Healthy Living around the World Showcase ~ June 2016 WISH Challenge!

[piglet1979]

Yes, I can answer this, I live in Germany! Theoretically all our highways have no speed limit. However, there are many areas where specific speed limits are in effect because those are high density traffic areas. But, yes, there are roads where you can drive as fast as you can safely handle your car (that's the rule, most people forget about the second part about being able to safely handle your car). Personally, I start getting queasy when the car hits 100 mph. Highways here are built for speeds like that and most non German drivers find driving here very stressful as you constantly need to watch out for cars appearing behind you very quickly. But there are plenty of nice country roads to drive on that are not as scary and there are fantastic trains to travel through the country!

Thank you! I can't wait to tell him this afternoon. He will be so excited.

Queasy at 100 mph!!! I don't like going over 60-70 mph and would much prefer the 35-40 mph side streets. I don't like the way the car feels. I feel like I start to lose some control over the car. If we ever make it to Germany I will not be driving.

 

[4Mickeys]

Ah, you should tell him that the Disneyland resort has about the same number of attractions in two parks that WDW has in four!

And I totally agree with your sentiment of wanting to see "Walt's park"!

I have read in posts on other forums that many WDW regulars end up loving Disneyland. I think it is because the idea of Disneyland is what I grew up with but it was always my first choice to go when we planned our trip.

I could have sworn that you would pick one of the parks at Walt Disney World!

I know! When I started typing that's what I thought I was going to say .... I think it was that pic of the castle you posted lol I got carried away by it.

 

[piglet1979]

Well this week is turning out to not so great workout wise. I swore up and down that I did not have a virus over the weekend and that my body needed to be back to normal. Well I have a virus. Thankfully it seems to be just a cold. Lots of coughing, sore throat, lost my voice and now really congested. I am taking it easy this week and resting more so I can get over this quickly. Thankfully it is not too bad where I am in bed all day and missing work. I have still been getting about 6,000 - 7,000 steps a day. I have been eating more salads this week too.

I am starting a new diet this week. It is not one you have to follow closely but it looks like a good one. My mom found this diet. It is called the MIND diet. It is supposed to help reduce your risk of Alzheimers. My grandmother (my mom's mom) is battling it now and at the end stage of it. I have family members and 3 of the 4 sides of my family. My grandma's side (my dad's mom) is the only side that has not had anyone that has had this. Below is a link to the diet. It seems pretty simple to follow too.

http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/features/mind-diet-alzheimers-disease

 

[HappyGrape]

Well I have only been to Paris and WDW so I will choose California. I don't want flight longer then that!

 

[courtneybeth]

Question of the Day for June 16:

I am pretty sure that no one of us is there for the opening day as I would think that if you were there, you would have told us! So, the question for today is: If a fairy god mother would grant you a on day visit to one specific Disney park anywhere in the world that you have not visited yet (just one park, no park hopping!!), which one would you pick and why?

This is the list you pick from: Disneyland Resort, California: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure; Walt Disney World, Florida: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom; Tokyo Disney Resort: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea; Disneyland Paris Resort: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Paris; Hong Kong Disneyland; Shanghai Disneyland

TOKYO DISNEY SEA! I love that it's essentially another EPCOT!

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Guys, guys.... we bought tickets to the Mickey Christmas Party for our December trip and then became one of ~those~ people this morning. We booked the Wishes Christmas Parade and Dessert Party experience. So essentially we paid for a special event and then bought the special event within the special event. I am both ashamed and excited for this experience since I have never seen Wishes in any form before. Isn't that crazy!?

Our party experience really is more about the ambiance and meeting characters than riding rides. I am so looking forward to this magical day - even if it added an additional $80 per person.

 

[SarahDisney]

I am pretty sure that no one of us is there for the opening day as I would think that if you were there, you would have told us! So, the question for today is: If a fairy god mother would grant you a on day visit to one specific Disney park anywhere in the world that you have not visited yet (just one park, no park hopping!!), which one would you pick and why?

This is the list you pick from: Disneyland Resort, California: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure; Walt Disney World, Florida: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom; Tokyo Disney Resort: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea; Disneyland Paris Resort: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Paris; Hong Kong Disneyland; Shanghai Disneyland

Just one? This is tough, but I think I'd go with Hong Kong Disneyland, because it's small enough that I can probably get a lot of it done in one day, and I know that there are a lot of amazing things to experience there. And by that I mean I want to see what the Mystic Manor hype is all about.
My second choice is Tokyo DisneySea. Just because.

I think I follow Sarah's answer there: If you had known me as a kid, no one would ever have thought that I could be a runner. I am not up to 10 miles (yet), only 10km. But for me that is amazing! And I guess in the categories of crazy things, my trans-atlantic long distance relationship has a spot as well.

