Disney's Animal Kingdom

 Spent the morning at animal kingdom on the second day at Disney. We did not end up doing the Wilderness Explorers, but that was alright.

Finally braved the Dinosaur ride. I may have had my eyes closed all the way through, but at least I did it and now my 20 years of shame can end.

   

 Got to see a lot of animals on the safari, didn't get a picture of the giraffe that came right up to the truck unfortunately.

Simba!

I'm a bat person, I loved the giant flying foxes.

The tiger was going crazy. up the hill, own the hill, over, around. All over. 

 

Baby gibbon swinging with the big guys 

Why do people throw their hair ties at the top of the Everest Exhibition? The top just before you start rolling back was just covered in hair ties. Didn't realize that was a thing, even with all the research I did. 

We had a good time, met characters, tried African food, rode the rides, saw the shows, walked 10 miles, lots of fun. 

I Make Too Much Money

I have been planning a vacation to Disney World.

This has effectively been like taking my pay check each month and using it as a torch to light my way through the planning process.

But still I'm excited. The Mouse has a most indescribable allure, even to the even keeled such as myself. The magic of visiting the most magical place on earth has begun to fill my mind like a thick miasma, sending me into dreamy fits of passion nearly daily.

Almost needless to say, my family hates me. Every time that I try to speak, since there is a 80:20 chance that my next few words are going to be describing my trip planning, they scream out "LALALALALALALA" as they clap their hands over their ears and shake violently. I may be homeless any day now.

But at this point I've pretty much exhausted my research capabilities. You can only read the same five "Insider Tips" so many time before you realize you know more about Disney than most bloggers and you haven't even been there.

My top five free gifts/activities to look forward to,

1. Wilderness Explorer Guide- Animal Kingdom

   Yes, I'm and adult. I'm still going to Wilderness Explorer the crap out of Animal Kingdom.

2. Sorcerers of The Magic Kingdom

   No one is ever too old to fictitiously beat the crap out of some Disney villains.

3. Pirate Band in Adventureland

   Pirate was my second career choice, you now if the whole 'I'm and Engineer' thing didn't work out.

4. Agent/Spy Adventure in Epcot

   It's the freaking World Showcase, what else are you going to do?

5. Oh yeah, get one of those celebrate buttons

    Because nothing gets you treated better by a bunch of stranger than advertising that you've earned       the right to be here by volition of living another year.

So, eventually I will stop mentally packing my bags and actually pack my bags and my family might stop tuning me out whenever I speak. We'll see.

I Don't Like Spiders and Snakes

How do snakes terrify me? Let me count the ways...

1. They make me run, jump and shriek in a highly undignified manner. 

2. I get bone clattering chills.

3. I break in to a cold sweat.

4. I get the shakes.

5. I get nauseous. 

5. I have heart palpitations. 

6. I suffer extreme dizziness and crippling paralysis. 

While snakes terrify me and make me want to climb a tree and not come down, I still find them fascinating. I always go into the reptile house at the zoo, even though I feel quite ill by the time I make it out. It isn't so much so I can see the snakes, but rather as a test of my own fortitude. Snakes scare me to the point of nearly loosing bladder control, but I don't let that stop me form going in. 

I do not let my fears control me. Even if they're snakes. 

I Don't Like Spiders and Snakes!

Live Long and Prosper

I was shocked and devastated to hear of actor Leonard Nimoy's death yesterday. His performance of the character Spock will be the truest in my memory for the rest of time. My soul aches at the loss of his shining light in Hollywood.

I feel like Spock was a major influence in my life. I have always been a fan of Star Trek. I'm sure that I can not dignify myself with the title of true Trekkie, but I have always enjoyed the franchise. Nimoy's character was always the most interesting to me. You would think that Scottie would resound more with me since I am becoming an engineer, but I have always felt more camaraderie with the half Vulcan Science Officer.

Here are some things that Spock has taught me over the years:

1.) It's human and fun to curse
2,) Logic is the root of reasoning
3.) Hate is illogical
4.) Being different is a curse and a gift
5.) Friends are a treasure

With Leonard Nimoy gone the world seems a little darker, but that's not what he would want. He lived a long and full life. As I've heard it said several time over the last few hours, "He lived long and Prospered."

Bloody Cold

I'm anemic. Clearly, this is a problem. This is the third time that I've been reject by the Red Cross. I suppose I should tell my doctor this when I see her tomorrow. I am only worried that I might actually be sick. Diet can only be an excuse for so long. I've got too much going for me to be really sick.

It's very cold here. Like, holy shit it's cold. There is a painful bite to the air. It's the polar vortex all over again. Of course, it might just be that I'm anemic.

But it's good to be home.

Joyous Freedom

While it is nice to be home, I find that I have a need to write. I need to write, but I have no words. It's terrible. I am surrounded by family, friends, familiarity and the words do not come. My fingers sit idle looking at my keyboard driving me to madness. I have so much time on my hands that I can't even begin to focus. I can't force the words out, even now I struggle to place my feelings down. How is it that the things you want can be so difficult? The stories sit at the forefront of my mind and yet they refuse to be writ. How terrible it is.

SNOOOOWW

And it's snowing. It's snowing in November, in Kansas. At least it didn't start last night while I was at work. Standing outside directing traffic in this snow would not have been fun.