Geeks on a budget - 12/22, complete! Read reflections within....

[zweihund]

Yes, I am following in the footsteps of oybolshoi and WDW Poly Princess and starting a pre-trippie of my own. If you are familiar with my other TR’s then you are aware that the contents of said report will consist of self-deprecating humor, obscure geek references, and enough alcohol to kill a small elephant.

So it begins.

It all started when we booked a 7-day cruise for 2008. Being a compulsive planner, I could not let the next 18 months go by without constant visits to the DIS, and excited storytelling to those who will be joining us. After we convinced silversae to come, she came up with a brilliant pass-the-time strategy:

Book a 3-night taster for THIS year.

Genius!

Now, we don’t know exactly WHEN we are going (though I have decided it will be September 6th….I just haven’t asked anyone else’s opinion on that. I’ve also decided we will all be in a category 8 cabin. And I have most of the itinerary planned. In my head. And you thought I was kidding about compulsive behavior? Oh, silly young reader. You do not know me well enough.) but I figured I could start the whole planning process anyhow. Because this year, we have a theme:

Geeks on a budget

Yes, we are trying to save little bits here and there so that our 7-day in 2008 can be this massive blow-out. I plan to be intoxicated and in the spa for the duration of that cruise. Ports of call? Overrated. Anyhow, that doesn’t leave much wiggle room for our 3-day adventure so I am using this as an opportunity to make the best of all of the “free” features our favorite boat has to offer.

And by “free” of course I mean costing $1450. I wonder if anyone has ever tried to bargain with DCL to just rent out a chair on the deck 7 overlook for $75 instead of sinking all that money into a room you’re never in? I imagine a deck full of vagrant wanderers, sponging at the buffets and the soda machines and napping in the tile loungers of the tropical rainforest……

Back to the cruise planning.

So far, my tentative plans include a “splurge” for a day-pass to the rainforest room. But otherwise? We want to spend absolutely no money. Ok, maybe a drink at the sail away party. And probably a mochaccino. So let’s just say we have a budget of approximately $50, tipping not included.

I can totally do this.

[tinkerbellmom1]

Congrats, Erica!

Can't wait to read the trip report for this one!:lmao: If anyone can do it on a budget and make us fall over laughing, it's you!

[zweihund]

This weekend I worked on part one of our budget cruise planning, which is a part I like to call “being able to actually pay for this [currently imaginary] cruise you are taking.”

I spent 10 hours at my old job, trying to convince the elderly folks that yes, I really did get my degree in occupational therapy just to drive all the way across town and make them put their socks on without my help. For this, I get PRN therapist pay which is only a small trade-off for having virtually no weekend. The good news is, when the check comes the [currently imaginary] cruise will be about 1/3 of the way paid for.

Now, paying for [currently imaginary] cruises is not the primary reason why I chose to start working the occasional weekend at my old job; it is merely a bonus. I had originally intended just to do an hour here and an hour there to help them out and to gain a little extra spending money…..because who doesn’t like extra spending money? But then the talk of potential cruising began and a light bulb went off in my head.

Suddenly I had all of this free time to spend back at that hospital when a year and a half ago all I wanted to do was run as far away from it as humanly possible (I won’t go into the details, but suffice to say I found a place that was much better for me and have been quite happy there for the past 18 months) – because now? Now it meant I could be back on deck 4 lounging in those wonderful deck chairs with the breeze in my hair, watching the land fall away as we made our way to paradise.

Besides, I can always relax NEXT weekend. Right? ;)

My current plan is to work one weekend every month, and maybe an occasional second, until the [currently imaginary] cruise is payed for and we have set aside as much as possible for next year's ACTUAL cruise.
This could prove to be pretty lucrative, until I burn out at least……

[tinkerbellmom1]

I think you've got a great plan going! And I think we're becoming pen pals!;)

After our sons accident in October (just 10 weeks before our week at WDW and our Eastern Cruise), I think the world the therapists that helped him! It's nice that you have the opportunity to look at going back with a new perspective-use them for your cruise income! Two bonuses-you help yourself and Lionel (Think Palo, deck chairs, martini's, etc.) and you are helping those who need you.

By the way, I did go to the martini tasting on our cruise. :headache: I got my typical luck-I got the nasty martini's!!:laughing: Bourbon, Gin and some other yucky one! They weren't yummy ones you told me about-jolly rancher, Italian wedding cake! Next time I'm going to ask! If not, I'll just find the bartender that makes the best Cosmo and go from there! But beware.....best Cosmo's are free at the art auction! 5 pieces of art later, the art wasn't free!:scared1:

I'm looking forward to your new Geek adventure! Have a great week!

[DeloreanGirl]

OH MY GOSH A ZWEIHUND REPORT! I am SO here! :dance3:

[Tink rules]

You could always run a 50/50 at your next family function!!! :rotfl:

I love your Imaginary cruise... I've been imagining mine for months already... I'm booking as soon as my next pay bonus comes in... until then, I get to imagine.... dream...PLAN... :tigger:

[pppiglet]

How fun...an imaginary cruise planning report! I'm here....keep writing.....

[Tink rules]

Hey -

:boat:

Can I imagine I'm on the cruise with you???

[zweihund]

By the way, I did go to the martini tasting on our cruise. :headache: I got my typical luck-I got the nasty martini's!!:laughing: Bourbon, Gin and some other yucky one! They weren't yummy ones you told me about-jolly rancher, Italian wedding cake! Next time I'm going to ask! If not, I'll just find the bartender that makes the best Cosmo and go from there! But beware.....best Cosmo's are free at the art auction! 5 pieces of art later, the art wasn't free!:scared1:


When we went to the auction last year we got NO free Cosmos. I guess because we didn't bring our checkbooks :rotfl2:

I wonder if different sailings have different martinis at the tasting? Sorry it wasn't any good, I would have been disappointed too!

OH MY GOSH A ZWEIHUND REPORT! I am SO here! :dance3:
How fun...an imaginary cruise planning report! I'm here....keep writing.....

Thanks for the support!

You could always run a 50/50 at your next family function!!! :rotfl:

I love your Imaginary cruise... I've been imagining mine for months already... I'm booking as soon as my next pay bonus comes in... until then, I get to imagine.... dream...PLAN... :tigger:

Now THAT is a great idea. Though that might only drum up about 20 bucks. Still! That's a day in the rainforest room........

Hey -

:boat:

Can I imagine I'm on the cruise with you???

Absolutely. Our imaginations are what keep us young ;)

[oybolshoi]

Excellent! I've got something new and hilarious to read while pretending to work!! :thumbsup2

[zweihund]

Excellent! I've got something new and hilarious to read while pretending to work!! :thumbsup2

And by all means, if you have any budget advice oh master of the pre-planning, do send it my way!

I mentioned to Lionel this evening while we were walking the dog that I started a pre-trip report. He looked at me, looked at the dog, and said "I don't understand this part of your Mom's life."

I said :p

[Tink rules]

And by all means, if you have any budget advice oh master of the pre-planning, do send it my way!

I mentioned to Lionel this evening while we were walking the dog that I started a pre-trip report. He looked at me, looked at the dog, and said "I don't understand this part of your Mom's life."

I said :p

Yeah... the guys don't get us, do they???;)

Is your pup male or female...just want to know if he or she understood you either...

[grumpydude]

And by all means, if you have any budget advice oh master of the pre-planning, do send it my way!

I mentioned to Lionel this evening while we were walking the dog that I started a pre-trip report. He looked at me, looked at the dog, and said "I don't understand this part of your Mom's life."

I said :p

What did the dog say?:confused3

[oybolshoi]

And by all means, if you have any budget advice oh master of the pre-planning, do send it my way!

I mentioned to Lionel this evening while we were walking the dog that I started a pre-trip report. He looked at me, looked at the dog, and said "I don't understand this part of your Mom's life."

I said :p


:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Budget?

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Has there ever been anything in one of my reports that's ever given you the idea that I actually know how to budget? I always have the best of intentions and then I get on the ship and I'm pretty much like..."yeah, we do need 56 mochaccinos in 6 days and $500 worth of spa treatments, and ***** worth of alcohol."

I have no self-discipline on vacation. And neither does Jay. It makes for deadly vacation fun! ;)

BTW - Lionel's question to your dog is pretty much the same response Jay had. He looked at our cat and said, "Don't you think your crazy mommy is spending waaaaaay too much time with these people?"

I'm subscribing to this one (which is not something I normally do) because I know it's going to be fabulous!

Hey...is there any chance we can hook up in October during F&W? I know this probably won't help with your budgeting issues, but surely we could work something out? :goodvibes

PS. SHOUTING OUT TO GRUMPYDUDE!!!!! :yay:

[Jennifer48]

Oooooooooooo a zweihund pre-trippie, this is gonna be good popcorn:: :happytv:

I bet you can totally do the cruise on a budget compared to the rest of us that have to pay to fly down and book a hotel the night before the cruise. I'm just a weee bit jealous ;)

[zweihund]

Is your pup male or female...just want to know if he or she understood you either...

What did the dog say?:confused3

Oscar is a boy, but he is a Mama's boy, so he just gave Lionel a puzzled wrinly face and kapt walking with me. I think he figures I remember to feed him twice a day so I can't be TOO crazy.

