your goal time for either a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon or Full Marathon. You fill out the form with your desired parameters and it makes your pace band. I used one of these at Disneyland and it seemed to really help me out. If I felt like I wouldn't make the mile in the desired time it forced me to run faster and if I didn't make it I would just run for even longer. I don't know, I guess it kept me going mentally. I was amazed at how well that little piece of paper worked for me.

Anyway, I'm rambling on. I just thought that those of you with a time goal could use this.

That's it for me. See you soon!

Snowy Tundra Here?

Yep, The Tundra has found it's way to Mississippi. We were all pretty surprised because IF it snows here, it is usually late January before it happens and even then it rarely sticks (with the exception of last years "big" snow where my hometown got 7 inches - bear in mind that Brookhaven probably hasn't gotten 7 inches in a century much less in one night). It was nice and with it being so early, hopefully we'll get some more. Maybe even in time for Christmas!

Ok, now on to the non-existent training update. Since next week is finals week and my big 25 page "thesis" paper (the one that I have just barely started on) I have spent every waking moment either in class, the library or at my desk reading and writing. I have done some situps and pushups but no running or going to the gym at all. Diet has been ok... mostly because I tend to forget to eat when I'm freaking out over school work.

I'm going to attempt to work a run in tomorrow morning and start back full force Monday morning for sure. Maybe if I get up early (which means I have to go to bed early which hasn't been happening) and get a run in, it will help me calm down and focus. If not, at least I'll be getting training in.

I NEED this vacation... only 31 days to go!

Awesome Video

I don't know if any of you have seen this video but I thought it was really cool, so I decided to post it to the blog.



Sorry that part of the video is cut off... do any of you guys know how to fix that?

This is perfect for bringing a little Disney magic to your day. Hope you all enjoy... I sure did!