Hidden Mickeys

on January 23, 2010
in All Posts

Fun night out with friends!

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The Husband and I met up with Lisette and Danny at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Disney – they came up for Lisette’s birthday – and then we went to dinner at BJ’s Brewery.

 

Before we left for Disney, I had a banana with peanut butter:

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I feel like I’ve been to Disney more times in the last month (my marathon was the Disney Marathon) than ever before.

 

But I’ve never been to Animal Kingdom (except for when I ran through it during the marathon)! The lodge actually backs up to an animal ‘savannah’ and we got to see loads of zebras, gazelles, and other African plain animals.

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One of the coolest things about Disney is all the hidden Mickeys.  Disney “imagineers” (AKA DIsney engineers) design Mickey Mouse symbols into all sorts of stuff in the parks and the hotels.

 

Like….

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In the carpet!

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And even in the towels.  🙂

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For dinner, we went to a pizza chain called BJ’s that Lisette and Danny are absolutely obsessed with.

 

I started off with a side salad:

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And had two slices of the vegetarian deep dish.  So good!

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The Husband and I split this chocolate chip pizookie (it was a mini version) to celebrate Lisette’s birthday:

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And last (but not least), I had a lovely glass of Zin.  BJ’s is famous for the microbrews, but I thought wine was the slightly healthier option.  🙂 Or that’s what I like to tell myself.

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So, I got REALLY BAD anxiety on the drive home from Disney.  It’s all on major highways, and I haven’t really driven at all since the car accident on Thursday.  I was so nervous that I thought I would throw up!   I hope this feeling goes away really soon! 🙁

{ 58 comments }

 

  • Nicci January 23, 2010, 11:36 pm

    Don’t worry that feeling will go away. I had it for a week after someone hit me. Glad you had a fun night with friends.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is January 23, 2010, 11:36 pm

    I’ve never been to Disney!! 🙁 I feel so deprived that my parents never took me when I was little!!!

  • Sana January 23, 2010, 11:40 pm

    I am totally understand why you were nervous, I am glad you are safe. Take your time, and you will feel better 🙂

    My car exploded into a ball of fire last year- I thought I would never drive again and I was able to get through it with time.

  • caronae January 23, 2010, 11:43 pm

    The animal kingdom sounds amzing!
    Don’t worry about driving. Those kinds of accidents are totally one-time things, and they don’t reflect your skill as a driver! I have a lot of anxiety issues myself, so I understand how you feel. Hope things are btter tomorrow my dear!

  • Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run January 23, 2010, 11:44 pm

    I struggle with driving anxiety from time to time, but I think time and driving will heal it’s own wounds =)

  • Jordan January 23, 2010, 11:45 pm

    I look for Hidden Mickeys even when we’re not there!

    I’ve had the driving anxiety before though it wasn’t caused by driving- just happened to be the time it hit. So scary.

  • Anne @thefitbridesmaid January 23, 2010, 11:53 pm

    I totaled a car about 10 years ago, and when I was home last month, turning left at the same intersection STILL makes me slightly nervous.

    On another note, my friend is a Disney engineer and she tells all the time about those hidden Mickeys! It’s awesome!

  • Tyler Ramey January 23, 2010, 11:59 pm

    Caitlin!!! We missed you today in the Spin-A-Thon, but Disney sounds way cooler. haha Glad you had fun, and boo for driving anxiety! I am sure it will get better soon. At least you scored the $40.00 lottery ticket, eh?

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) January 24, 2010, 12:06 am

    I have never been to Disney, but I really want to go someday.

    That pizza looks freakin’ awesome! I love me a nice big slice!

  • Laura @ Strong and Steady January 24, 2010, 12:09 am

    So, clippy bike shoes and pedals, eh? I’m kind of nervous about investing in the equipment before I know if I will like it… But I saw some pedals that are reversible! That might be cool to convert easily from commuting to training… 🙂

    I’m sorry to hear about your anxiety – that can be really tough. What do you usually do when you start feeling like that? Deep breaths? Think about puppies?