This is my baby:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00053dde

He's a mix of Chinese Shar Pei (hence the wrinkles) and Boxer (hence the drool, not pictured). So unbearably cute, he turns cat lovers to the other side. Mwahahahaha..... :rotfl:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Budget?

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Has there ever been anything in one of my reports that's ever given you the idea that I actually know how to budget? I always have the best of intentions and then I get on the ship and I'm pretty much like..."yeah, we do need 56 mochaccinos in 6 days and $500 worth of spa treatments, and ***** worth of alcohol."

I have no self-discipline on vacation. And neither does Jay. It makes for deadly vacation fun! ;)

BTW - Lionel's question to your dog is pretty much the same response Jay had. He looked at our cat and said, "Don't you think your crazy mommy is spending waaaaaay too much time with these people?"

I'm subscribing to this one (which is not something I normally do) because I know it's going to be fabulous!

Hey...is there any chance we can hook up in October during F&W? I know this probably won't help with your budgeting issues, but surely we could work something out? :goodvibes

That was a good one, huh? Thought you might like the whole budget thing. :rotfl: I have to say, this vacation is going to be a major exercise in self restraint unlike anything we have every done. Usually we say "ok, [insert piddly amount here] is our max budget" and then we blow it within about 10 minutes of stepping over the threshold of the boat.

And we can absolutely hook up at F&W, we will definately be going at least once.....twice.....well, as often as we can really. Just PM me!


PS. SHOUTING OUT TO GRUMPYDUDE!!!!! :yay:

:woohoo:

Oooooooooooo a zweihund pre-trippie, this is gonna be good popcorn:: :happytv:

I bet you can totally do the cruise on a budget compared to the rest of us that have to pay to fly down and book a hotel the night before the cruise. I'm just a weee bit jealous ;)

I do admit I have a slight advantage, being an hour from the port. The only negative to the location is we're home so fast after being kicked off (excuse me, I mean "asked to leave politely") that we don't really know what happened. Talk about a reality check. :headache:

[zweihund]

Hey, we made it to the second page, and I don't even have confirmation yet! Sil is sick (which frankly is NO excuse, but I'm trying to take the high road here) so we are patiently (patiently? Well, it sounds nice anyhow) waiting to hear back from her about vacation days and a general timeframe.

Course, after reading all of this she might opt out of sharing the room with us altogether, this making us have to stretch our flimsy little budget even MORE. I better put my nice hat back on! :rolleyes1

Hehe. She knows I love her.

Hopefully.

Sil? I love you. Stop being sick, ok? :sick:

Currently I am resisting the urge to go out and buy a bunch of things for the cruise. You know......new beach bag, another bathing suit, some new flip flops, a car, whatever. The part that has been easy is the fact that we don't get paid for another week. And when we DO get paid, we have to save anything that doesn't go straight to "the Man" for our family visit the week after Easter. So no new stuff for me.

And seriously, that's fine. I mean, I looked in my closet last night and I have at least two very cute little dresses that I have not worn since last summer. Plus, I have four bathing suits. FOUR! And the flip flops? Well, a friend gave me a pair of black Crocs back in February that I want to exchange, and what better trade than for Crocs flops?

But wait, there's more.

I spent so much time making up my travel bag for last year's vacation that I stocked up waaaaay too much. So now? I have enough tiny toiletries to get me through at least two more years.

See? I don't need to buy anything. Except maybe a bottle (or two) of a versatile liquor that we can bring up to the adult pool. I'm thinking drink station + flask + waterproof camera = scrapbook moments GALORE.
Absolut Vanilla? Rum? I dunno. Something I won't get tired of for three solid days. Suggestions? Brenda?

[oybolshoi]

versatile alcohol...hmmmm

Are you thinking mixed drinks? I might lean towards a bottle of Champagne and some Pomegranate...Pomagranate...Pomegranite...Pretty Pink Pama stuff to make those Frenchified Kir Royales.

Do you like Lemoncello? That's great served cold by itself and can also be added to other beverages...although I've never tried it that way (yet).

What about some Irish Cream? You like that, don't you? O'Maras is only $9 per bottle out here in the sticks!

[Boo-ger]

We're in a financial slump, but decided to do vacation anyway. We did a 7 Day Eastern on 3/3/07, plus 3 nights at the Beach Club Villas, and we spent a little over $500 on the cruise and $270 at WDW. That included mostly pictures on the cruise, a few drinks, tips, some souvenirs (I can't resist the pins!), and all of our meals at WDW. The only "excursion" we did was snorkeling at Castaway Cay. It was actually kind of nice to just relax, and not worry about having to make deadlines. The next cruise (another Eastern, hopefully next year), will be a lot more expensive. I've got spa plans and definitely more alcohol.

Good luck with your budget.

[Tink rules]

Except that it's probably illegal... I could stop at the liquor store and get you some of those little bottles like the ones they serve on the plane...

I think we should start a donate to the Geek's on a budget trip...

What's your favorite color???

[LovableGluttons]

Ooohhhh I'm in!



I love a cheapie challenge too!


I'm moving down thataway this summer!


We could form a DIS group of fanatical bargain cruisers.


Snatching whole trays of drinks at the Captain's party for a free buzz.


I'm all for hopping aboard a few three day quickies to get my fix.

The kids can stay in school and DH can work.


I'll call in at work with violent diarrhea! That'll buy me three days!


I wanna go too!

[Tink rules]

& that tan you've got HAS to be a side effect of the violent diarrhea!!!

Blame it on the extra desert you had at the Pirate Buffet...

Convince the higher ups that you had to take a detour to get to work...Via the Bahamas!!!

[zweihund]

versatile alcohol...hmmmm

Are you thinking mixed drinks? I might lean towards a bottle of Champagne and some Pomegranate...Pomagranate...Pomegranite...Pretty Pink Pama stuff to make those Frenchified Kir Royales.

Do you like Lemoncello? That's great served cold by itself and can also be added to other beverages...although I've never tried it that way (yet).

What about some Irish Cream? You like that, don't you? O'Maras is only $9 per bottle out here in the sticks!

Mmmmm......O'Maras......
Not sure if Irish Cream "goes" at a pool in the middle of the Caribbean, but who am I to deny its sily sweet alcoholic goodness? That is a distinct possibility.

Except that it's probably illegal... I could stop at the liquor store and get you some of those little bottles like the ones they serve on the plane...

I think we should start a donate to the Geek's on a budget trip...

What's your favorite color???

NOW we're talking! I can see it now at check-in:
*clink* *clink* *clink*
What's that?
Oh, just my mini-bar.

We're in a financial slump, but decided to do vacation anyway. We did a 7 Day Eastern on 3/3/07, plus 3 nights at the Beach Club Villas, and we spent a little over $500 on the cruise and $270 at WDW. That included mostly pictures on the cruise, a few drinks, tips, some souvenirs (I can't resist the pins!), and all of our meals at WDW. The only "excursion" we did was snorkeling at Castaway Cay. It was actually kind of nice to just relax, and not worry about having to make deadlines. The next cruise (another Eastern, hopefully next year), will be a lot more expensive. I've got spa plans and definitely more alcohol.

Good luck with your budget.

Thanks! If (by sime miracle) I can avoid the pins that should cut alot off of the budget. I'm thinking we might splurge on a bicycle rental, we had alot of fun when we did that on our first trip. Mostly though? I just want to lay on the beach.

Ooohhhh I'm in!

I love a cheapie challenge too!
I'm moving down thataway this summer!
We could form a DIS group of fanatical bargain cruisers.
Snatching whole trays of drinks at the Captain's party for a free buzz.
I'm all for hopping aboard a few three day quickies to get my fix.
The kids can stay in school and DH can work.
I'll call in at work with violent diarrhea! That'll buy me three days!
I wanna go too!

Now THERE'S an idea! Someone said Cosmos are free at the art auction, I think Sil can provide enough distraction for Lionel and I to grab THAT tray. :rolleyes1

[FatherForce]

Just make sure you have enough $ left for a trip to the Food and Wine Fest in October.

Mama Force, Wee Force, and I will be at WDW from 10/16-10/21 and were going to try and convince you and the husband to join us for a day of Impending Liver Disease Around the World. ( ILDAW)

Think of the day report....

[zweihund]

Just make sure you have enough $ left for a trip to the Food and Wine Fest in October.

Mama Force, Wee Force, and I will be at WDW from 10/16-10/21 and were going to try and convince you and the husband to join us for a day of Impending Liver Disease Around the World. ( ILDAW)

Think of the day report....

I love ILDAWs, how did you know? :thumbsup2

I think we can squeeze that in. It'll be like a pre-cruise meet!

[Floridagram]

versatile alcohol...hmmmm

What about some Irish Cream? You like that, don't you? O'Maras is only $9 per bottle out here in the sticks!

Is O'Maras as good as Baileys? A friend just turned me onto this and oh boy, I drank the bottle in less than 2 weeks and I am not a drinker at home.
Swear, I only drink out of the house where it is expensive :thumbsup2

I am thinkin you can do this on a budget. Everytime you want to spend money just think, I could be at home working and instead I am cruising and eating my way through the Bahamas! And I am the envy of every DIS'r not on that cruise!

