From "You Liar!" to "I Do!" in 17 Months--The 7/7/13 Cruise Edition *Updated 27

[sleepydog25]

If you quickly peruse the first paragraph below, you'll see this is a combo TR, combing a pre-TR for our upcoming cruise, a report on our visit to WDW and VWL for our wedding before the cruise, then the TR on the cruise itself. But, I know many will often check only the cruise line TRs, or DVC TRs, etc., so I'm providing this as a link to the main report. However, in a one-day-only discount offer, you can catch the start of the report below! Beyond today, I'll provide occasional pre-cruise comments that won't appear on the main report. How's that for a deal?

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Okay, this will be short. . .hahahahahaha! Oh, man, that’s a good one! A TR by sleepydog, short? Yeah, like turkey bacon is real bacon. Or a SmartCar is. First, this is technically a pre-TR for the next week or so, then an actual TR for about a week as we enjoy our beloved “home” at VWL, before transforming itself into a cruise line trip report for the final week. Clear so far? Second, I suppose introductions are in order for those who haven’t read one of my prior TRs, and the number is legion.

I’m sleepydog25, aka sleepydog, aka sleepy, aka Slydog (long story, but if you must know, just ask), he of the receding hairline and expanding beltline. I’ve had my toenails painted in the name of my (then) very young daughter’s experiment, unintentionally practiced yoga in a DCL bathtub, been the Dada Express over every inch of WDW, drunk my way through thousands of glasses of wine and lattes (I ain’t sayin’ which I’ve had the most of), and have practiced the dark art of a master prevaricator (look it up). I will be joined at the hip by the illustrious and gorgeous luvvwl aka (and self-declared) LOML, she of the silky auburn-red locks of hair, spectacularly friendly smile, luminous eyes, and indefatigable Energizer bunny-ness. We make a good team. She tells me so all the time, ergo it must be true.

As we move along in this travelogue, there will be pictures (I am not a Photobucket genius, so they’ll likely be huge), humor, descriptions, tips, and details, all tossed in with a bit of pathos, eros, amor, and D’Artagnan (points if you get that one). We tend to tag team our TRs a bit, and a wee bit o’ bantering might be in order. Our sincere hope is that you’ll read or see something that will further enhance your own experiences down the line or that will help you relive and revisit the splendid memories you’ve already made. If you do, then we have succeeded. And, besides, we like to talk.

Chapter 1: A Liar Emerges

 

[amyd219]

Yeah, like turkey bacon is real bacon.

What??? Turkey bacon is not real bacon??? Illusions shattered***

As we move along in this travelogue, there will be pictures (I am not a Photobucket genius, so they’ll likely be huge), humor, descriptions, tips, and details, all tossed in with a bit of pathos, eros, amor, and D’Artagnan (points if you get that one).

Points for me!!! Love Three Muskateers. However, watching the Dis version years later really makes me believe in alien abductions. Charlie Sheen today is obviously the subject of a body snatching experiment.

So excited to see the start of a new TR. Can't wait to read more!

 

[sleepydog25]

What??? Turkey bacon is not real bacon??? Illusions shattered***


Points for me!!! Love Three Muskateers. However, watching the Dis version years later really makes me believe in alien abductions. Charlie Sheen today is obviously the subject of a body snatching experiment.

So excited to see the start of a new TR. Can't wait to read more!

There is no part of the turkey that looks like a pork butt, just sayin'. Way to go, amy, you get 1,000,000,000 points, redeemable at your nearest SleepyD merchant outlet!

I've updated the link to the report, as you can see. However, I will also tell you, and anyone else reading, that we have suitcases stacked in the living room, along with boxes of stuff for the wedding, gift bags, floppy hats, pirate-y stuff, and Jimmy Hoffa (pssst! don't tell!). Enjoy!

Chapter 1: A Liar Emerges

To whom the chapter title refers would be me. Sometimes, however, misleading is not such a bad thing. I refer you to Spock (the Vulcan not the doctor) who once countered a fellow officer's claim, "You lied," with a simple, "I implied." Exactly. Step aboard the time machine and let me take you back to December of 2011. . .wee-ooo, wee-ooo, wee-ooo. . .