10km is definitely impressive - it takes a lot of hard work to get there!!

 

[HappyGrape]

Well this week is turning out to not so great workout wise. I swore up and down that I did not have a virus over the weekend and that my body needed to be back to normal. Well I have a virus. Thankfully it seems to be just a cold. Lots of coughing, sore throat, lost my voice and now really congested. I am taking it easy this week and resting more so I can get over this quickly. Thankfully it is not too bad where I am in bed all day and missing work. I have still been getting about 6,000 - 7,000 steps a day. I have been eating more salads this week too.

I am starting a new diet this week. It is not one you have to follow closely but it looks like a good one. My mom found this diet. It is called the MIND diet. It is supposed to help reduce your risk of Alzheimers. My grandmother (my mom's mom) is battling it now and at the end stage of it. I have family members and 3 of the 4 sides of my family. My grandma's side (my dad's mom) is the only side that has not had anyone that has had this. Below is a link to the diet. It seems pretty simple to follow too.

http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/features/mind-diet-alzheimers-disease

your new plan sounds very much what my view of good diet is (may be + little bit of cheese) but why only once a week fish? I love fish more often

 

[Zoesmama03]

Question of the Day for June 15:

We are still in France and are talking about the Eiffel Tower. If one would have to pick one structure to symbolise France, it would be the Eiffel Tower for sure. No wonder that the Epcot World Showcase version of France sports its own Eiffel Tower:

​

It is built to a 1/10 scale, so is only 103 feet tall. But it does add a lot to the World Showcase skyline!

When the Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution, it was consideren an extraordinary acchievement. But it was also highly criticised and considered to be a crazy project by Mr Eiffel. But Mr Eiffel was an engineer who believed in doing the "impossible" - a few years before he helped to construct that present from the people of France to the USA, now known as Statute of Liberty. Interestingly, this statute might be the structure one would chose if one would have to pick one structure to symbolise the USA. And to come to another Disney connection: It might very well be the only statute that plays a role in two attractions in different Disney parks - at the American Adventure in Epcot as well as in a small display on Main Street in Disneyland Paris, where you can watch the opening ceremony for the Statute of Liberty.

So, Mr. Eiffel appears to be the specialist for doing crazy and impossible things. Tell us the most craziest thing you have done, or something that you did everyone would have deemed to be impossible.

ETA: I totally forgot that it is Wednesday today - the Woohoo Wednesday will be rescheduled to Friday this week. So keep your woohoos until then and we will celebrate the end of the week in style with lots of woohoos!

I've done several crazy and impossible things. One that seemed impossible was finishing a degree while working full time with a young child as a single mom. Now if only I could do the impossible(okay not really) and get a job in the field using it.

One crazy thing I've done is move to Florida 3 times and moving away from there. I really love it there so it's tough. Last time I drove 19 hours straight from Lakeland FL to Austin TX as the only driver. I was so exhausted when I got there. I slept from probably 5pm until we got up in morning to leave the rest of the way to AZ.

 

[piglet1979]

your new plan sounds very much what my view of good diet is (may be + little bit of cheese) but why only once a week fish? I love fish more often

I am not sure. I don't eat fish so we are just going to leave that one out.

 

[4Mickeys]

I am starting a new diet this week. It is not one you have to follow closely but it looks like a good one. My mom found this diet. It is called the MIND diet. It is supposed to help reduce your risk of Alzheimers. My grandmother (my mom's mom) is battling it now and at the end stage of it. I have family members and 3 of the 4 sides of my family. My grandma's side (my dad's mom) is the only side that has not had anyone that has had this. Below is a link to the diet. It seems pretty simple to follow too.

I have heard of this diet. Alzheimers is a heartbreaking disease for your family and your grandmother.

Guys, guys.... we bought tickets to the Mickey Christmas Party for our December trip and then became one of ~those~ people this morning. We booked the Wishes Christmas Parade and Dessert Party experience. So essentially we paid for a special event and then bought the special event within the special event. I am both ashamed and excited for this experience since I have never seen Wishes in any form before. Isn't that crazy!?

Our party experience really is more about the ambiance and meeting characters than riding rides. I am so looking forward to this magical day - even if it added an additional $80 per person.

Oh you sound so excited .... who cares if you are 'those people' I say if you can afford and you enjoy it go for it.

I've done several crazy and impossible things. One that seemed impossible was finishing a degree while working full time with a young child as a single mom. Now if only I could do the impossible(okay not really) and get a job in the field using it.

Yeah - to another awesome solo mum!! What was your degree in? Hope you can eventually find work in that field .