Yep, I am thinking you can save alot of money with those thoughts!

Can't wait for your future installments and I am going to have to give your idea for an imaginary trip to my buddy Jon on a St Maarten website. He is a great TR writer there and we all miss his antics! :lmao:

[oybolshoi]

Is O'Maras as good as Baileys? A friend just turned me onto this and oh boy, I drank the bottle in less than 2 weeks and I am not a drinker at home. Swear, I only drink out of the house where it is expensive :thumbsup2

In my opinion O'Mara's is better than Bailey's - it's smoother and definitely has less of a bite. The flavor is also not as overpowering.

Erica - your doggy is sweet, I love his wrinkly face. :goodvibes

And since you are looking for alcohol that can be mixed with stuff from the beverage station, why not get a bottle of whisky / whiskey? Tullamore Dew (12-year) is good on its own, but it's very smooth and I bet it would mix well with other stuff.

Just a thought. ;)


PS. I paid $20 for a bottle of Tully a few weeks ago.

[WDW Poly Princess]

Yes, I am following in the footsteps of oybolshoi and WDW Poly Princess and starting a pre-trippie of my own.

WOW- I've never made it into the first sentence of a trip report before!

Or at least not the first sentence of someone else's trip reports, since we know that mine are all "Me me me, blah blah blah, ego ego ego." :rotfl:

I am so excited for your cruise! I've been tempted to do a 3-day myself, because it will be a while before I can afford the 7 day I want to do! Must... show...restraint!

[Floridagram]

In my opinion O'Mara's is better than Bailey's - it's smoother and definitely has less of a bite. The flavor is also not as overpowering.


I think the next time I go out for errands it is to the liquor store for me! :cool1: Thanks for the info, I can't wait to try O'Mara's.

[zweihund]

In my opinion O'Mara's is better than Bailey's - it's smoother and definitely has less of a bite. The flavor is also not as overpowering.

Erica - your doggy is sweet, I love his wrinkly face. :goodvibes

And since you are looking for alcohol that can be mixed with stuff from the beverage station, why not get a bottle of whisky / whiskey? Tullamore Dew (12-year) is good on its own, but it's very smooth and I bet it would mix well with other stuff.

Just a thought. ;)


PS. I paid $20 for a bottle of Tully a few weeks ago.

All notes of alcoholic advise are being taken into consideration. I suppose I should ask silversae her opinion as well, since she *will* be sharing the cabin with us and all.

And Oscar uses those wrinkles like a pro.

WOW- I've never made it into the first sentence of a trip report before!

Or at least not the first sentence of someone else's trip reports, since we know that mine are all "Me me me, blah blah blah, ego ego ego." :rotfl:

I am so excited for your cruise! I've been tempted to do a 3-day myself, because it will be a while before I can afford the 7 day I want to do! Must... show...restraint!

Restraint? What's that? ;)

[toesnthesand]

Oh.....your reports are so much fun! I happen to be booked on the 9/6 Wonder cruise and will be watching the geek budget unfold. You guys crack me up!! I think I may learn a thing or two if I stick around here!!

[HPHammer]

That pic of Oscar...he is just adorable! Ours is my avatar, because he is infinitely more attractive than I am!

Another left-coaster here, living vicariously through yours and Brenda's reports.

I can relate to the 'trying-to-go-budget' thing. We did an Alaskan cruise two summers ago...they actually had to use 8-point font for the bill to fit under the door the last day as we spent many a night down at the Lido Bar. :rolleyes1

[Tink rules]

Oh.....your reports are so much fun! I happen to be booked on the 9/6 Wonder cruise and will be watching the geek budget unfold. You guys crack me up!! I think I may learn a thing or two if I stick around here!!

Of course you could help their budget by donating a frozen drink to them!!!

(See Geeks...I'm TRYING to help!!!)

[zweihund]

Oh.....your reports are so much fun! I happen to be booked on the 9/6 Wonder cruise and will be watching the geek budget unfold. You guys crack me up!! I think I may learn a thing or two if I stick around here!!

Well hopefully Silversae will be good with that date, and we'll already know someone else on the boat!

That pic of Oscar...he is just adorable! Ours is my avatar, because he is infinitely more attractive than I am!

Another left-coaster here, living vicariously through yours and Brenda's reports.

I can relate to the 'trying-to-go-budget' thing. We did an Alaskan cruise two summers ago...they actually had to use 8-point font for the bill to fit under the door the last day as we spent many a night down at the Lido Bar. :rolleyes1

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Your baby is also rather cute! I am such a sucker for dogs.

Of course you could help their budget by donating a frozen drink to them!!!

(See Geeks...I'm TRYING to help!!!)

Hehe, thanks! We would never turn down a donated beverage, especially if it happened to be a Pina Colada. :rolleyes1

[zweihund]

Well, it seems Silversae is in the land of the sick-but-recovering-and-visiting-her-parents and thus we have not heard anything about vacation dates and cruise deposits.

Even if we HAD, my attentions have been focused elsewhere. You see, we are going to have 6 additional people in our three bedroom house for a week, starting this weekend. If you've learned ANYTHING from my TR's, you know that I am a type A organization nut. So what do you think I've been doing for the last week and a half?

You guessed it: cleaning my little tookas off.

Is that how you spell tookas? Tootkas? Tootkus? Tutkus? :confused3

So things will be fairly quiet here for the next two weeks. But I'm still here, and I will be back. After all, I have a [currently imaginary] weekend cruise to plan!

[toesnthesand]

You know....I got a catagory 11 room for 804.00 for this weekend. I know some really need specific rooms but that my help the budget and leave a little more cash for beverages!! :woohoo:

[tinkerbellmom1]

You guessed it: cleaning my little tookas off.

Is that how you spell tookas? Tootkas? Tootkus? Tutkus? :confused3

So things will be fairly quiet here for the next two weeks. But I'm still here, and I will be back. After all, I have a [currently imaginary] weekend cruise to plan!

I vote for tookas! :rotfl: I don't think there is a symbol for that growly, popcorn stuck in the back of your throat, Yiddish 'h' sound! Erica, you make me laugh more than you know!:lmao:

Have a nice, relaxing couple of weeks and we will look forward to hearing from you then!popcorn::

[LITTLEKID58]

:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

[oybolshoi]

Have fun with all those household chores - I feel your pain because I suffer from the same Type A cleaning condition. ;)

we'll all be waiting here for you! :goodvibes

[Tauwillow]

I'm in total love with your trip report title theme!! If I might make a suggestion:

You've got Geeks on a Budget for this trip, I think Geeks go for Broke would be a fun contrast for your 7 day blow out.

:flower3:

[Tink rules]

I have another suggestion...

You need to put a jar on the kitchen table/counter...(wherever...) and put a big sign on it about saving for something really important... (My grandfather did this when I was saving for college...) (Even my cheapskate brother donated...ok...once...)

I think you should empty all your loose change into it and see what you come up with by the time you go on the cruise... you might just get a bike rental or something out of it and it would be an extra for you (and mighty painless...probably...)

Also... don't forget to bend down and pick up that penny you see on the sidewalk. Every penny helps!!!

[zweihund]

I'm in total love with your trip report title theme!! If I might make a suggestion:

You've got Geeks on a Budget for this trip, I think Geeks go for Broke would be a fun contrast for your 7 day blow out.

:flower3:

I love it! I'm totally stealing that. Totally :thumbsup2

You know....I got a catagory 11 room for 804.00 for this weekend. I know some really need specific rooms but that my help the budget and leave a little more cash for beverages!! :woohoo:

That's a great deal! We do have to have a porthole because we're the clausterphobic type....even though we don't spend THAT much time in the room, if I don't wake up to daylight I get a little weird.

And believe me, NO ONE wants that. :scared1:

BUT, DH normally wants the verandah. I got him to compromise for me to help save a little cash. I was like......cruise with porthole, or no cruise at all? And he made a wise decision. ;)

I vote for tookas! :rotfl: I don't think there is a symbol for that growly, popcorn stuck in the back of your throat, Yiddish 'h' sound! Erica, you make me laugh more than you know!:lmao:

Have a nice, relaxing couple of weeks and we will look forward to hearing from you then!popcorn::

:rotfl2:

:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

Thanks! I think.

Have fun with all those household chores - I feel your pain because I suffer from the same Type A cleaning condition. ;)

we'll all be waiting here for you! :goodvibes

So glad I am not the only one. As Lionel keeps pointing out, "it's not like they're going to LEAVE if there is dust on the ceiling fan blades." And I shout back "what?" because I can't hear him way up on the ladder with the vacuum attachments in my hand. :rolleyes1

I have another suggestion...

You need to put a jar on the kitchen table/counter...(wherever...) and put a big sign on it about saving for something really important... (My grandfather did this when I was saving for college...) (Even my cheapskate brother donated...ok...once...)

I think you should empty all your loose change into it and see what you come up with by the time you go on the cruise... you might just get a bike rental or something out of it and it would be an extra for you (and mighty painless...probably...)