After pursuing luv for a long time, I finally had gotten her to cave in and agree to marry me. We sallied forth (when's the last time you heard the word "sallied," huh? I'm telling you, this TR is educational, too.) a few days after Christmas (four exactly, but who's counting?) and headed to Charlotte, the closest large city to our mountain perch. We first sought engagement rings at Jared's, finding a lovely diamond and band there; however, being the ever-so-need-to-be-sure kinda guy I am, I talked luv into looking at a few more jewelry stores and a few more stones and rings. (If you will, please hum "You Spin Me Right Round, Baby Right Round" by Dead or Alive to put you in the mood.) But. We. Kept. Going. Back. . .to the first band and rock we found at Jared's. It was durn purty, but best of all, LOML's eyes glowed every time she touched them, which was often. She knew it was the pairing she wanted; I knew it was the pairing she desired, as well, but I'm just not one to make such a meaningful purchase on a whim. I'm just not, even when the impulse was so strong in me like the force in Luke Skywalker, and even when luv excused herself to the restroom and left me alone with the saleswoman. Nuh and uh. I put down a deposit. And we measured her ring finger. What can I say? She loved it.
The engagement ring with the added bling of the wedding bands (one in front, one in back), as well.
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Here, I must veer into a brief digression. Luv would accept a Cracker Jack ring and love it if my intent was pure and honest. She is that kind of woman—loving, understanding, dedicated, and unselfish. But, how can a man not want to give the woman of his dreams that perfect ring? There was never any doubt I would get it for her. I also knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that had we bought the ring that day and waited for it to be mounted with the stone, she wouldn’t take it off her finger. I’d have been formally proposing in the PF Chang parking lot next door to Jared's. "Baby, will you please marry me? Pretty please with sweet and sour sauce on top?" Not gonna happen.

We called the saleswoman back the following day to confirm the decision, and I told LOML that I would take care of getting the ring (oh, in case you don't know, that stands for "love of my life"--did I mention it was she who self-declared it to so?). Sadly, I had to give luv some disappointing news, as well.
"The ring might not be ready until April," wincing as I spoke.
"What?!?" An uninhibited response to be sure.
"If you remember, it's a Signature ring and setting, and based on your ring size, they need to special order it." I continued, "But it will be just what you want, babe." I guess my calming manner worked, as she heaved a little sigh.
"Okay. You're right. I am so excited about it, about us, I just wanted to have it sooner."
Of course, knowing the ring might not be there until April did nothing to keep luv from asking about its status every day of the week that ends in a "y."

Two weeks later, we decided to celebrate Valentine's Day early, on Feb 4th (a Saturday), since the actual 14 Feb fell on work day and because my daughter would be staying with us the weekend of the 10-12th. We had reservations at our favorite restaurant, a lovely place with superior food (think Artist Point as a reference), and once seated, our server proclaimed, "The chef has a special menu for you that he prepared himself. Bon appetit!" Yes, I had contacted the chef weeks earlier and told him about our early V'Day plans. LOML was pleasantly shocked, and the food was divine: steak tartar, seafood ceviche, rack of lamb, and wines paired with it all.

Luv excused herself to the ladies' room, and upon her return, she found a lovely, small box which she assumed was filled with decadent chocolate. Only it wasn't. Her expression when she opened the box and found her ring instead was priceless, a moment I'll always cherish. So, maybe the ring had been ready since four days after we found it. . .and maybe I had driven down, waited for it to be completely mounted and sized, and then driven back all before she got home from work (it's a two-hour drive one way). . .and maybe I had hidden it in my shorts drawer. . .and maybe I had set up the whole dinner as an engagement night out. . .and maybe everyone working in the restaurant and nearly everyone dining there knew what was happening. . .and maybe, just maybe I had implied all along that the ring wouldn't be ready until April. I would point out, however, that I distinctly said "might not" be ready. Spock would be proud.