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write January 24, 2010, 12:24 am

    Animal Kingdom is so fun!!! I love it. I really love Disney WORLD. Here in Cali, we have Disney Land, and it’s… well… it’s lacking. ALOT.

    I love pazookies. They’re a problem, though.

    Sorry about your anxiety. Hubby gets anxiety sometimes. It wakes him up at night even. Hope the rest of your weekend is super duper fun, Ms Caitlin. 😀

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) January 24, 2010, 12:30 am

    I’ve been to Disney 4 times but never Animal Kingdom! I don’t think I’ll be able to go until I have my own chillen’!

    It’s a good thing you drove after your accident so you’re not too scared ya know?

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances January 24, 2010, 12:33 am

    Anxiety is no fun! Glad your night was awesome otherwise, though. 🙂 I’m sure you will be a fearless road warrior once again in no time.

  • Run Sarah January 24, 2010, 12:39 am

    How fun 🙂 I’m sorry to hear you feel anxious, I felt the same after a car accident I was in as well. Your title made me laugh at first – a Mickey in Canada is a bottle of hard liquor, I thought the post was going to involve hidden vodka at DIsney!

  • Katharine January 24, 2010, 12:54 am

    Looks like you had a fun day! I’m sorry you got anxiety on the drive back, but it’s totally understandable. I’m sure the next time it will get a little bit easier and before you know it it’ll be like the accident never happened!

  • stina January 24, 2010, 2:19 am

    I giggled a little at your “deep dish” pizza. Being from Chicago, I’m pretty much a deep dish pizza snob. 🙂

    As for your anxiety hopefully it passes quickly.

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com January 24, 2010, 3:37 am

    awh you’re bound to feel nervous for a little while! But as they say when you fall off a horse, better to get straight back on than leave it for ages or it’ll get worse, so good on you for getting back out there 🙂
    Hope you feel better soon!

  • Lindsay @ cookingforaveganlover.wordpress.com January 24, 2010, 5:42 am

    I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge! Their restaurants are so good especially the new one Sanaa it’s amazing!

  • Kelly January 24, 2010, 7:07 am

    It’s really kind of cool that you live so close to Disney World. I’m sure you don’t go that often, but still.
    I don’t blame you for having anxiety about it, but I think you are right to just keep driving, if you try to drive less for awhile you’ll probably make it worse.

  • jen trinque January 24, 2010, 7:14 am

    A few years ago I drove by the aftermath of a TERRIBLE accident, it completely freaked me out and I learned later that the folks in the car hadn’t made it. I had to drive that road every day; and for some reason I couldn’t get it out of my head. Lucky for me, at the time I was seeing a therapist, and she said that whenever the memory came back to me I should take some deep breaths and picture the whole scene enveloped in a peaceful white light. The idea was to change my association from the scary one to a calm one. Eventually the scary image stuck in my head did go away 🙂 Not that it’s the same thing that happened to you, but I thought it might help!

  • Karla January 24, 2010, 7:32 am

    I love BJs! I haven’t been in a long time!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers January 24, 2010, 7:52 am

    Mm that pizza looks good! It’s really hard to drive again after an accident- I was terrified for awhile after I was a passenger in an accident, but it goes away!!

  • Julie January 24, 2010, 8:01 am

    The anxiety will go away, just give it time. In the meantime don’t be afraid to drive. You know you are a careful driver and just be confident in that!! Don’t let fear get you!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg January 24, 2010, 8:13 am

    I was definitely anxious for a few weeks after my bad car accident…don’t worry, it goes away eventually– but it SUCKS while it’s still there 🙁

    That pizza seriously just made me drool on my keyboard. YURM!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) January 24, 2010, 8:13 am

    Remind yourself that you are a good driver and that the accident was a one-time thing.