Also... don't forget to bend down and pick up that penny you see on the sidewalk. Every penny helps!!!

Great idea! I think that would really be a great way to get a few "treats" - and then it will feel fun and special! Thanks!

Ok kiddos, I'll be checking in once more tomorrow and then I'm off for the week!

[cocoswife]

Oh, my God, I just read geeks on a boat, we must be related. I totally get the eat till you drop, mutant shark, race with the tram, Martini tasting, don't shop when you are drunk and the packing nazi thing. I could see myself doing the same things ... lol:) You deserve another cruise, I can't wait till I read that one.

[zweihund]

Oh, my God, I just read geeks on a boat, we must be related. I totally get the eat till you drop, mutant shark, race with the tram, Martini tasting, don't shop when you are drunk and the packing nazi thing. I could see myself doing the same things ... lol:) You deserve another cruise, I can't wait till I read that one.

Long lost twins! :hug:

So, we have three tentative dates. Still tentative as the cruise is still imaginary, and there is a chance that we will be going to Toronto instead (in which case I will adjust the title to the aforementioned "Geeks go for Broke in 2008").

BUT.

We are looking at either of these three sailings:

Sept 20
Sept 27 (my personal pick.....exactly a year before the big 7-day blowout in '08)
Oct 11

Why the random October 11?

Canadian Thanksgiving. :confused3 :confused3 :confused3

She swears it's real.......

I'm off for a week! Be good!

[silversae]

Long lost twins! :hug:
So, we have three tentative dates. Still tentative as the cruise is still imaginary, and there is a chance that we will be going to Toronto instead (in which case I will adjust the title to the aforementioned "Geeks go for Broke in 2008").

BUT.

We are looking at either of these three sailings:

Sept 20
Sept 27 (my personal pick.....exactly a year before the big 7-day blowout in '08)
Oct 11

Why the random October 11?

Canadian Thanksgiving. :confused3 :confused3 :confused3

She swears it's real.......

I'm off for a week! Be good!

*creeps into the room* Geez...Now we have an AUDIENCE erica! :eek:

How am i supposed to perform under all the pressure of your amazing fame on the boards. By the way...Carson thinks i'm insane because i really want to do this cruise....AND go to disney-CA in July for my birthday *grin*

They're moving things at work again with regards to Vacation because of someone going on LTD (disability). I've told them i'd prefer the Sept vacation but i'm kinda guessing they'll push me to the thanksgiving week.

Though you know there is totally a small part of me that'd love to cancel the whole cruise and party in Canuck land with you guys :woohoo: But this Canuck is feeling the disney craze atm so um ya..

Anyway will keep you posted as soon as crazy vacation schedule gets fixed. I'm not sick anymore and that's that! Time for the business of party planning!

BTW...oscar needs to come live with me now, ok? ok.

[zweihund]

*creeps into the room* Geez...Now we have an AUDIENCE erica! :eek:

How am i supposed to perform under all the pressure of your amazing fame on the boards. By the way...Carson thinks i'm insane because i really want to do this cruise....AND go to disney-CA in July for my birthday *grin*

They're moving things at work again with regards to Vacation because of someone going on LTD (disability). I've told them i'd prefer the Sept vacation but i'm kinda guessing they'll push me to the thanksgiving week.

Though you know there is totally a small part of me that'd love to cancel the whole cruise and party in Canuck land with you guys :woohoo: But this Canuck is feeling the disney craze atm so um ya..

Anyway will keep you posted as soon as crazy vacation schedule gets fixed. I'm not sick anymore and that's that! Time for the business of party planning!

BTW...oscar needs to come live with me now, ok? ok.

I love you, but you can't have Oscar. ;)
I'm ok with Thanksgiving week......heck, I'm pretty much ok with any week. I'm so desperate to go back for a taste, I've already put the whole "well, if she DOES end up going with Carson, maybe we can still afford our own room?"

He gave me "the look" :snooty: and went back to :coffee:

*sigh*

And girl, if ANYONE can live up to the hype, it's you. I believe you were the only one at Geek Fest 2006 who actually got up on my dining room table :rolleyes1

[silversae]

Hey...is there any chance we can hook up in October during F&W? I know this probably won't help with your budgeting issues, but surely we could work something out? :goodvibes


Ooooh is the food and wine during canuck thanksgiving? 'Cause that would help my budget....you know only one flight to go on a cruise AND go to the Food and Wine festival :thumbsup2

...and i refuse to acknowledge that i may or may not have been on your dining room table....not like there are pictures or anything out there...

[zweihund]

Ooooh is the food and wine during canuck thanksgiving? 'Cause that would help my budget....you know only one flight to go on a cruise AND go to the Food and Wine festival :thumbsup2

...and i refuse to acknowledge that i may or may not have been on your dining room table....not like there are pictures or anything out there...

That might just happen.......

[cheriemek]

Sept 20
Sept 27 (my personal pick.....exactly a year before the big 7-day blowout in '08)
Oct 11

Why the random October 11?

Canadian Thanksgiving. :confused3 :confused3 :confused3

She swears it's real.......


I never quite understood Canadian Thanksgiving. Did the Pilgrims leave Plymouth Rock and visit the Indians in Toronto? Or do Canadians have their own Pilgrims that we just don't talk about here that coincidentally decided to share a meal with the Native Americans in Novia Scotia? :confused3

Anyway, I am glad you are going on a (currently imaginary) cruise. I wish I could join you !

[silversae]

Random "canadian" Thanksgiving notes:

In Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Unlike the American tradition of remembering Pilgrims and settling in the New World, Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest. The harvest season falls earlier in Canada compared to the United States due to the simple fact that Canada is further north.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

so ya... :)

[zweihund]

Random "canadian" Thanksgiving notes:

In Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Unlike the American tradition of remembering Pilgrims and settling in the New World, Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest. The harvest season falls earlier in Canada compared to the United States due to the simple fact that Canada is further north.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

so ya... :)

When I lived in Scotland, the local used to ask me if Thanksgiving was the American version of Christmas! :rotfl2:

[zweihund]

Worked the weekend job again today. Now, I look at the clock and think "ok, one more hour and I have the deposit taken care of....."

......even though it's still imaginary at this point.

:rotfl2:

[Database]

Keep up the hard work on earning the deposit!

I'm working weekends too! (Mama needs new insulated windows!)

Hope this trip becomes reality! Really sorry we can't go on the big cruise with you guys. (Did I mention Mama needs new windows?) LOL.

[silversae]

Oh we're going! I just have to make sure erica's ok with that whole canadian thanksgiving fun time and we're set. It's official! (well um when erica agrees). I found the time and the money and the overwhelming desire to go so that i don't have to wait a WHOLE YEAR before cruisin fun times :)

:banana:

[zweihund]

Yes, it's now a [mostly official] cruise! That is way better than a [currently imaginary] cruise in my book. This is a [mostly official] cruise because we have finally said yes and settled on the dates:

Drumroll, please.

October 11-14, 2007!!!!!


We still have not booked, though. Hopefully we will have everything set within the next few weeks. I have *almost* enough to pay the deposit from my other job, because we also need new tires for my car.

Feh.

With luck, we will soon be [completely official].

In the meantime, we are trying to figure out if we can mix a few drinks AHEAD of time (we have a fairly full bar at home, not that this would be shocking to anyone here) and bring them in a flask......Italian Wedding Cake Martinis come to mind! Any other suggestions?

[oybolshoi]

......Italian Wedding Cake Martinis come to mind! Any other suggestions?

First of all, congratulations on nearly booking a cruise!! You should celebrate by watching our Plankton video...totally shameless plug.

Secondly...tell me more about this wedding cake martini.... ;)

[DisneyDadFaNaTic]

Love the pre-trippy! I've read your previous trip reports and they were great! I'm so jealous! We really wanted to go on the cruise again, but due to circumstances we only had enough time to plan a trip to WDW (passports, money, etc.) Can't wait to read more!

[zweihund]

First of all, congratulations on nearly booking a cruise!! You should celebrate by watching our Plankton video...totally shameless plug.

Secondly...tell me more about this wedding cake martini.... ;)

I loved the video! Jason did a great job. It was funny, for some of the pics it was like a "Where's Waldo" book but then right before the slide changed I would see Plankton's little antennae..... :rotfl:

The Italian Wedding Cake martini is one I have fallen in love with - we had it at Carrabbas before the last cruise and it has become my new favorite drink. Beats a Cosmo hands-down. (They also have a lovely pomegranate martini)

Anyhow, I don't know the exact amounts buuuuuut it is:

Skyy Vanilla Vodka
Creme De Cocoa
Pineapple Juice

And it is pure heaven in a martini glass. Pinky swear.

Love the pre-trippy! I've read your previous trip reports and they were great! I'm so jealous! We really wanted to go on the cruise again, but due to circumstances we only had enough time to plan a trip to WDW (passports, money, etc.) Can't wait to read more!

Thanks so much! Hey, if you can't go on a cruise then WDW is the next best thing. Enjoy!

[silversae]

Love the pre-trippy! I've read your previous trip reports and they were great! I'm so jealous! We really wanted to go on the cruise again, but due to circumstances we only had enough time to plan a trip to WDW (passports, money, etc.) Can't wait to read more!


