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October 13, 2006

Stouts and Saxaphones

Yesterday my Disneyland pass expired. I have had the pass for four years, which still suprises because each year when it came time for the pass to expire, I somehow found the money and incentive to renew. I never would have imagined as a kid that I'd have had a year-round pass to Disneyland! It has been so fun. As I've gotten to know the parks, there have been certain things that I always looked forward to doing, little routines and habits.

When I go to California adventure I always have to go though the Mission Tortilla Factory to get a free tortilla hot off the press. "Maseca!" I have to go into the Animation building to sit for a while and watch the cartoon clips.

I have to get a cream cheese pretzel (believe me, they're amazing). I have to look backwards over my shoulder on Thunder Mountain. I have to eat at the Bengal Barbeque.

So on my last visit yesterday, I made sure to try to get in all my favorite little activities. It was a really satisfying day. But there were a few changes. Not only are there the things i always like to do, there are the things I always wanted to do, but never did. I had always wanted to get a margarita in the Mexican food area in California Adventure, and I have always wanted to steal the keys from the dog's mouth on Pirates of the Caribbean. Unfortunately I didn't get to do either. I showed up to buy the margarita just two minutes after they closed. So instead I bought a "Downtown After Dark" beer (In honor of my sister, I asked for the darkest, "hoppiest" beer). There was something so rebellious and strange about buying alcohol in Disneyland. It was fun. Haha!

The keys, unfourtunately were a failure. I didn't get to the ride in time, so it was closed. (And though I hate to admit it, I just don't think I would have had the guts to get out of the boat and take them anyway). Oh well.

I did steal something else instead. Ok, bear with me here. In the entrance line to Indiana Jones, there are pillars that hold plants in the top. And I have always thought (don't ask, I am just wierd like this...) that it would be cool to steal a piece of the plant (because it's a spider plant and is easily transplanted). So yesterday in line, I jumped up and pulled a little bit of plant down and tucked it away in my purse. You should have seen the face of the guy in front of us. I have a feeling that I am going to make some guy a lucky (though often confused) man someday :)

Anyway, it was a very good last trip to Disneyland, and I will really miss it.

Across the wide, cement drainage ditch behind our apartment complex is a residential neighborhood. In one of the homes there is saxophonist. Several times a week he or she can be heard practicing. It's not always pretty. But it is always patriotic. Tonight I listened to a slightly garbled national anthem. It always sort of feels like I should be in New York, leaning out of my window and yelling at the neighbor kids to keep it down. That would be fun.

Posted by libbystokes at October 13, 2006 07:19 PM

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