It isn’t easy being a woman of a certain age. There are all sorts of body ‘”maintenance” that I expose myself to so I can continue to show my face in public. After all the haircuts, coloring and keratin to make it straight, the hair products, gel manicures, lip and eyebrow waxing, endless cosmetics and an occasional facial, I feel like I’m doing my part. This morning, I needed to get my nails done. It has been more than 2 weeks since my last appointment and my nails were turning into claws. Typing was becoming a challenge and it is quite possible that my jigsaw puzzle is not getting done because I can no longer pick up the pieces. I wasn’t thrilled about going out in the freezing cold weather we are currently having in my neck of the woods. I pretty much never wanted to leave my nice, warm bed this weekend. But, I showered, dressed and went to the nail salon. I made polite conversation with the woman who did my nails and it was nice to relax after a long week at work. I was feeling pretty and productive – always a good combination. When it came for waxing, I asked for the usual. I laid back on the table and waited for the technician to walk in. And then she said something like this: “Eyebrows and lip? How about chin?” she asked as she proceeded to put her cold hands on my face and feel around my chin as if I had stubble. I’ve been going to this salon for many years now and never asked for this service. It hadn’t even crossed my mind–not even once. Needless to say, I was stunned.and managed to politely, but firmly decline. “Are you sure?” she asked. I didn’t answer. Are they running a special on chin waxing this week? And as a side note: don’t you think that unless one asks for extra waxing, people shouldn’t offer it to you? Can that be a new rule? It sucks getting old.    

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I’m a pretty big fan of all things Mickey Mouse. And Mininie. And Beauty and Beast. And…well you get the idea. I was nine years old when I first went to Mickey’s House (a.k.a. Disney World). It was a magical time. While I was a little too young to fully enjoy all the rides,the trip was memorable. After being there many times now with friends, family and my own kids. I’ve picked up some helpful tips along the way.

• Bring Lunch – Save yourself some money and pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to bring to the park. Food in the Disney Parks is expensive. Save your money for a theme dinner or a meet the characters breakfast (which I also highly recommend so that you can avoid the lines for photos). If you want to eat any meals in the park, adults are allowed to order from the kids’ menus too!
• Splurge – Buy one of those spray water bottles with the fan for every member of your family. It is worth the money and no one fights over them when it gets unbearably hot outside.
• Download the Disney app – Want to know how long the line is at Space Mountain? Check the app for wait times? Need a reservation at one of the restaurants? Check the app.
• Have a plan – Figure out what your “must-do” rides are and get to them first. Everything takes longer than you think. Go to guest services for their one day itineraries to help you.
• Pack a poncho – No matter what time of year you go to Florida, there is bound to be a pop-up shower. Bring the ponchos (buy one at a dollar store at home). They will come in handy at least one of the days you are in the parks. Also, don’t leave the park when it rains. There are plenty of places to stay dry and these showers typically don’t last that long.
• Take in the Hall of Presidents or Carousel of Progress – Not as exciting as Splash Mountain – but it is a chance to sit down in an air-conditioned theater for 30 minutes!
• Need a break from Disney World? – Visit the Kennedy Space Center. It is not too far away and so worth it!

Most of all, have a great trip! (And if you want a personal tour guide, I’m available!)

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Every day, I work on the communications team at a childhood cancer organization. Every day, I write stories about children who are diagnosed with different types of cancer and their families doing everything they can to save their lives. And every day, I admire their strength, resilience and fight for a cure. I marvel at their courage in the face of the unknown.

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