 

[courtneybeth]

Oh you sound so excited .... who cares if you are 'those people' I say if you can afford and you enjoy it go for it.

That's how we feel. We got into a great reservation time for the Jungle Cruise Restaurant (name escapes me) so really it'll be a magical evening.
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I checked the wait times today for Disneyland and it's busy busy busy. Sunshine is out in full force today with a high of 85 degrees. Summer is here, folks. Woot woot.

 

[piglet1979]

That's how we feel. We got into a great reservation time for the Jungle Cruise Restaurant (name escapes me) so really it'll be a magical evening.
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I checked the wait times today for Disneyland and it's busy busy busy. Sunshine is out in full force today with a high of 85 degrees. Summer is here, folks. Woot woot.

Skipper canteen.

I would buy an event ticket to an already event ticket. My husband tells me no though.

 

[ohMom]

June is over half over!wha??!!

It's good news on my part, after asking and pleading my case for over a year my endo finally deemed it appropriate for me to try thyroid meds. Heck, I only have 25% of a pituitary gland which controls the thyroid, makes sense? Anyhow, I cannot believe the boost of energy this has given me. Wow. And so I've been outside and shopping at Costco and yes, working out. It's not everyday but the days I feel the energy I've been embracing it! So less time on the iPad! The workouts are still, hard.....but thankfully they are effective and short. Lol. I don't feel that I've lost weight but I'm so please that at 5 pm I'm not ready to crawl in bed!


So, I fell behind and so i will just jump in. My coveted Disney trip is Disneyland Paris. One day.... More likely is my second dream of Disneyland and California adventure. That is on the radar for us in couple years. Next April we get to life my dream of a Panama Canal repositioning cruise...Magdalene I'm in the middle of your trip report right now! Planning!

 

[HappyGrape]

I would book dessert party but I am really not into desserts anymore. I wish they had a some cheese & wine Star Wars fireworks view party. I would pay for glass of prosecco & some grapes and cheese watching the fireworks. I am exited about being at MNSSHP on Halloween night too! It's great to have October trip to look forward to.

The weather have been mostly poor since I am back here, with two nice afternoons. I am so jealous to people living in sunnier locations! I bought myself some nice clothes for holiday but there is no guarantee at all I will get any use of them in the next few months. Sometimes we get some good weather, other times none at all!

Happy Friday All

 

[4Mickeys]

It's good news on my part, after asking and pleading my case for over a year my endo finally deemed it appropriate for me to try thyroid meds. Heck, I only have 25% of a pituitary gland which controls the thyroid, makes sense? Anyhow, I cannot believe the boost of energy this has given me. Wow. And so I've been outside and shopping at Costco and yes, working out. It's not everyday but the days I feel the energy I've been embracing it! So less time on the iPad! The workouts are still, hard.....but thankfully they are effective and short. Lol. I don't feel that I've lost weight but I'm so please that at 5 pm I'm not ready to crawl in bed!

Glad to hear it is making a difference - having no energy is no fun.

I would book dessert party but I am really not into desserts anymore. I wish they had a some cheese & wine Star Wars fireworks view party. I would pay for glass of prosecco & some grapes and cheese watching the fireworks. I am exited about being at MNSSHP on Halloween night too! It's great to have October trip to look forward to.

Loving the sound of your idea for the fireworks view party!

 

[Flossbolna]

It's good news on my part, after asking and pleading my case for over a year my endo finally deemed it appropriate for me to try thyroid meds. Heck, I only have 25% of a pituitary gland which controls the thyroid, makes sense? Anyhow, I cannot believe the boost of energy this has given me. Wow. And so I've been outside and shopping at Costco and yes, working out. It's not everyday but the days I feel the energy I've been embracing it! So less time on the iPad! The workouts are still, hard.....but thankfully they are effective and short. Lol. I don't feel that I've lost weight but I'm so please that at 5 pm I'm not ready to crawl in bed!

I know exactly what you are saying!! Isn't it amazing, what a difference it makes? I totally know what you are talking about, I felt absolutely the same!

 

[HappyGrape]

speaking of Disney I have a favorite theme park dress and it's getting old now, but as it's my best theme park dress I don't wear it anywhere else to try to keep it for little longer! How about that for odd!!! It's the right shape, fabric, length for theme park touring and it's flattering even if you have bigger lunch or two

I am tempted to buy replacement on ebay but... the magic photos? I have them from 2013 and 2014 like theme park uniform really

School conversation with DS teacher went well, he isn't behind so obviously he must be getting away with it and listening & learning in school. It's relief to hear

No other updates from me - looking forward to my gym trail starting tomorrow

 

[Flossbolna]

Question of the Day for June 17:

Since we missed it on Wednesday, here it is on Friday!! We are having a Woohoo Friday!! Share something that made you happy this week and hopefully this will all help us to finish the week strong and go into the weekend with a smile on our face!

