Our First Disneyland Trip - Open Letter

Dear Ori,

This past week we took you to Disneyland for the first time. I was particularly excited to take you here because it was my favorite place to go as a kid. It is after all the "Happiest Place on Earth".

We didn't tell you that we were going to take you to Disneyland when we drove up to SoCal because I wasn't quite sure what day we were going to actually go. But your grandparents kind of let the cat out of the bag a little early. It was okay because you weren't quite sure what Disneyland really was. You had seen the commercials and you were certainly familiar with the princesses but Disneyland was still just a concept to you.

When we arrived, I think you were overwhelmed. You looked around and weren't quite sure what was going on. The look on your face was priceless. We went under the arches and entered Main Street and the first thing you saw as Minnie Mouse. You were thrilled. You want to see Minnie but not get too close. Then it was off to see Goofy and then Mickey! You were a little disappointed that Donald was not there. I think he must be your favorite. 

We continued on to Cinderella's castle. What a huge castle. We went in side but it was a little too dark for you. So we came outside to take pictures with Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora and Snow White. All the princesses thought you were adorable and you were in heaven talking to them. After that was over we tackled the rides. You flew on Dumbo, rode through Pinocchio's world and chugged along on Casey's train. We almost made it on the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups but you had impeccable timing with the bathroom visits. Every time we got almost up to the ride, you would announce that you had to go to the bathroom...BAD. So the bathroom was our friend at Disneyland.

You were a very brave trooper. We made it on the Matterhorn, the rollercoaster in Toontown, Pirates of the Carribbean and Star Tours. You didn't cry or make a fuss, but you did say, "I did not like those monsters on that ride". We even went on the Nemo ride in the submarine. You were a good sport through it all. I think your favorite thing was the princess forest. They had a Interactive Princess Story and then they had a Princess Coronation where you learned an authentic court dance. Or maybe it was Autopia. You loved driving so much that we had to ride it twice. You and Daddy rode in the car ahead of me and I had a flash forward of when you turn 16 and Daddy is teaching you how to drive. You were a pro though and I think driving will be a piece of cake.

We also got to see one parade and a little bit of fireworks. You almost made it until midnight but you took a little nap while we waited an hour and a half to ride Star Tours. I think you had a great time and I was so happy to get a chance to introduce you to Disneyland. We only got through half the park so we have a lot to cover the next time that we go.

My favorite part of the whole trip is when you suckered Daddy. Daddy said that he was not buying you anything at Disneyland. But you have him wrapped around your finger. You picked something up as we were walking by the vendor. Daddy told you to put it back and I figured I would hang back to see how the situation developed. Just as I started to sit down, you suckered him and there you were in line to get that toy! Daddy came back with a sheepish grin and you were wielding you new prize. I think you showed him who was boss.

I look forward to many more visits and adventures with you. 

Mommy

An Ori funny

Here is the latest Ori funny...

Today Ori told me she wanted to watch daddy dance car. I stood there wondering what she was talking about. So I asked her "Daddy Daycare?" "No", she sighs. I'm still thinking. Hmmm... Oh "Madagascar?" She says, "Yes, that's what I said!"

Class number #2

So, I had my second class last night and sadly, it was no better than the first. We briefly went through the material that we were supposed to read in outline form. The instructors lackadaisical style does not fit my learning pattern. I constantly have to remind myself that I am supposed to be listening instead of day dreaming about pressing issues. I got thorough the class but I'm not really sure I am learning anything. I mean I can read the book myself. I am looking for some instruction that goes beyond the material. Some questions that require critical thinking...something thought provoking. I'm a little concerned.

First Virtual Class meeting

Well, yesterday I had my first virtual class meeting and I must say I was disappointed. I am trying to reserve judgment until I give the instructor a little time to get into the material but it is just so hard. He literally spent 15-20 minutes having us send out smiley faces to make sure that we could hear him. I mean we were sent clear instructions to check our audio and microphone levels before we started class. I understand doing one test but 15 minutes of "Can you guys hear me?" is just a little much for me.

The other thing was that he was so repetitive about the audio issues, talking about the fact that his other headphones got damaged and he has to use his back up pair. I was crying in boredom. How was that relevant to the course. Let's get down to business already. So, once we had gotten the audio exercise out of the way, I thought that we would start talking about the material that we were to read. No...then we talked about students who were late or dropped the class, etc. etc. Then about 20 or so minutes before the end of our class, he brings out the outline of the chapter that he has distributed on Saturday. He kind of talks about it on a high level. Mind you, we were supposed to have already read this material and all it really was is an outline of the chapter that we were supposed to read. The book that we are reading, is more like an outline to begin with and includes lots of graphs. So, needless to say I did not learn anything new nor did we discuss anything pertinent to our course that was new.

I was not impressed but this was only class number one. So, I am going to give him a chance to warm up a bit but I am already suspect of his teaching style. It is not one of my favorites and I hope I will be able to pay attention.

Started a new class

So, I started a new class called Project Planning and Overview. It is one class in a number of classes I am going to take to sit for the PMP exam. This exam makes you a certified Project Manager and hopefully opens the door to more career opportunities.

This whole process is a little nerve racking for me because it has been 14 years since I have been in school and I wonder if I can still hack it. It is something new and we'll just have to see how it goes. It is an online course so I can take it at my own pace...well sort of. There are virtual meeting that we have to attend once a week, and you have to discuss the reading material so I think that I will have to follow some sort of pace.

We have our first online meeting tonight and I am curious to see what will happen. I have read my 4 chapters, done the intro posting and the posting for module 1 so I believe I am prepared. So far the reading is very bland and methodical but the supplementary material is pretty good and the people in the class have varied backgrounds so it should prove to be interesting.

I'll report back and let you know how it goes.