    Animal Kingdom was my favorite part of Disney! There’s so much to see and do and it’s all beautiful. 🙂

  • Kelly January 24, 2010, 8:18 am

    I’ve been a very anxious driver since my accident back in September. I can’t get the fact that an accident can happen at any time out of my head. With time it gets easier to ignore. On a positive side it makes you more aware while driving!

  • Meredith @ 23 Going on 60 January 24, 2010, 8:20 am

    Pizookies are awesome! One of my favorite deserts, and BJ’s really knows how to make them!

  • Jenna January 24, 2010, 8:47 am

    Mmmm deep dish veggie!!!

  • Jenny January 24, 2010, 9:15 am

    The hidden Mickeys are one of my favorite things about Disney world too! I love creative things like that 🙂

    Sorry about your anxiety. Sounds like you were immediately able to identify what caused it, I’m sure after a few weeks you’ll be completely anxiety-free on the roads.

  • Niki (Running in Pink) January 24, 2010, 9:19 am

    Your Disney posts are making me want to visit Disney World again soon! 🙂

    That’s really horrible about the anxiety. It should get better, but I totally understand. I got in a car accident last January (slipped on black ice and rolled my car) on a bright, sunny day, but I get super paranoid when it’s snowing or raining heavily now, especially at night. My husband and I drove to Chicago a few months ago and it was pouring rain on the way there, and I was literally freaking out and crying, begging him to slow down because it was giving me so much anxiety!!! But it’s not always like that, haha. 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 24, 2010, 9:29 am

    I love Animal Kingdom! I’ve only been to Disney once but it was so much fun! I also think it’s cool how there are Mickeys everywhere. It’s such an amazing place!
    Your dinner looked delicious!

    And i’m so sorry about the anxiety, hopefully it will go away soon. I think that happens to a lot of people who are in wrecks, myself included, but mine was nearly as bad as yours seemed.

  • Stephanie January 24, 2010, 9:31 am

    I have had anxiety on highways for a few years now (I’m talking as bad as having panic attacks and not being able to breathe), comes and goes but was definitely a bit more pronounced after my bad accident a few months ago. The most important thing for me was to keep driving and not give into it. Two days after I smashed head on into that cement wall on the overpass I drove right past the spot and told myself that I was in control and I could do it. And guess what, I did! I Your body is just reacting to what it experienced but with time and more driving it will eventually wear away… 🙂

  • Marissa January 24, 2010, 9:46 am

    To put your mind at ease about your wreck…I got in a wreck last Monday, and I felt the same way driving again. I was super nervous and anxiety ridden. It only lasted about a week though, and then it got better, as I’m sure you will too!

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal January 24, 2010, 10:10 am

    I looove Animal Kingdom. One of my BFF’s used to work there, and whenever I’d visit her, we’d always go. So much fun. The hidden Mickey’s really are cool, too.

    sorry about the anxiety 🙁 Hopefully it goes away soon, hun.

  • Heather January 24, 2010, 10:31 am

    we call my mom the “Disney Nazi”. She is CRAZY about Disney. When we were younger, on each of our trips to Disney we needed to be lined up, at the door, visors on, breakfast already consumed, ready to go at 6:15 AM. We cant miss the opening ceremonies. [ok. thats a bit of an exaugeration, but still]

    We are the only family that walks single file from one attraction to the next; ON A MISSION. 😉

    we tease her about it, all the time – but its truly so much fun to have a mom who is SO into our vacations at Disney. And, all things Disney, really.

    One of the favorite parts for us kids, especially my little brother, has always been the hidden mickeys. It makes waiting in line SO MUCH more fun.

  • Brynne January 24, 2010, 10:52 am

    After my first car accident, I didn’t drive for a month and had really bad anxiety whenever I got on the highway. It will go away soon!

  • Mary (Food Fit & Fun) January 24, 2010, 10:53 am

    I love me some cheesy veggie pizza!

  • mackattack January 24, 2010, 10:59 am

    Oh gosh, the time right after an accident is the worst, you realize how vulnerable you really are. It does get better! I love the hidden mickeys!

