Gretchen's Blog

Yes, yes I know. I haven’t blogged in a while but I am turning over a new leaf and attempting to catch up.

A and I had a wonderful Christmas vacation, traveling to Disneyland and experiencing “Club 33.” We departed Christmas day after the Christmas present opening activity. We stayed at Howard Johnson’s which was OK, we could still walk to the entrance to Disneyland “barely.” The Howard Johnson’s was more reasonable than the Disney hotels but you had to walk quite a bit farther and it was right next to I-5 which, depending upon your room location, could be quite loud.

The first night we had reservations at Club 33

in the New Orleans Square section of Disneyland and took an old “lift”
to get into the restaurant. It was very exciting and the food was delicious. We got to watch fantasia from a balcony that is only accessible through the restaurant. We have the Club 33 pen to prove we were there, pictures available upon request ;).

Disneyland was exciting for A and we had to take a picture and get an autograph from every character.
Of course, we used the Disney Princess autograph book conveniently sold everywhere throughout the park. We managed to get quite a few autographs at the Disney character breakfast where I have learned it is a bargain to get both a meal and the pictures and autographs all in one spot. A even got the autograph of the waiter the first night at Club 33 which later she regretted because we almost ran out of space in the autograph book.

A’s favorite character was Stitch because he teased her by pretending not to give her pen back and she enjoyed the attention. Go figure.

Well, it happened. I never dreamed I would make it this long but I turned 50 today... sigh. One "friend" sent me two cards, he couldn't decide between a sympathy card or a psychologically damaging card. He included a couple of two dollar bills, probably to lessen the blow. My OLDER sister sent me a musical card that plays "I just want to celebrate" with a 70's look to it and a special glitter coating. I enjoyed the song and think I'll download it from iTunes.

I actually had fun, went out to eat with A and some friends and frankly overdid it. I stayed up past my usual 8PM bedtime, how nutty is that?

The next "big birthday" will still have my daughter in high school....I owe I owe it's off to work I go.

As most of you know, mom has been hospitalized with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The family has been very concerned and family and friends have been supportive. To read more about it, visit the website link here or the one at the left side of the page under links.