Merry Christmas!

I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate Christmas than to make some peppermint coffee and watch one of my favorite Christmas movies.  Merry Christmas to you and to me!

Santa Baby

After a wonderful visit with my parents before Christmas, I got so sick that I almost didn't make my flight home. On top of that, there was a huge snow storm in Colorado Springs that I almost didn't get out of the city to drive back to Denver.

I finally made it to DEN, and at the gate opposite of mine, you could take your picture with Santa. They took two pictures of you and then fused them together to show off some new Microsoft software. This is the "fused" picture. It's amazing. You can't even see where they chopped off my head and attached it to my body!  In the picture that is.

Garden of the Gods

When I was out visiting my parents in Colorado Springs, I found this cool shirt at the Garden of the Gods that was spoofing Star Wars. I had to pick it up!

The Magic is Back...And so is Mickey!

Well, not only did I get to attend the pre-opening of the new Mall of America Disney Store, but I also was lucky enough to go to the character visit! Every 15 minutes, they alternated between photo opportunities with Mickey and Minnie. The Cast Members gave specific instructions about one photo per family and how to keep the line moving, but of course, no one paid attention.

Personally, I didn't mind which Mouse with whom I would take a picture, because I was going to use it as one of my Christmas card pictures. As the 15 minutes ticked away, I saw Minnie Mouse approaching. But a Cast Member said to me as I was waiting, "Who would you prefer your picture with Mickey or Minnie?", and I said, "It doesn't matter, because I'm just happy to be here and get my picture with a Disney character!" She said, "Well, let's get you with Mickey," so they had Minnie wait to have Mickey take one last picture with me!

(This is my background and screen saver on my iPhone)

Key to the (Magic) Kingdom

After many months of our only Disney Store being closed in Minnesota, the day had come for it to be reopened. However, due to some special connections, I was able to get a special invite (along with many other frequent shoppers) to the pre-opening celebration.

 I really like the new design, but what I really want is behind the cash wrap and not for sale.

While I did some shopping, I didn't clean out the new store. They still don't have enough for adults!!!

Life is a Highway

One of the upsides of the D23 Expo August 19-21, 2011, is that we were able to see a preview of what is to come for the new Cars Land opening in 2012. But in the meantime, I was able to pose (and don't I always strike a pose?) with two of Cars Lands' main inhabitants, Mater and Lightning McQueen. As you can tell, "I'm happier 'n a tornado in a trailer park!"

Ka-chow!

What a Woody! (And Jessie!)

Toys will be toys, and it's time to play with our favorite pals, Woody and Jessie!

What a (California) Adventure!

Today was a Theme Park day after all the D23 nightmares festivities. It was a gorgeous day in California, so time for an adventure in Disney's California Adventure. I'm smiling now, because later that evening, I'd get to see World of Color for the second time!

Rehab - Not the One in Vegas

Dang it! I came all the way from Minnesota to ride the Matterhorn! Not really, but I always heard that when I worked at Disneyland at the end of the day. I wanted to say, "The Park's been open for 12 hours. What have you been doing?", but of course a Disney Cast Member can't say that.

Oh well. Next time!

He Talks!

Not me. We all know I can. But you imagine my surprise when I met my childhood pal and he actually talked with me?!?

I walked up behind Mickey and startled him. You would have thought he saw a mouse! Anyway, turn up the volume to hear our brief interaction. It made the trip worthwhile!

D23 Expo

What a cluster! This was not one of the best or organized Disney event I've attended, and I've attended many. Many of the events I wanted to see were filled/closed because they were at capacity well before the times of the events. Personally, I miss the Walt Disney Art Classics events. I would be willing to pay more for smaller numbers. There were over 40,000 people here for this event, and while I purchased my tickets in advance for three days, many of the events were filled by people who bought a one-day ticket the day of the event. I'm not sure I'll be back.

The best part of the event was meeting up with Disney friends from all over the world, some of whom I haven't seen in many, many years. That was worth the price of admission. Now, how do I get these signs into my suitcase?

Best Place. Best Friend.

While in California, I was able to see the best place ever with the best friend ever!

Rule, Britannia!

Just snapping a picture as I wait for the bus after volunteering at church. I probably shouldn't have taken the picture from this angle. It makes me look bald and like I have more chins than I do.