  • michelle January 24, 2010, 11:03 am

    I love finding the hidden Mickey’s! I’m sorry that you’re feeling anxiety. I went through that after I had an accident. It’s completely normal and expected. Time will heal. Be kind to yourself and it will become easier each time you get behind the wheel.

  • Amber K January 24, 2010, 11:05 am

    After my car accident 10 years ago I was so nervous for the longest time driving! I still hate driving. But the anxiety lessened with each time I went out.

  • Gracie @ Girl Meets Health January 24, 2010, 11:15 am

    Okay so I really hope this doesn’t creep you out (haha) but I just had to tell you…I definitely had a dream last night that I met you!! In Walmart, bahahah. Just thought I’d share that fun fact with ya 😛

    • caitlin January 24, 2010, 2:06 pm

      hahah awesome! what were we doing in walmart?

      • Gracie @ Girl Meets Health January 24, 2010, 3:35 pm

        You were shopping with your mom and brother (which, I’m not even sure if you have a brother, haha) and I went up and was like “…hi, um, caitlin?” and I asked you for advice about running. It was pretty much what would really happen if I saw you out in public 😛

  • Evan Thomas January 24, 2010, 11:26 am

    That’s so awesome you guys can drive over to Disney that easily. I think I should just request to tagalong with my 8 year old cousin next time he gets to go, haha

  • Andrea @ For the Love of the Run January 24, 2010, 11:26 am

    I didn’t know there was a BJ’s in Orlando! That’s my favorite restaurant! One more reason I should make the decision to move to Orlando.

  • susan January 24, 2010, 11:42 am

    i’m not much of a “chain” fan, but i keep hearing that people really like BJ’s… i notice you said your friends are obsessed with it… did you like it??

    you would love portland… we have more microwbrews (many organic) than we even know what to do with! =)

    • caitlin January 24, 2010, 2:07 pm

      i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee BJs. great pizza, and really really good beer.

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner January 24, 2010, 11:58 am

    Sorry to hear that the drive was making you nervous….sure it will go away soon!

  • kirsten January 24, 2010, 12:09 pm

    uh I totally know how that feels, I felt the same after I was in a car accident once. It will definitely go away, just keep making yourself drive if you can.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) January 24, 2010, 12:25 pm

    I think it’s natural and the more time you spend in the car the less anxiety you will have. (We call that exposure therapy.) Sorry you’re feeling that way.

  • Sarah January 24, 2010, 12:54 pm

    Sorry about the anxiety for driving and the car accident! I’m sure that you feel better in a few weeks 🙂

    And wine is good for your heart! So it’s a healthy option 😉

  • Marissa January 24, 2010, 12:59 pm

    I think that is so cute with the Mickeys!

  • Tay January 24, 2010, 1:39 pm

    Fun night!! I love all the fun hidden facts about Disney. My sister and I have definitely camped out in Barnes & Nobles to read one of those books and learn all the hidden secrets 😉
    And I’ve heard great things about BJs – always wanted to try it. Look delicious!

  • Kelly January 24, 2010, 2:04 pm

    I think it is so cool that you can just pop over to Disney whenever you want! I haven’t ever been!!:)

  • Foy Update - Cook. Garden. Write. Repeat. January 24, 2010, 3:02 pm

    It true, all things will get better with time and practice. Once driving becomes part of your everyday life again you should feel more comfortable driving.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) January 24, 2010, 4:34 pm

    I love finding all the hidden mickeys at disney. They even use them for cake designs sometimes.

  • Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me January 24, 2010, 5:58 pm

    What a fun night! I love Disney. I’ve traveled there (from NH) 4 times in my life and I love it every time! 🙂

  • Sara @ Mastering Public Health January 24, 2010, 6:03 pm

    So jealous that Disney is just a brief car ride away for you guys. I’m sorry about the anxiety; I have dealt with it too. Just have faith in your own abilities and other drivers, and don’t avoid anything so that it doesn’t become a pattern (phobia). Easier said than done, I know. But every effort is a triumph.

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