NOTHING wrong with WDW. I fully intend to "drag" Erica there for 6 days between my trip to Florida in July and this trip in October!

Though i MUST resist the urge to get another Disney Mr. Potato Head

Is it October yet?

[oybolshoi]

Say you'll come to Epcot on October 20th and attend Party for the Senses... it will be so much fun!! :thumbsup2

[zweihund]

NOTHING wrong with WDW. I fully intend to "drag" Erica there for 6 days between my trip to Florida in July and this trip in October!

Though i MUST resist the urge to get another Disney Mr. Potato Head

Is it October yet?

I'll be kicking and screaming too. :lmao:
Perhaps instead of a potato head.......we should "split" a box of parts? I know, I'm evil.

Say you'll come to Epcot on October 20th and attend Party for the Senses... it will be so much fun!! :thumbsup2

That is a distinct possibility!

[Mozart]

October 11-14, 2007!!!!!




I'm sorry, but that does not compute. For the price of a 3 day cruise departing October 11th, you could do a 4 day cruise departing September 23rd.

Oh look! That just happens to be the same day we're going!

From one sarcastic pre-trippie writer to another....you gotta go with us. Together, we could rule the universe of trip reports!

And that will probably be the only claim to fame I ever have. Heck...I'll buy the first Bahama Mama.

You buy the rest...

[zweihund]

I'm sorry, but that does not compute. For the price of a 3 day cruise departing October 11th, you could do a 4 day cruise departing September 23rd.

Oh look! That just happens to be the same day we're going!

From one sarcastic pre-trippie writer to another....you gotta go with us. Together, we could rule the universe of trip reports!

And that will probably be the only claim to fame I ever have. Heck...I'll buy the first Bahama Mama.

You buy the rest...

Oh, Mozart, I wish we could! Sadly, this is the only week that the evil empire that controls silversae (read: her work) will let her leave their vicinity. Oh the humanity!

Have a great time on your cruise, and I will watch for your report!

And keep in mind, there is always the Sept 27 2008 Double Dip........

[solgent]

tuchas

[zweihund]

tuchas

:thumbsup2

[zweihund]

As of this weekend, we officially have enough to pay the cruise deposit in cash. Sadly, I don't get my paycheck until Friday. Anyone know how long Dreams Unlimited holds ressies for? :rolleyes:

It's not that I think the boat is going to fill up, or that the price will jump up ridiculously.....I just want us to be booked already so that it can feel completely official! You all understand, right?

This only partially relates to the cruise, but given my lack of recent updates I figured I would go ahead and include it anyway.

I have been scouring the waters of ebay looking for good deals on the following:

Teva criss-cross flip flops. Try saying that ten times fast.....my faves are these two styles:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00061sqd

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00063g84

I'm not terribly particular about the colors, since I like most of the teva patterns. I also have a pair of crocs that were a gift that I am trying to exchange at crocs.com for a nice comfy flip-flop. THAT will only cost me shipping. But these are so cute and girly! I must have them all.

I am also in search of a new park/cruise backpack, as my Target special is not only dying a slow and painful death but tends to swallow up my cell phone every time I carry it. I can hear it ringing, but I can't ever find it. I need organization. Y'all know by now that I'm a control freak. Right? So it seems appropriate that I must control my phone.

Therefore, despite Crystal's amusing pictorial warnings, I am going for the baggallini!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00064g4b

I would like red or purple, please. I got outbid on a purple one yesterday, and today all that remains is neon yellow. I'll keep looking.

It's not that I am averse to paying full price for anything, it's just that.....if I can get a deal, I'm taking a deal! Wish me luck. Chances are I'll cave in before the week is over and just buy them all on their respective websites. :rolleyes1

Happy weekend!

[oybolshoi]

I think DU holds a ressie for three days, but don't quote me on that. ;)

I like the first pair of sandals best - fewer straps means less rub'ems on your feets. :thumbsup2

As for the baggamacallit...I can only wish you good luck both in finding one and then in using it. I would end up hanging myself if I tried to use one of those babies.

Oh, and if you buy those sandals this weekend I think you're probably going to need a pedicure. And you can quote me on that! :rolleyes1

[zweihund]

Oh, and if you buy those sandals this weekend I think you're probably going to need a pedicure. And you can quote me on that! :rolleyes1

:thumbsup2

[tinkerbellmom1]

Good luck finding all your treasures Erica!:flower3:

[zweihund]

Good luck finding all your treasures Erica!:flower3:

Thanks Sheri!
*puts ebay face on*
:cool2:

[silversae]

I'm about ready for this already and it's a million months away.

Thank god we've got a "trip" together in July to get me through the next few months. Work is crazy but i've almost saved enough to pay for July and October in Florida. I'll worry about September later!:goodvibes

[chepic]

Hello Erica.....glad to see you are booked and will be thrilling us with more TR's. It is because of you that I have become such a diser!!! Anyway....more important matters...where do you get your ginger chews. Stop and Shop used to carry them, but they have stopped. I have checked all our local pharmacies and GNC's, but no one has them. Now that I have discovered the best hangover remedy, I can't go without!!!! :rolleyes:

Please help, your friend in RI,

Cheryl

[zweihund]

I'm about ready for this already and it's a million months away.

Thank god we've got a "trip" together in July to get me through the next few months. Work is crazy but i've almost saved enough to pay for July and October in Florida. I'll worry about September later!:goodvibes

It's OCTOBER, girl. Have you already forgotten about the elusive "Canadian Thanksgiving"????? :rotfl2:

July is going to be awesome. Hope you are prepared to swelter. I started a money-saving thread here, so go check it out (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1453174).

Hello Erica.....glad to see you are booked and will be thrilling us with more TR's. It is because of you that I have become such a diser!!! Anyway....more important matters...where do you get your ginger chews. Stop and Shop used to carry them, but they have stopped. I have checked all our local pharmacies and GNC's, but no one has them. Now that I have discovered the best hangover remedy, I can't go without!!!! :rolleyes:

Please help, your friend in RI,

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl! Thank you for the lovely comments. :goodvibes

I got my ginger chews at World Market, believe it or not. I don't know how widespread that chain is; it's only been in the "Orlando area" (Sanford, actually) for a few years. But, they usually sell them at Asian food markets too. You just have to get someone to lead you too them, because the writing on the package is not guaranteed to be in English. Good luck! They work GREAT!

[silversae]

It's OCTOBER, girl. Have you already forgotten about the elusive "Canadian Thanksgiving"????? :rotfl2:

No goof...it's July...then October...then september 2008 :P I know what i'm saying..you just don't understand me :eek:

[Buckeye Gal]

...where do you get your ginger chews....
Cheryl

If I can interject, please, I have also purchased them at Trader Joe's.

[zweihund]

No goof...it's July...then October...then september 2008 :P I know what i'm saying..you just don't understand me :eek:

Oooooohhhhhh......gotcha :rolleyes1

If I can interject, please, I have also purchased them at Trader Joe's.

Interject away! I wish we had a Trader Joe's here. Le sigh. :sad1:

[zweihund]

Ok, this is kind of nerdy, but since this pre-TR IS titled "Geeks" on a budget, I will share. Because that's what I do. I share my nerdiness. Doesn't it make you feel better? :rotfl:

I got a pair of Crocs for my birthday from a dear friend who apparently did not realize that my having bought a black pair of Crocs for work did not equal "I would like ANOTHER black pair please that I will never wear" - so I called the help center and asked if I could exchange them via mail.

They said yes!

So, since they are only costing me one way postage, I am trading these:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00065fqt

for these!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00066z62

How's THAT for budget shopping? :thumbsup2

I also discovered the REI outlet (http://www.rei.com/outlet/?cm_mmc=ps_google_reibrand-_-rei_brand-_-outlet-_-r.e.i.%20outlet), which sells Tevas in discontinued patterns for 30% less! Between that and ebay, I should be able to get a few cute new things on the cheap. Which of course is ALWAYS my favorite way.

Happy Friday!

[Buckeye Gal]

That's a SWEET exchange, Erica!! Love them!

PS: Thanks for letting me interject with the Trader Joe's plug. It is a great place!! OHHH...I just thought of another place I've seen the ginger chewies. Here in Columbus, we have "Homegoods", which is a sister store of TJ Maxx. In their gourmet food section, they have had the ginger chewies many times I've been there. So check out TJ Maxx and/or Homegoods, too!

[Database]

Awesome swap! LUV them. I'm heading to web site as soon as I sign off.

Are you going splurge for matching outfits for the cruise? They have some great deals on the web.

(I was tempted to get them this morning......)

[tinkerbellmom1]

Very cute shoes! Do they have those in kids sizes?:blush:

[zweihund]

That's a SWEET exchange, Erica!! Love them!

PS: Thanks for letting me interject with the Trader Joe's plug. It is a great place!! OHHH...I just thought of another place I've seen the ginger chewies. Here in Columbus, we have "Homegoods", which is a sister store of TJ Maxx. In their gourmet food section, they have had the ginger chewies many times I've been there. So check out TJ Maxx and/or Homegoods, too!

LOVE Homegoods.