Whip It Good!

Have you ever had Dole Whip at a Disney Park?  You know no trip to a Disney Park is complete without having some. So I was excited to see you can buy the mix online straight from Hawaii!!!

What's great about Dole Whip, other than the fresh taste is the fresh taste. Did I already mention that? Oh. What I meant was it's also:  

• Lactose Free 
• Cholesterol Free 
• Low Fat 
• Shelf Stable

The downside is it only comes in a 4-lb bag, but it's worth it! You may need to do a test run with your ice cream maker and ingredients, but I've learned that using pineapple juice and whipping cream makes the Dole Whip more creamy. Using non-fat milk makes it runny.

Order your Dole Whip mix here:     Unified Enterprises Corporation

The Force is Strong with This One

Thanks to eBay, I have one of 1,999 of these awesome iPhone cases sold during Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida this year. I'm using this one for my work iPhone with Star Wars ringtones!

Mother's Day 2012

Due to my schedule, I couldn't go see my parents for my Mom's birthday on Cinco de Mayo, but going to see them for Mother's Day worked out just fine. Love you both very much!!!

What's Cookin'?

It may be April 1st, but this is no joke. I love the Crab Cooker! My parents and I used to go all the time. I grew up on both locations (Newport Beach and Tustin), and because we were heading to Laguna Beach to do some art shopping today, we decided to hit the Newport Beach location.

There was a little bit of a line, but no big deal and certainly worth the wait. As we were waiting, this East Coast couple (not a slam, but that's where they were from) just cut in front of everyone and went to the head of the line. Being the shy, soft-spoken person that I am, I said in a not-so-quiet voice, "What makes you any better than the rest of us to wait in line?"

I was shocked (not really) that they heard me, but the woman had the audacity to get in an arguing match with me. Well, I let have at it, and let's just say they decided to eat elsewhere. No one stands between me and my Manhattan Clam Chowder and fresh fish!

The Crab Cooker 

What a Stitch!

The last full day of vacation, so I had to have a Disney character breakfast. Here I am with Stitch!

Maui Hawaiian BBQ

I've been going here for years, and used to bring my parents here when they still lived in California. Whenever I'm able, I have to stop by at the Fullerton location. The food is phenomenal, the portions are more than generous, and the value is spectacular for all you get. Yes, I'm a fan!


What you see here is a combination plate, with Kalbi short ribs and Hawaiian BBQ chicken. Don't forget the awesome sauces too! You also get rice and macaroni salad too. This is enough for two meals!

Check it out and I give it five stars on Yelp!

Maui Hawaiian BBQ

Click Here to Download Menu

How Do You Don't

What?!?!?

I traveled 1,915 miles just to ride Splash Mountain and you're telling me it's closed?!?! Good thing I'm coming back in August. You'd better be open!

You've Got a Friend in Me

At the Starbucks in the Hollywood and Highland Center Complex (No, Ryan Seacrest was not spotted), I spotted someone with a jacket I wanted as well as someone I'd love to get to know if only for a special connection.

Dude, can you get me a job at Pixar?

Soda Jerk

While in Hollywood, I had to make a stop at Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store next to the El Capitan Theatre. Sure, I'm lactose intolerant, but I want not there for the ice cream, oh no. When you order a special sundae, you get a Disney pin! That's why I'm there. You can keep the ice cream!

Click here for the PDF to the Menu

Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store

Make It So

Allow me to geek out a bit. Since we were in the area, we decided to hit Madame Tussauds in Hollywood. I was so excited to see two of my favorite Star Trek captains immortalize in wax. I guess I need to be careful how I cross my legs when I wear shorts. No peeking!

Madame Tussauds

I also attempted to do my best Spock imitation, and there were flowers and a guest book dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor.

Paying Respect

During a trip home, I had a chance to go to Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA. Of course my mission was to revisit the Disney family grave, but as it turns out, Elizabeth Taylor had passed away five days ago on Wednesday, March 23, 2011. There still were a lot of fans and flowers at her burial site.

Find a Grave

Togo's! Togo's! Togo's!

One of the other things I miss about California. Sign me up or a #6, #7 or #8 any time.

Togo's