I title my blog survivor because I have survived many difficult times. I've conquered cancer, rid myself of an abusive husband, raised two boys, traveled as a consultant for the last 12 years, overcome financial diasters and all the pains of watching growing children make good and bad choices. And so I continue to survive, travel, learn and enjoy the adventure called life. Last night the adventure included firetrucks at the front of the hotel and a deluge of water falling through the ceiling of the fitness center...which incidently was located directly across from my room. The sirens were blaring, the fire alert lights were flashing and people were running frantically about to see if they could get the water turned off. Finally, a brave fireman in hat, boots, jacket and gloves proceeded up the ladder to find the turn off valve to stop the flow of water into the exercise area. Then the clean up began so it was a night of vacuums and suction devices getting water up off the floor. I felt so sorry for the hotel staff as they just really didn't know what to do so I was happy to see the arrival of the firemen. And for me, I am working today, a bit more tired than usual, but happy the water pipe above my room didn't burst. There is always something to be grateful for and always an adventure when you are a traveling consultant.

This just is not the place to be...Detroit in the winter...ACCHHHH. This is my last week in the cold for awhile. Well, next week I go to Teaneck, NJ but plan to be inside most of the time since it is for training for PeopleSoft ELM. Week-end plans are to celebrate my grandson's birthday at Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and any other park we can get to in the time allowed. I love Animal Kingdom and staying at the lodge is incredible. Nothing like waking up in the morning and looking out the patio door to see the giraffes walking by the opening. My grandson is four years old on the 24th of January. The last four years have gone by at breakneck speed so spending as much time with him having fun is critical. First thing you know he will be in school, have new friends and drift away from Grammy"me". It all goes too fast. Want to enjoy time with your children or grandchildren...take them to Disney and get back to the love of fantasy.

Back in Detroit and back to work. The weather is mild and no snow. It was raining and foggy when we landed last night and the rain eliminated all the snow. It was hard to come back after a few weeks in Florida. Disney World for one day, Epcot for one day and exhaustion the third day. Tom, Brenna and Nora were home from indianapolis and Tim, Allison, Kelly and Hunter went to the parks so it was a wonderful family event.

Ho Hum and HO HO HO...it is getting closer to Christmas. I was the face painter at MouseFest this year and had a great time. I met lots of fun people from Minnesota, California and other parts of the country. I sat next to the Destinationsinflorida.com travel group and really enjoyed talking with them. They certainly know the travel business and are very well versed in Disney and Universal activities and packages. If you are planning travel or a cruise, this is the website I would visit.
I wore my Gold Sequined Mickey Ears and had everyone asking where they could get some like them. They are designed for Mickey's 50 but would make a great statement for New Year's eve.
Get them at:
http://stores.ebay.com/Eclectic-doodahs
or
http://stores.ebay.com/Magical-Mouse-Books-and-More

Wow, what a day, snowing in Detroit and I am anxious to get home. This weke-end is Mousefest at Disney. If you haven't been there and are a Disney Fan, you should plan to go. It is held each year and is a fun time for died in the wool Disney fans. And if you like Disney you will love the eBay store at: http://stores.ebay.com/Magical-Mouse-Books-and-More Great fun collectibles, some great Christmas presents for the younguns and guides to Disney. Couldn't ask for more.
It sure beat the snow in Detroit...it is definately boot weather...also hats, coats, scarves and any other item to maintain warmth.
I found this great poem online today and since it is written by anonymous, thought I would share it....
The Train of LifeBy Anonymous Some folks ride the train of life Looking out the rear, Watching miles of life roll by, And marking every year. They sit in sad remembrance, Of wasted days gone by,And curse their life for what it was, And hang their head and cry. But I don't concern myself with that, I took a different vent, I look forward to what life holds, And not what has been spent. So strap me to the engine, As securely as I can be, I want to be out in the front, To see what I can see. I want to feel the winds of change, Blowing in my face, I want to see what life unfolds, As I move from place to place. I want to see what's coming up, Not looking at the past, Life's too short for yesterdays, It moves along too fast. So if the ride gets bumpy, While you are looking back, Go up front, and you may find, Your life has jumped the track. It's all right to remember, That's part of history, But up front's where it's happening, There's so much mystery. The enjoyment of living, Is not where we have been, It's looking ever forward, To another year and ten. It's searching all the byways, Never should you refrain, For if you want to live your life, You've gotta drive the train. All Aboard Everybody...
My Dad would have loved this poem, an old railroad man..he knew how to drive the train.

OK, it is grey and dismal in Detroit but that is not a reason to be down. I found two great sites on ebay today. One sells Disney Stuff and the other has great outdoor items. Right now the outdoor items would be great in Michigan during the hunting season. The other site has guides to Disney and Universal and this is a great time of the year to visit the Orlando Parks. It is cooler so even if the lines are long, they are not unbearable and you know how quickly Disney moves us through the lines. What are the stores you are asking? http://stores.ebay.com/Gator-Outdoor-and-Travel and http://stores.ebay.com/Disney-and-Orlando-Vacations

If you are just looking for "fun Stuff" take a quick visit to my new ebay store at the http://stores.ebay.com/Eclectic doodah . Only a few items right now but it is going to have lots of fun unique items just for you.

So what keeps you motivated on down days like these? I try to visit all the travel sites and look for better weather.

Snow arrived today and I am on my way back to Florida. I enjoy looking at the large flakes of snow from inside the building...but am not wild about the cold wind. The leaves are almost gone from the trees and that makes for a pretty depressing environment. I see it in the workplace as employees seem to get more and more depressed. Must be time for an adventure to Florida. Go to find some tickets to the parks and take a trip to look at the holiday parades and decorations. This is a great time for a visit...beaches aren't crowded(no one from Florida ventures out when it gets Cold). Go to http://www.orlandotickets.storesecured.com to get your tickets before going to the park. If you want a great vacation package visit my favorite travel agency at http://www.destinationsinflorida.com. If you can visit us...keep us in your dreams

The holidaze are upon us and it is time to go to the Disney and Universal Parks in Orlando. This time of year the decorations come out and the parks become a fantasy of lights and beauty. Do you need a ticket before you get there..I certainly would recommend it and you can go to http://orlandotickets.storesecured.com to get them ahead of time. Avoid the lines...have fun at the parks. If you plan on staying I can recommend the best travel site out there for packages, lodging, guides, events etc. go to http://www.destinationsinflorida.com You will find the latest and greatest information on what is going on in the parks. WHOO HAH..it's time to get in the Spirit.

Wow, what has happened to the blogspots? I haven't been here for awhile but will get busy. Spent Halloween with the grandkids and had a great time. They both are great Disney/Universal fans but dressed as Lightening McQueen and Alice in Wonderland for the party. I went as the Grand Mummy.....will try to find a picture to attach.