Awesome swap! LUV them. I'm heading to web site as soon as I sign off.

Are you going splurge for matching outfits for the cruise? They have some great deals on the web.

(I was tempted to get them this morning......)

I think the best I could get DH and DCF to do would be for us to all wear Disney shirts. Not-matching. And THAT would be a mean feat. I do think it is very sweet when families do this, and it looks great in photos, and I will probably change my mind when we do have children but......we're just not matching kind of people. Some can pull it off, we can't - we're lucky we can look halfway decent in our normal clothes! :rotfl:

Very cute shoes! Do they have those in kids sizes?:blush:

I don't see any on the website, but they DO go down to a Ladies' 4, which would be like a 5 in "real feet" - I wear a 6-6.5 normally, and a 5 is just barely small enough for my feet in croc-ville.

[HPHammer]

Still enjoying your pre-planning -- and I've been remiss. I really wanted to congratulate you on running the Minnie. I trained for and ran the L.A. Marathon in 2004. I always tell people now that I ran *two* marathons that day -- my first and my last. ;)

Seriously, you must be so proud of yourself -- congrats!

[zweihund]

Still enjoying your pre-planning -- and I've been remiss. I really wanted to congratulate you on running the Minnie. I trained for and ran the L.A. Marathon in 2004. I always tell people now that I ran *two* marathons that day -- my first and my last. ;)

Seriously, you must be so proud of yourself -- congrats!

:rotfl2: I love it!
Thanks so much - now, I didn't even run HALF as far as you did (9.3 miles) but I must admit for the first four I was asking myself how I had ended up in that mess......once we turned the corner into MGM, I started having a blast! All the same, I was very happy to see the finish line and even happier to take a nap later. :thumbsup2

Congrats on your "two" marathons!

[zweihund]

Ok, it's not MUCH progress but I think we should all celebrate the little things in life. I got my request back from Dreams Unlimited, guaranteeing a category 9 room at the price I expected, but demanding a deposit of SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS!

Well, poop. I only have 500 saved! :rotfl:

The only thing I can figure is that for some reason having a third adult on board means you have to plonk down more cashola. We only payed $500 for our 7-day deposit, but then again there will only be myself and DH. So, for the time being it seems that we are still "only mostly" official. I have until the 25th to come up with the rest of the ransom.

As an aside, we do actually have more than $500 in the bank.....it's just that it all has to go in its own little slots so that we can have nice things like a house, and a car, and food for ourselves and the dog. Technically I COULD pay the deposit right now. But then we'd be on Ramen for two weeks, and that's something that I swore in my last week of college that I would never subject myself to again.

Now, I don't get my next check from the second job for another week and a half but it will more than cover the remainder.....so I'm thinking DH and I can each sacrifice some of our bowling winnings (did I not tell you we are nerds?) from tomorrow's league payout and then we can at least secure the room. Now, how do I tell him that his beloved XBox 360 games will have to wait a week? :eek:

Not to mention my Baggallini! :scared1:

:rotfl:

In other news, the old black crocs are being shipped back as we speak to exchange for new pink and brown kushy sandals, and I finally broke down and ordered a Passporter for DCL.

That's all, folks! Back to ebay.....:rolleyes1

[Tink rules]

Now Erica...

Not that I am the authority on this...

What's a little Ramen between friends??? :scared1: OK... try putting some angel hair pasta in that Ramen... it makes it go further (this I learned from friends who used to feed all of us lunch up at the lake (including their 5 kids...) I've never had Oodles of Noodles without it!!! (it is affectionately called Goop in our family!!!)

Figure out your pro's and cons... see if you can make it until the payment comes through...

Split it 3 ways... since there are three of you going (I know... technically, you and DH are 2 of the 3...)

Can you do the deposit on your credit card and then especially if you pay your bills online, like every other good geek does... instantly pay off the credit card when the check clears???

& You're going to have to definately commit to doing something so geekish like that, or else you will just kill that geeks on a budget cause!!!

What are the benefits of doing it now? What's the On board credit you're getting? That should at least cover something you are trying to budget your way through... can you email or talk to the agent @ DU and see what they can do for you???

Good Luck!!!

[Database]

Dang!

I'm willing to put out a "Geeks on a Budget" donation jar at our receptionist counter! We have a standing joke in the office about putting out a donation jar... based on the numerous "tips accepted" jars people put out for just doing their job. (Don't get me wrong people... I waited tables to put myself through undergrad. In the old days we only received "tips" for table/counter serving. However when I see these jars... I find myself tossing in my extra change?)

I like Tink's idea about putting the deposit on a credit card and paying the card off with your savings and your next pay check from your moon lighting gig.

Hey maybe you can get it waived for all of the great promotion you do for them on this web site!

Good luck with what ever you decide!

[Tink rules]

Dang!

I'm willing to put out a "Geeks on a Budget" donation jar at our receptionist counter! We have a standing joke in the office about putting out a donation jar... based on the numerous "tips accepted" jars people put out for just doing their job. (Don't get me wrong people... I waited tables to put myself through undergrad. In the old days we only received "tips" for table/counter serving. However when I see these jars... I find myself tossing in my extra change?)

I like Tink's idea about putting the deposit on a credit card and paying the card off with your savings and your next pay check from your moon lighting gig.

Hey maybe you can get it waived for all of the great promotion you do for them on this web site!

Good luck with what ever you decide!


Just remember... when you put out the jar for the donations... don't put the words "Bahama Mama Fund" with cute palm trees all over it!!! ;) (Put something catchy... like "College Fund" or something on it... Guilt.. you get more cash with that!!!)

[silversae]

I think the best I could get DH and DCF to do would be for us to all wear Disney shirts. Not-matching. And THAT would be a mean feat. I do think it is very sweet when families do this, and it looks great in photos, and I will probably change my mind when we do have children but......we're just not matching kind of people. Some can pull it off, we can't - we're lucky we can look halfway decent in our normal clothes! :rotfl:

I could go for matching polos...but an entire outfit? I'm Canadian not crackers! Who wants to run around matching your DH *grin*

As for the deposit, i can log in and pay the other 100 if you give me the log in info *grin* That's not an issue at all hun. Big plans in the works for July btw...needless to say there may be some birthday celebrations and some rowdy people running around disney *grin* Should be good times...enough to get me through till october....:banana:

[silversae]

I don't see any on the website, but they DO go down to a Ladies' 4, which would be like a 5 in "real feet" - I wear a 6-6.5 normally, and a 5 is just barely small enough for my feet in croc-ville.

Really? 'cause if i sit my big *** foot on the croc sizing thing it says i'm a 9 which is essentially what i wear normally. Man you have small feet lady.

[zweihund]

Dang!

I'm willing to put out a "Geeks on a Budget" donation jar at our receptionist counter! We have a standing joke in the office about putting out a donation jar... based on the numerous "tips accepted" jars people put out for just doing their job. (Don't get me wrong people... I waited tables to put myself through undergrad. In the old days we only received "tips" for table/counter serving. However when I see these jars... I find myself tossing in my extra change?)

I like Tink's idea about putting the deposit on a credit card and paying the card off with your savings and your next pay check from your moon lighting gig.

Hey maybe you can get it waived for all of the great promotion you do for them on this web site!

Good luck with what ever you decide!

Haha, thanks! We decided to just book next weekend, because the price they quoted is the same that they have been advertising for the last 2 months. I don't think it will change in a week.

I could go for matching polos...but an entire outfit? I'm Canadian not crackers! Who wants to run around matching your DH *grin*

As for the deposit, i can log in and pay the other 100 if you give me the log in info *grin* That's not an issue at all hun. Big plans in the works for July btw...needless to say there may be some birthday celebrations and some rowdy people running around disney *grin* Should be good times...enough to get me through till october....:banana:

Good times! :dance3:

Really? 'cause if i sit my big *** foot on the croc sizing thing it says i'm a 9 which is essentially what i wear normally. Man you have small feet lady.

Yes I do, sasquatch. :rolleyes1 ;)

[zweihund]

We got our bowling payouts last night......time to go shopping! :cool1:

[zweihund]

So......is it me, or does DHL stink????

I ordered a 2006 Passporter (for the Costa Maya info for NEXT year's vacation, plus some ideas for cheapie stuff to do on THIS one) on ebay, and they shipped with DHL. According to the DHL site, it is in transit with an estimated delivery date of YESTERDAY.

:sad2:

With luck it will arrive before the holiday weekend. We'll see!

In other news, I am anxiously awaiting a call from "Jemma" at crocs.com so that I can finish my exchange over the phone. Also, I was outbid on a pair of red Tevas. I am not having much luck today! :confused3

Back to my online shopping.

[nenner1]

DHL does that to me ALL the TIME.

I guess that's what happens when your package goes temporarily missing inside their facility....:confused3

I guess I am biased, though.....I'm postal (in more ways than one) :rolleyes1 HAAAAA!:thumbsup2

[zweihund]

DHL does that to me ALL the TIME.