 

[Flossbolna]

@HappyGrape I always still wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your vacation eating report! I really loved your approach and have the best intentions to try to do something similar when I am on my cruise later this year. I still am tempted by empty calories far too often and then regret it afterwards. I really need to get a grip on that. Because not giving in the temptation on stuff that is not really that great anyway, will help me free the calories for the stuff that is really worth it!

 

[pjlla]

Question of the Day for June 16:

There is only one country that fits for today: China!! Because it is time to welcome a new Disney park into the family:

Happy Opening Day to Shanghai Disneyland!!

With this, the sixth Disney Resort finally is officially open, the sixth Disney castle joins the family and the 12th Disney park welcomes its visitors!​

If you want to watch the official dedication, you can find it here:

I am pretty sure that no one of us is there for the opening day as I would think that if you were there, you would have told us! So, the question for today is: If a fairy god mother would grant you a on day visit to one specific Disney park anywhere in the world that you have not visited yet (just one park, no park hopping!!), which one would you pick and why?

This is the list you pick from: Disneyland Resort, California: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure; Walt Disney World, Florida: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom; Tokyo Disney Resort: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea; Disneyland Paris Resort: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Paris; Hong Kong Disneyland; Shanghai Disneyland

TOUGH question!! Wow!! Well.... as much as WDW is my "home" resort and I love it all, I wouldn't choose any of those. And Disneyland is ICONIC.... the ORIGINAL park where Walt walked (and I am beyond excited about my upcoming trip).... but I wouldn't choose that park either.

I think ANY of the overseas parks would be wonderful! Disneyland Paris was my first thought, but honestly.... any of them!! So bring it on Fairy Godmother.... SURPRISE ME!!

TOKYO DISNEY SEA! I love that it's essentially another EPCOT!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guys, guys.... we bought tickets to the Mickey Christmas Party for our December trip and then became one of ~those~ people this morning. We booked the Wishes Christmas Parade and Dessert Party experience. So essentially we paid for a special event and then bought the special event within the special event. I am both ashamed and excited for this experience since I have never seen Wishes in any form before. Isn't that crazy!?

Our party experience really is more about the ambiance and meeting characters than riding rides. I am so looking forward to this magical day - even if it added an additional $80 per person.

Don't be embarrassed! You work hard... if that is how you choose to spend your money, so be it!! Am I super jealous?? YOU BET!

I've done several crazy and impossible things. One that seemed impossible was finishing a degree while working full time with a young child as a single mom. Now if only I could do the impossible(okay not really) and get a job in the field using it.

One crazy thing I've done is move to Florida 3 times and moving away from there. I really love it there so it's tough. Last time I drove 19 hours straight from Lakeland FL to Austin TX as the only driver. I was so exhausted when I got there. I slept from probably 5pm until we got up in morning to leave the rest of the way to AZ.

You are a rock star! Finishing school is hard.... being a single mom is hard.... both at the same time?? WOW!

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Good morning friends! Well..... Happy Birthday to me. Today I am another year older. Why can't my biological age be more in line with my MENTAL age? I'm thinking.... 35 sounds perfect! Old enough to not be considered immature, but young enough to still have good skin! But I spent my first few awake moments thanking GOD for the blessings of the past 52 years.... my parents (and their continued good health), my DH (at times he makes me want to scream, but after 24 years of marriage and 30 years together, I'll keep him), my kiddos (truly the lights of my life ALL THE TIME), my health (without it I would have NOTHING), my country and my extended family and friends (including you all). I awoke with sunshine streaming into my home, a kitty snuggled next to my leg, and the quiet country chirps and bird songs that are typical of a summer morning here. Hard to ask for much more than that.

And the cherry on the "sundae" of today...... last week's suspiciously low number on the scale (that I didn't report) actually STUCK and brought a tiny friend along with it!! I'm not sure yet (gotta check my numbers) but that MAY mean I am close to 100% of my goal for June!

Okay.... I've been awake for nearly 2 hours and the breakfast fairy has not appeared, despite the fact that it is my birthday (I think that is because she lives in Rhode Island now.... ), so I guess I'll go feed myself! Going to have a delicious but on-plan breakfast to start the day.... but Raisinets WILL happen at the movies later. Yup... celebrating by going to see Finding Dory with my whole family! Isn't it KIND of Disney/Pixar to open their movies on or very near my birthday!!??

Have a wonderful day!................P