From Disney to China in 270 Seconds
I’ve been flying high on the “Disney Vacation” buzz for the past week with lots of false energy. Now the fatigue, lack of energy and crawl-to-the-bed tiredness is back. Something has to give and I think I really need to evaluate every thing I’m doing like sleep, nutrition and activities. I truly don’t want to bore you with the way my body has gone south like an 80 year old woman.
I really want to tell you how you rock. The Disney raffle ended at midnight on Sunday and Miss Ann has announced the winners. The total amount raised was $4864.87! That’s enough to completely cover our trip. Cam and Teenie are going to have the time of their lives if I have to take 10,000% of the RDA of Vitamins B6 and B12 each day!
Thank you…from the bottom of my heart.
And thank you to those people who have been donating directly to me.
A special thank you to Karen at Karen Sugarpants for sending me this exquisite gift. I’m starting to love the mailman, I’m telling ya! (Click on picture to see it up close)
She found this great necklace at Inspired Gemstone Creations and I thank Robin for including such a kind card.
So, you have voted and the results so far are on the classic Minnie ears for the flight to Disney. Oh, you think I’m kidding? I most certainly plan on wearing ears in the car on the way to the airport, in the airport and on the plane. If anyone says one word to me, just one word…and just dare them to look at me funny.
It also looks like the vote is leaning towards the longer length wig. It should be fun at the consultation on Saturday.
One last thing before I crash to the ground. In yesterday’s post I mentioned that my child “hated” China and someone mentioned in the comments that a little tolerance would be nice so I felt that I should clarify a few things…even though I did this in the comments.
I’m a responsible parent and I’m not about to defend myself as a parent to the internet because it’s not necessary. “Hate” is a very strong word and a very strong emotion. I believe I mentioned that in yesterday’s post and to my daughter, however the discussion with Teenie was in much more depth. I teach my children about tolerance, patience and understanding for all people. I teach them about diversity because that is exactly how I was raised by my mother.
Teenie is eight years old and gifted. I have an IEP from the school district to accommodate her learning needs because she’s more intelligent than the grand majority of her peers. I don’t say that to impress you or to brag about my child. I mention it because she understands a hell of a lot more than most eight year olds understand about the world so having a conversation about China, the environment, how products are manufactured, the conditions people work under and what’s in those products is something she can understand…on her level.
In frustration Teenie wants to boycott all products made in China not by my suggestion but by her own accord. It’s a very difficult thing to do which makes her more frustrated. Especially when she wants a new pair of Hannah Montana sunglasses…Made In China.
At no point am I teaching either child that Chinese people are bad people. In fact I’ve tried to explain that the Chinese people live under the rule of Communism and many times have their voices and opinions oppressed by the government. I did my senior project for my undergraduate degree on the very subject last October.
In teaching them the truth about the world they have a better understanding about how lucky they are to live in the United States and in my house where I allow them to have choices. Hey, I have to get my parenting angle in somewhere you know.
So, if in the discussion with my children I have taught them some kind of intolerance for people who are different or intolerance for different cultures then I’ve completely missed the mark. Report me to the DHS or something because quite frankly I think I’ve got it right…much more so than most parents or we would not have so much hatred in this world.
(Getting off the mommy blogger soap box now.)
Now, can we all go back to the gooey love-fest we were feeling when we started this post? After all, it is you who restored my faith in humanity, kindness and giving…
Filed under Disney World |21 Responses to “From Disney to China in 270 Seconds”
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12:13 am on April 22nd, 2008
You are going to rock those Minnie ears like nobody’s business. When’s the big trip?
Karls last blog post..Much Bigger Picture
12:31 am on April 22nd, 2008
1:16 am on April 22nd, 2008
So excited for you….only 2 weeks. I don’t want you to take away from your vacation, but if you can take some pictures and record some precious moments, we would all love to see/hear them. I donated but wish I could have given more, more, more! I think you are an incredible person with the way you are handling this. As a previous comment was made, I would by lying in a ball on the couch. But you are the best example of what we should be doing. I think your attitude is incredible and just by example you are teaching your children incredible gifts. I don’t know if you are religious but since I came upon your web site through Crystal’s “Boobs” website, I have been praying and praying for you. Not only does your family need you, but we on the internet need you and the world in general needs more people like you. You are an incredible example of humanity!!!
2:48 am on April 22nd, 2008
I can’t wait for you guys to go on that trip! I’m so excited for you!!!
*mwah*
Colin Brookss last blog post..going back in time with mondayz tunez #22
4:51 am on April 22nd, 2008
You’ve got two weeks to rest and rebuild your body before you guys hit Disneyland.
I just know you are going to have a blast. Just remember to do everything in moderation and soak in the joy and laughter of the girls.
Love that necklace. Probably something Karen bought in Canada, right?
Matties last blog post..Revelations Revealed
7:26 am on April 22nd, 2008
Yes… the historical classical mouse ears are much better for travel than the post modern vermin ones. Definitely a good choice.
Oh, and I’m trying to boycott China too. Its alot harder than it sounds… which is really pretty sad.
NYCWDs last blog post..E < NYC Squared
7:28 am on April 22nd, 2008
I plan on taking a lot of pictures so look for those after the trip!
I appreciate your kind words and prayers. I really don’t know that I’m a great example of anything and I just had this conversation with my girlfriend over the weekend. When life presents you with circumstances you have a choice on how you are going to react. I know that I can’t afford to travel down any other path than the one I’m on. I’ve gone down the one of destruction and seen where it’s taken me, many times over.
