This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Madacy Entertainment. All opinions are 100% mine.

I just got off the phone with my youngest, my son, who was calling to ask me to sign paperwork so he could join the military. He graduated last year and has since been in college at South Georgia Tech. Even though he is over 6 foot tall, I still see the little boy when I look at him

The holidays are going to be real hard without my kids this year. They grow up way too fast. In the blink of an eye it's over, and memories are all that remain of the children they used to be, as they are grown adults with their own lives now.

The best times we had when the kids were little was singing Christmas carols. Frosty the Snowman was always my favorite and Silent Night was the kids favorite! Right now you can find those songs on Amazon.com to download to your MP3 for only $3.69! The download is part of their Black Friday sale and it usually retails for $9.49 giving you a huge savings and the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with your kids!

Even if your kids are grown, like mine are, you will still want to own these holiday classics for the memories it will evoke. Listening to all those songs again, sung by the Countdown Kids, has made me smile today! Go buy yours today and smile with me

60 Christmas Carols For Kids

        

A penguin foams past the biology.

        

UPDATE:  If you read my previous post you know I was not very happy with my room last night.  This morning I went to the front desk and asked if there was a king room available that was not located by an elevator and was promptly moved!  Never be afraid to go back and ask for what you want.  Most of the time the hotel will accommodate your requests
 
For a hotel of this size I have to say there are some very quiet places you can work in the lobby.

I was not very happy about the in  room fee for wireless - $15 per day seems ridiculous.  There is free wireless in the lobby, where I am currently sitting, which has a three hour time limit.  I don't understand the time limit, especially since this is a Blogger's conference. 

The staff has been very pleasant and right now I have no complaints.  I hate that this trip started with a bad experience and a beeping, talking elevator most of the night; however, I am pleased that my room issue was quickly resolved this morning.

There is so much going on today!!!  Doterati conference in little over an hour on "Blogging meets Marketing".  Now I just have to figure out where it's located

Manta Mania 3

        

We got up at some ungodly hour to catch a 6:20 flight to Orlando for IzeaFest!  The first flight was awesome, first class, not very many people and we won't even discuss the connecting flight

It cost $45, with tip, for a 10 mile taxi ride to the hotel - Marriott Renaissance at Sea World in Orlando.  When I arrive to check-in the guest services attendant looked at me, after pulling up my reservation, and asks/states "You requested a room with a pool view" and I replied "No.  I requested a King room".

He says "We have no King Rooms open."  I replied "Ok, then can I have a free room upgrade?" 

Well, to make a long story short, I did not get an upgrade.  I did get a King room BUT it is right across from a talking, beeping elevator which we can hear from the other side of the room.  We're going to be here for six nights and this is not my idea of a good night's sleep.  I am not very pleased with customer service here.  I even went to the front desk and requested a fan so it would help drown out the noise.  Nada.

On the other hand the room itself is more than I expected.  Quite spacious!  The view sucks but I don't really care about that.  The lobby is huge and has 60" flat screens in several locations.  While I have been down here, I have seen at least six different people cleaning.  I think there are only two other guests in the lobby right now and I can't see either.  With all the space you still get a cozy feeling

Tomorrow I hope to be moved to a room that is not in front of the talking, beeping elevator and still has a King bed.  Wish me luck!

Manta Mania 3

        

Your $229 Ticket Includes

• A four night, three day social media event with speakers including Aaron Brazell, Chris Brogan, Chris Heuer, Brian Clark, Joseph Jaffe, Julia Roy, Sarah Austin, Sarah Evans and more. Mingle with the big dogs of social media and learn from the best and brightest.
• Thursday Night: Trip to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. Includes front of the line VIP tickets and bus transportation to Tampa.
• Friday Night: Party with free drinks at the ICEBAR Orlando
• Saturday Night: Party with free drinks at Howl at the Moon
• Sunday : Blogger takeover of SeaWorld, tickets included.
• Lunch on Friday and Saturday
• A free IZEAFest T-Shirt
• A free pair of Crocs flip flops (if you register prior to September) hmmm....  wondering if those come in size 14 for hubby.....
• IZEA Hunt

Last year's conference was a blast!  I learned so much and can't wait to attend this year so I can learn about personal branding.  Everybody knows me as TripTheLady and now that I have several blogs I wanna be me and my blogs an extension of my person.  There are less than 60 days until the conference and I am getting so EXCITED!!!

Click here to Buy your tickets TODAY!!!

        

The interview in Mobile went very well and on the way home we decided to make a stop in Panama City for a quick break. We're staying at the Sandpiper Beacon which is west of the main beach and usually one of my favorite places to stay. They had a special deal where if you check in on Sunday or Monday you buy 2 nights and get the third free. Not bad. They are kinda full so I wasn't able to get a beach front room. I can see the room from my balcony, but just barely. I do have a good view of the putt putt golf course. LOL. I haven't taken a picture of that but will when I get back to the room.

I had to come to the Tiki Bar to get an internet connection. A nice gentleman helped me find an outlet for my laptop, hubby got us both a Yuengling and that was breakfast at 1:30 pm - but hey! It's five O'clock Somewhere

More to come later today!

        

and it's been awhile since I have been on vacation.  My husband and I were both laid off due to budget cuts and I haven't felt like writing too much and haven't had money to go anywhere.  Jekyll Island has been calling me mighty hard - I really need the time away.  I need to hear the ocean waves desperately.  It seems that is the one sound that balances me and brings me back to my true self.  I'm still planning on Izeafest in October and I hope to see you there!  Click the link below and come ...<< MORE >>