I guess that's what happens when your package goes temporarily missing inside their facility....:confused3

I guess I am biased, though.....I'm postal (in more ways than one) :rolleyes1 HAAAAA!:thumbsup2

Every time I see one of their little yellow vans, I hiss "I HATE you" at it. They are always at least two days later than their estimated delivery date with me. Once, when I lived in an apartment, they dropped something at the office but never left a note on my door. Turns out it was an unexpected Christmas gift! We got it three months later, when we went to the office to pick up something else. How sad is that? :sad2:

And do you think my book is here yet? If you guessed "no" then you would be correct.

*sssssss* I hate you, DHL.

[zweihund]

DH and I had our first co-planning trip today - we went to the liquor store! :lmao:

No, seriously.

So, we have tentative ideas for the booze. We will have:


A bottle of pre-mixed pomegranate martini, cleverly disguised in a water bottle so that we don't look like such lushes....not that we're fooling anyone
A smallish bottle of Absolut Vanilla to mix with the free soda for an adult version of Vanilla Coke!
A small bottle of Irish Creme for nightcaps
Wine, to bring to dinner!


And while I still have not received my Passporter (thank you, DHL, I still hate you *sssssss*), I DID finally get through to Crocs. My new sandals are making their way to my house and should arrive sometime late this week. And! I ordered my Baggallini during the Memorial Day ebags sale! So that should be here by the end of the week as well.

The good news is, I do not need to buy anything else for the cruise (except for booze). Being a Floridian, I have plenty of summer clothes, bathing suits, and sun-appropriate footwear. So now all I need to do is research all of the fun free stuff! Woohoo!

Disclaimer: I will still probably obsess about a new pair of Tevas, but this is entirely unrelated to the cruise and would be happening anyway. DH shook his head at me when I showed him a pair on ebay last night:

"Don't you already have a pair that looks like that?"
"Not in RED!"

:rotfl:

And now back to your regular scheduled holiday.

[Mozart]

Should've ordered the passporter straight from the source. Ordered mine last Sunday media mail and got it on Friday. :laughing:

Seriously, it's really good. Even reading the DIS alot didn't give me all the info in that book. I had nothing else to do Saturday, and ended up reading the whole book.

Sad, huh?

[nenner1]

:confused3 Did you get it today?????



*ssssssssss* DHL ;)

[chepic]

Erica....Cheryl again....no I am not on your trip however....do you feel like I am following you....:rotfl2:

Anyway, I borrowed a passporter from the local library and am writing down all pertinent info and will add it to my growing cruise tip word document that I am creating from the disboards.

Also, Marshalls had the ginger chews in the food section of their store....I don't know if you have a Marshall's there, but it was a great find and I bought 5 cans!!!!

Just some money saving tips for you.

cheryl

[zweihund]

Should've ordered the passporter straight from the source. Ordered mine last Sunday media mail and got it on Friday. :laughing:

Seriously, it's really good. Even reading the DIS alot didn't give me all the info in that book. I had nothing else to do Saturday, and ended up reading the whole book.

Sad, huh?

That's what I would have done! :rotfl:

:confused3 Did you get it today?????



*ssssssssss* DHL ;)

As it turns out, the chap I bought it from forgot to put it out in the container for pickup. I called DHL today and this is what they told me. So I sent him a message, and hope that he will reply :sad2:

Erica....Cheryl again....no I am not on your trip however....do you feel like I am following you....:rotfl2:

Anyway, I borrowed a passporter from the local library and am writing down all pertinent info and will add it to my growing cruise tip word document that I am creating from the disboards.

Also, Marshalls had the ginger chews in the food section of their store....I don't know if you have a Marshall's there, but it was a great find and I bought 5 cans!!!!

Just some money saving tips for you.

cheryl

Great ideas Cheryl! I'm more of a highlighting and page-folding kind of gal, or I would do the same thing. :thumbsup2 thanks!

[eyesing2]

Loved your last trip report and was excited to see you started another one! Will be taking the 4 day Oct 7th cruise right before you. Perhaps if we don't finish all our bottles of alcohol we could somehow leave them in the Cadillac Lounge for 'ya! Or maybe we can meet you in the parking lot between disembarkation and embarkation! Silly me-like we won't finish all our alcohol! :rotfl2: Keep up the great pre-trippie!

[zweihund]

Loved your last trip report and was excited to see you started another one! Will be taking the 4 day Oct 7th cruise right before you. Perhaps if we don't finish all our bottles of alcohol we could somehow leave them in the Cadillac Lounge for 'ya! Or maybe we can meet you in the parking lot between disembarkation and embarkation! Silly me-like we won't finish all our alcohol! :rotfl2: Keep up the great pre-trippie!

You can quote me on this:

If you don't drink all the booze, then it wasn't a good cruise! :rotfl2:

We can wave to you guys as we pass in the parking lot......and we'll say thanks for warming up the boat for us! :goodvibes

[Tink rules]

Just remember..

It's illegal in most states to drive around with open bottles in your car...

So I would suggest you all meet under the big palm tree in the parking lot and exchange left over libations!!!

[zweihund]

Just remember..

It's illegal in most states to drive around with open bottles in your car...

So I would suggest you all meet under the big palm tree in the parking lot and exchange left over libations!!!

:thumbsup2

[tinkerbellmom1]

A bottle of pre-mixed pomegranate martini, cleverly disguised in a water bottle so that we don't look like such lushes....not that we're fooling anyone
A smallish bottle of Absolut Vanilla to mix with the free soda for an adult version of Vanilla Coke!
A small bottle of Irish Creme for nightcaps
Wine, to bring to dinner!




Wow! I never thought of the Absolut Vanilla! What a great idea! I'm going to take that idea and run with it!

Did you ever get your passporter? :confused3

[Tink rules]

oops.... Vanilla Absolute???

There goes the budget!!! :)

I suggest some cheap vodka and a couple of drops of vanilla extract... :eek:

Ok... maybe not...

[zweihund]

Wow! I never thought of the Absolut Vanilla! What a great idea! I'm going to take that idea and run with it!

Did you ever get your passporter? :confused3

Apparently the guy I bought it from never put it into the shipping container. He emailed me this morning saying he would send a new one ASAP. In the meantime I am dying for reading material! :guilty:

oops.... Vanilla Absolute???

There goes the budget!!! :)

I suggest some cheap vodka and a couple of drops of vanilla extract... :eek:

Ok... maybe not...

:rotfl2:

I'm not counting anything bought pre-trip as part of the budget. Which will likely lead to my downfall! :rotfl:

Actually, I think we might hit the new GIANT BOOZE MEGASTORE that recently opened up in Orlando in an old Just for Feet building.....our friends who went on the Med Repo loaded themselves up there first and reported some great deals! Plus, we still have some bowling money left over from the awards.....it's going to booze! What better place for it, really? :rolleyes:

[Tink rules]

:thumbsup2 ohhhhhhhhhhh I hear those little bottles jingling already!!!

[Disneygrl36]

Just found you.........subbing so I can come back and read.
Will there be ginger chews involved again????????

[MAGICFOR2]

Currently I am resisting the urge to go out and buy a bunch of things for the cruise. You know......new beach bag, another bathing suit, some new flip flops, a car, whatever.

:rotfl2: Hi Erica! I know what you mean - any excuse, right? I am just doing a fly-by on your pre-trippie - looking forward to reading more when I get back from WDW. Later.

[JadeDarkstar]

im so new here and your post is first one ive read. Im planing a cruise for my honeymoon (dec 6th 2008:santa: ) thats the date im trying to go. i will have to be on budget but im haveing my wedding relly cheap becouse i want to go on the cruise with my 6year old son at that time. If any one has any advice please let me know, so far i will be spending 4000 on the room and cruise. and then 500 a peron on disney world(got go agine, stood in line for 4 hours the week the new ride opend in animal kingdom last year. then ride broke down as i go to the frount)

:dance3: if any one else is going in dec 08 please let me know ited be fun to get to know ppl befor then :santa:

[Tink rules]

im so new here and your post is first one ive read. Im planing a cruise for my honeymoon (dec 6th 2008:santa: ) thats the date im trying to go. i will have to be on budget but im haveing my wedding relly cheap becouse i want to go on the cruise with my 6year old son at that time. If any one has any advice please let me know, so far i will be spending 4000 on the room and cruise. and then 500 a peron on disney world(got go agine, stood in line for 4 hours the week the new ride opend in animal kingdom last year. then ride broke down as i go to the frount)

:dance3: if any one else is going in dec 08 please let me know ited be fun to get to know ppl befor then :santa:

Just keep reading the boards and you will definately learn tons!!!

& don't be afraid to ask questions - even if you think it's been asked before - everyone here is really nice and will help out alot!!!

Oh, and read trip reports - they're really good!!!

[JadeDarkstar]

why thank you i have just learned about the disney vacation club and am planing on joining in september I see no reson not to with how many trips i like and most all disney and 500 places to pick is just awsome. I relly think it makes since

[JennL]

Jade,

You might want to wait till you are on your cruise to join DVC. We joined on our honeymoon crusise and got a cruise discount.

We thought planning for 50+ years of vacations was a lovely way to start our marriage!

Happy sailing!

