Was bummed when I looked up what was going on at Disney (wacky hours) and didn't find an answer for most of the week. On MONDAY, they have "Mickey's Halloween Party," which is sweet in the fact that we could maybe knock out our Disney visit (it is secondary to our trip, anyway) for $200. For 8 hours at the park. BUT, catch is we have to pre-buy tickets, and driving up that day just is a huge squeeze. (One flat tire or car issue could mean $200 down the tubes)!

Anyway, if that was Tuesday, I think we'd do it, and just see if we felt content or wanted to go back Wednesday, too. Could be a fun experience. But, since that is Monday, I think we will pass.

Anyway, other things are coming together nicely. La Brea tar pits just happen to be free the day we are available AND I didn't realize the Observatory was always free. May hit the observatory after settling into hotel first day (visit at night and use the telescopes). I've never been to either place.

I can't find any legit discounts (saw some fishy/scammy ones), so plan of action is just to arrive early and buy park tickets there. That is what I Expected since I don't remember pre-buying any tickets last time (there was no incentive to). Will be paying full-price, single day tickets everywhere (no park hoppers), but kids get in free to LegoLand (I have coupons).

One last thing - was going to look up Weekend Sherpa for other activities. Think we are pretty booked, but will look for something simple and "on the way" to break up drive home (a hike, or even just a view).

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I finally looked up cable contract date. It appears to be 9/21. That's 5 days before the cable cord is cut! Dh tells me he won't be swayed no matter what they offer. (Will see...) Hulu Plus looks promising. Quality passes muster with dh (& even I said a little "wow!"). He's been trying it out - I haven't so much. We will be streaming netflix, amazon + hulu directly to our two TVs. At some point dh had some computer DVR set up for HD content - not sure if he will be utilizing that. Has also talked about getting an antennae. All of the above is about 80% cheaper than cable, for the same content. (Though, it's admittedly kind of all over the place+ will have to suffer through more commercials than we are accustomed to - we are accustomed to ZERO). I suppose we also have Blockbuster to round it out. Netflix + BB, we subscribe to regardless.

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STUFF

All of my free gift card/credit card reward stuff has arrived. Also got my free photo orders (shutterfly, Walgreens). We've gotten so many packages the last couple of weeks, it is ridiculous!

My personal splurge was a gorgeous table cloth (+ protective cover) and roller skate wheels.

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$$$$ OUT

We paid in advance for BM's dental appliance to be made. So, about $800 out of pocket (that and 2 pulled teeth). I decided just to pull this from medical savings. I had already saved $3,000 for 2012, and so that leaves us with about $2,000 for next year.

I am estatic to leave mid-term savings untouched (though is for this kind of thing - still feeling a bit behind).

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Tomorrow is shaping up to be busy.

Will try to make it to aerobics in the a.m.

BM has a soccer game.

New fire station down the street has an open house. (Woohoo for a really close fire station!!) Now if only they can afford to stay open all the time - AND have got their GPS updated.

Turns out my dad will be at mid-way point, between our homes, to spend time with friend (+ friend's birthday celebration)? I invited myself along. I will be able to drop off my skates + new wheels, and dine out with a bunch of people I don't know. Though birthday boy is a lifelong family friend. I figured I wouldn't get much better chance to see my parents in next 2 weeks (with big road trip coming up + weekends filled with soccer). My dad has all the proper tools + the time to change out my skate wheels.

Skates were only about $30 - $50. I bought some bearings at some point, and the wheels were free (though I didn't see a set of wheels for under $60 or so, online). These are skates I hope to keep FOREVER. I never bought skates before, but when pregnant my feet went up a 1/2 size or so. Things they don't tell you... So, anyway, hoping to stay this size a while? Do your feet shrink when you get old?