Believe me though, I’ve had moments through this where I did want to lay on the couch in a ball. I just keep going. As long as no one gives up on me, I’m not giving up!
Colin, You have no idea how excited we are!
Mattie, Karen actually found the necklace on Etsy!
7:29 am on April 22nd, 2008
Once you’ve become aware of import products it becomes very difficult to find things made in the U.S. We have found it very challenging.
8:17 am on April 22nd, 2008
I’m SO excited for you! I hope you have a wonderful trip! xoxoxo
Karen Sugarpantss last blog post..Ditching The X
8:34 am on April 22nd, 2008
I guess if you add in what I donated to you personally, you broke $5K, didn’t you?
I like Chinese people, but they always leave me hungry an hour later.
10:09 am on April 22nd, 2008
I’m so happy that the goal was exceeded, and proud of the many bloggers who pulled together to give this to you and your family! I know that you will have a memorable vacation with your darling daughters! (I also don’t doubt you’ll wear those ears and wear them proudly!)
On the subject of any criticism regarding China’s products: You’re a fantastic mother. End of story!)
I’ll be praying for your family as you travel to Disney’s playland!
Love,
3T
10:11 am on April 22nd, 2008
I hate Jamaica. The people are fine but the place sucks.
Isn’t that what Teeny said? She hated the place?
People annoy me.
Anyway, whatever. I am so psyched for you! And I think a pink polka dotted dress to go with your Minnie ears….
12:56 pm on April 22nd, 2008
LOVE the necklace!! These 2 weeks will seem like they’ll take forever, but I’m sure they’ll just fly by - YAY!!!
Tugs last blog post..Raffle’s over…time for fluff.
3:17 pm on April 22nd, 2008
Geeeeez Lisa… it’s called a GIEP. They don’t call it just an IEP anymore because that’s what the dumb kids have. Teenie would be soooooooo mad if she knew! (I know because I used to have GIEPs and it made me seriously angry when teachers forgot the “G.” The G is the most important part!) haha
Anyways… SO excited for you guys to go to Disney!!!
And about China. Screw that. I’m boycotting them too and so are some of my friends. Tell Teenie to start a revolution amongst her young friends! Bring China to its knees!
Girlinthecrosswalks last blog post..I am doing other things…
3:27 pm on April 22nd, 2008
As a huge Disney lover, I am so excited for you! You are an amazing woman who deserves every penny of that money
8:28 pm on April 22nd, 2008
The economics and politics and trade with China is a mess, but it’s our own fault for buying the cheap products and our governments fault for allowing in so many of the products are beyond inferior, they’re downright dangerous.
It doesn’t mean we hate Chinese people, that’s ridiculous! Get a grip people - the thing we don’t want to “tolerate” is lead on our children’s toys or “maybe fish” in the candy, duh.
10:09 pm on April 22nd, 2008
I’m so excited for your family! I hope you have the best vacation ever!
I have heard about Etsy but had forgotten. Thanks for reminding me to check it out!
12:02 am on April 23rd, 2008
I’m so excited for you and your family! You all are going to have such a wonderful time! Take lots of photos with those ears on.
4:03 am on April 23rd, 2008
I am amazed that an 8 year old is so socially aware and cares!
That necklace is so pretty, I hope you take a pic of you wearing it.
And have fun at D’World, what a trip!
6:47 am on April 23rd, 2008
Avitable, You are absolutely correct! I apologize for not adding that into the total. Your $200 is going directly to Cam and Teenie for souvenirs. Each girl is get $100 to spend on whatever they wish. Of course I will be there to help them spend it wisely. I have the feeling they will want to get some more pins for their lanyards for one!
So yes…$5,000 was raised.
3T, I’m amazed by the many bloggers who pulled together…just amazed.
Aw, thanks for your vote of confidence about my parenting
I’m blushing.
Miss Ann, I’ve never been to Jamaica but Dude and I love this coffee called “Jamaician Me Crazy”. OMG, it’s fabulous.
Yes, that’s what Teeny said…she’s a world traveler ya know.
Good God woman…my big ass in polka dots is not a pretty thing!!
Tug, I’ve been wearing the necklace every day since I received it. Oh, I hope the two weeks get here soon!
Girl, Unfortunately here they call it an IEP
and both kids have one. The oldest has one for some special needs but she is also an honor roll student.
Sigh…I wish it was as that to boycott.
Hilly, Thanks for being excited for us!!! Oh, I’m not so amazing…my daughters are the ones who are amazing for being so strong for making it through so much over the past four years!
annie, You are correct…it is completely our fault for becoming so dependent on the cheap products and in some respects we are forced economically to buy them because U.S. products are more expensive to produce due to high labor costs.
We have to do something about regulating what’s in these products though. There has to be more safety testing and more regulation about what comes into the country. Unfortunately I don’t see that happening.
Lisa, I love Etsy. I think it’s a great place to find some of the most unique things.
BB, I plan on taking a TON of photos!!!
jane, What’s more amazing is that she made the decision to look at where products are made on her own and decide what to do on her own. I commend her for that!
Thanks…we plan to have a ton of fun!!!
9:59 pm on April 24th, 2008
Grand results!
Sometimes Saintly Nicks last blog post..Blessed Are the Peacemakers—Unless…