"You liar!" Those absolutely were the first words out of her mouth just as sure as Gibbs slaps Tony in the head every week (NCIS "in" joke). All the other diners in the restaurant heard it, too (I think even some of the sous chefs were laughing). It was a classic moment we shall never forget.
The Moment
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No, I am not teary-eyed. What? You never heard of somebody getting chocolate ganache dust in his contacts?

The following pic was taken during a return trip to Jared's to have the ring inspected and cleaned. Luv might have a need to do it every third week or so. . .
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And, now you know, the rest of the story. . .how I got my thread title.

Chapter 2: Let the Planning Memories Begin!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

OOOOOH! He went to Jared's! (Sorry, couldn't resist) Congrats! Beautiful ring!

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[sleepydog25]

OOOOOH! He went to Jared's! (Sorry, couldn't resist) Congrats! Beautiful ring!

Looking forward to reading more.

Ha! That's exactly what luv tells everyone! Funny how a joke-like slogan can actually turn around and be dork-ly funny while still being romantic. Thanks!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Chapter 2: Let the Planning Memories Begin!

Luv is to planning as Gordon Ramsey is to Hell's Kitchen, only way nicer Hey, I said "way nicer!" We had no more gotten home from the most excellent engagement dinner when she began calling Disney Wedding Event Planning, photographers, cake decorators, limousine services, grocery stores, party supply stores, stationery companies, WikiLeaks, the NSA, bling purveyors, shoe shops, bridal gown boutiques, hair stylists, nail technicians, makeup artists, and Brad Pitt. This woman is thorough! Our TV viewing went from shows such as The Newsroom, Castle, and Suits, to more wedding-oriented fare: Say Yes to the Dress, Bridezillas, Randy's Tres Expensive Gowns, Four Weddings (no funeral), Say Yes to the Bridesmaids' Tackily, Ugly Dresses, Bridezillas vs. Mothra, and other uplifting wedding-based shows.

And what had originally been conceived as a simple beach wedding, barefoot, flowing gown for her, linen pants and gauzy shirt for me became a full-on Disney wedding ceremony. At first, I was a bit hesitant. I love Disney (heck, it's how luv and I met), but the notion we would make more of a concerted effort and jump into the Disney wedding fever dance was a bit off-putting. At first. However, if there is one thing I've learned from all my years of living (all, umm, 37 of them), is that when you have a good--no, a great. . .no, the BEST person to ever walk into your life, you do everything you can to make that person happy, and I don't mean giving in to that person because you think you should. No, a real, life-and-blood relationship is built on more than a foundation of compromises (not that those aren't necessary at times) and resignation, on more than one person getting his or her way out of shallow conceit, on more than one-sided dictation. You make that person happy by being a partner: sometimes economically, sometimes intellectually, sometimes (okay, make that lots of times) sensually, and always, always emotionally.

Luv is my partner, my equal, my best-part-of-me, my mo anam cara (google it). She had a vision for a Disney wedding, and I had a vision that we would prep for it with great zeal. How could I not want a Disney wedding? Okay, here's the best part--knowing we had a Disney wedding around the corner (okay, 17 months was so not around the corner, but I digress) and telling others about it has been amazingly, awesomely enjoyable! LOML is like the general with the battle plan organized to the smallest detail. I am but a foot soldier, though an extremely proud one. . .okay, except for the times when we changed lunch plans for the day of our pre-wedding photo shoot again and again. . .and again. . .and then more agains. I was like one of Pavlov's dogs for as soon as I heard her say, "Now, I know we said. . ." and my foot would start scratching behind my ear, my tongue would hang out, and I'd drool. Ever see a drooling man giving you the evil eye at the same time? Luv has.

Rather than take you through every planning moment, I will highlight just a few in the coming updates (no, the whole lunch thing is still unresolved. . .I think), and I'll throw in some pics along the way. In fact, here are a few shots just to whet your appetite.

The winning entry. . .


Looking for Hardy (no, not wearing this in the wedding)


The bride and best man


Coming up--Chapter 3: I'll Be Completely Franck

Since we are honeymooning on the Dream, and this is the cruise thread, I will tell you that we have nearly $700 in Disney rewards loaded and ready to spend on the cruise! Hmm, how many times can we sign up for the Mixology class?