[JadeDarkstar]

thank you for the advice. but the way im doing it. this is paying for my cruise, other wise id have use same amount down on the cruise lol but thanks i am planing on plaing something on the cruise for the next year. i had heard about the discounts on them sounds good.pirate: arr matty. (im excited)

[zweihund]

im so new here and your post is first one ive read. Im planing a cruise for my honeymoon (dec 6th 2008:santa: ) thats the date im trying to go. i will have to be on budget but im haveing my wedding relly cheap becouse i want to go on the cruise with my 6year old son at that time. If any one has any advice please let me know, so far i will be spending 4000 on the room and cruise. and then 500 a peron on disney world(got go agine, stood in line for 4 hours the week the new ride opend in animal kingdom last year. then ride broke down as i go to the frount)

:dance3: if any one else is going in dec 08 please let me know ited be fun to get to know ppl befor then :santa:

Welcome Jade! Congrats on your upcoming marriage :goodvibes

So, today my Crocs came in the mail! They're super cute. Only thing is, I forgot that there is the weird break-in period where they feel all funky ill-fitting and far too nubbly. Is nubbly a word? If not, it totally should be.

Anyhow, I wore them up to Old Navy where I bought two tank tops for $5 each, and a lovely little skirt for $15. They're not FOR the cruise.....they're for the SUMMER, because believe it or not this Florida girl has very little in the way of true summer clothing. But, I can still wear them on the cruise. And thus, I have still stayed within my cruise budget.

You might be saying to yourself "now Erica, I KNOW for a FACT that you bought a Baggallini AND a Passporter......pretty sure that was money that you spent for the cruise!" but I would say HAH! You only THINK that's money spent on the cruise......in reality, the Baggallini was purchased to replace my sad little canvas backpack-purse, and the Passporter is for looking up info on the Mexican ports for next year's blowout.

So THERE!

:rolleyes1

Besides, I have a little extra spending money now that I probably won't have come cruise time so I might as well get a few items that have multiple uses.....

I'm still getting outbid on my ebay Tevas, but I have faith that they will come to me one day. Of course, I could take a little bit of this so-called extra money and just go to the Teva site, but that would mean paying *gasp* full price! :scared1:

Full price, I spit on you! PTOOOOO!

Alright, that's all for now. More when my Passporter arrives. One day.

[zweihund]

Just found you.........subbing so I can come back and read.
Will there be ginger chews involved again????????

But of course! I anticipate many hangovers in my future..... :rolleyes1

:thumbsup2 ohhhhhhhhhhh I hear those little bottles jingling already!!!

(see above) :rotfl:

:rotfl2: Hi Erica! I know what you mean - any excuse, right? I am just doing a fly-by on your pre-trippie - looking forward to reading more when I get back from WDW. Later.

Hi Tammie! Think of this report as a warm-up for our cruise in 2008! :woohoo:

[JadeDarkstar]

why dosent quick reply work.

and thank you for the welcome and my fionce is asking me do i think we can relly aford it im like yes lol this should be fun

I hope you have fun on your trip.

[Madisonznana]

I'm really enjoyng this!
K

[Tink rules]

Oh... Google Tevas and see if there is an outlet somewhere!!! Of course it is probably in the middle of Michigan where you don't need sandals in the winter...

[JadeDarkstar]

um dose any one else see there posts disapearing? i dont see mine and some one who was above me lol

[Tink rules]

Here's one...

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Teva.html

[zweihund]

I'm really enjoyng this!
K

Thank you, Karen! :goodvibes

Oh... Google Tevas and see if there is an outlet somewhere!!! Of course it is probably in the middle of Michigan where you don't need sandals in the winter...

Actually, I did find some at the REI outlet for $7 cheaper......I have my eye on them.

um dose any one else see there posts disapearing? i dont see mine and some one who was above me lol

I can see them Jade, but sometimes when the DIS is busy it gets a little persnickety.... :upsidedow

[JadeDarkstar]

thanks well i figuerd out the problem lol was looking at wrong post i apoligize so dose any one else have dvc is it worth it?

[zweihund]

Here's one...

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Teva.html

I don't know how I missed that post, but thanks! I'll watch for my two favorite new styles :goodvibes

[zweihund]

Guess what arrived in the mail today?

If you guessed "your passporter, FINALLY" then you would be correct! Well, partially correct......yes, my passporter DID arrive (and I am off to the couch to read it and pretend I am on the boat in mere moments) and so did its little friend! It looks like someone finally put my original book in the drop box for DHL, because it was at my front door when I got home. But then there was another one in the mailbox.

:confused3

So silversae, I have a present for you my sweet!!!! :thumbsup2 You can collect it when you visit us in July. That is, if you can wait that long. ;)

In other news, I totally love my new Crocs.

[WDW Poly Princess]

Ooh, you got the Crocs I've been considering! How are the straps on the tops of the feet?

[zweihund]

Ooh, you got the Crocs I've been considering! How are the straps on the tops of the feet?

At first they were reeeeeeaaallllyyyyy tight, but after a week of using them to walk the dog they are feeling much more comfortable! I like them alot. All the comfort of a croc, with the naked-foot feel of a flip flop.

Oh, and I nearly decapitated myself with my new Baggallini today..... :rolleyes1

[JadeDarkstar]

ive thought those things are just so wierd looking, do they actely fit well and fill good. do thyey every slip off?

[Tink rules]

Actually, I want the Flip flop ones!!!

[zweihund]

ive thought those things are just so wierd looking, do they actely fit well and fill good. do thyey every slip off?

They fit very well, they stay on better than flip flops. :)

Actually, I want the Flip flop ones!!!

I did too, originally, but they didn't have them in a 5.......but now that I have these, I love them! :love:

[zweihund]

Booking:
Will take place tomorrow. My check from job number two was unusually late this week! But I have until tomorrow to book anyhow, so we are now mostly MOSTLY official!

Bag and shoes:
I am loving the Baggallini though I have yet to try it out at the parks. The new crocs are breaking in nicely, and I still have not found the pair of Tevas that I want on ebay. Frankly, I don't really NEED them but that does not stop me from looking every single day.

Passporter:
How did I ever get by without this book? I have gotten so many great ideas by reading this. I will post more about this later. Pinky swear.

This is a short update, as we are heading out to the Outback for Lionel's birthday dinner! Let the alcoholic libations begin......

More tomorrow when we are COMPLETELY official. :woohoo:

[Buckeye Gal]

Lionel, :bday: !!!!!!!!!

[Disneygrl36]

Happy Bday Lionel :cake:.

Yeah you are almost official.........:cool1:

I made the final payment on our cruise today.........woo hooty :woohoo:

[Floridagram]

This is a short update, as we are heading out to the Outback for Lionel's birthday dinner! Let the alcoholic libations begin......


We were at Outback Saturday, sorry we missed you. Don't you just love those Wallaby Darned?

[nenner1]

pixiedust: :bday: pixiedust:

Happpy BD Lionel.... cool, halfway between my mom's and my dad's! ;)

Gemini's rock! :cool1: :cool1:

[zweihund]

Lionel, :bday: !!!!!!!!!

I speak for him when I say "thanks" :goodvibes

Happy Bday Lionel :cake:.

Yeah you are almost official.........:cool1:

I made the final payment on our cruise today.........woo hooty :woohoo:

YAY! Congrats - feels good, doesn't it?

We were at Outback Saturday, sorry we missed you. Don't you just love those Wallaby Darned?

Which one? We go to the one in Winter Springs. I ended up not going for the alcohol since no one else was having any.....I didn't want to be the only drunk at the table. Not that that has ever stopped me before, but hey.

pixiedust: :bday: pixiedust:

Happpy BD Lionel.... cool, halfway between my mom's and my dad's! ;)

Gemini's rock! :cool1: :cool1:

They certainly do! :goodvibes

[zweihund]

Deposit has been made. Still waiting on the official email with a room number. Here's hoping for deck two!

Where's the smiley with his fingers crossed?

[Tink rules]

You'll just have to settle for the jumpy smiley for now...

Here have a couple...

:yay: :yay: :yay:

(there's a nervous one... but I don't want to give you a reason to drink!!!)

[zweihund]

I didn't get the confirmation yet, but I did get the "please send us your full names, addresses, passport numbers, the names of your pets and your blood type" email.

Progress. ;)

[tinkerbellmom1]

Happy belated birthday to Lionel! :bday:

Congrats to you and Lionel! :woohoo:

Here's some pixidust that your stateroom is level 2!pixiedust:

[Tink rules]

I didn't get the confirmation yet, but I did get the "please send us your full names, addresses, passport numbers, the names of your pets and your blood type" email.

Progress. ;)

They didn't ask you for a pint of blood also??? Oh wait a minute... that's the final payment... you've got time, right?

[oybolshoi]

Congrats Erica and belated birthday wishes to Lionel!! :goodvibes

[zweihund]

Happy belated birthday to Lionel! :bday:

Congrats to you and Lionel! :woohoo:

Here's some pixidust that your stateroom is level 2!pixiedust:

Thank you thank you! :goodvibes

They didn't ask you for a pint of blood also??? Oh wait a minute... that's the final payment... you've got time, right?

:rotfl:

Congrats Erica and belated birthday wishes to Lionel!! :goodvibes

Thanks Brenda! :goodvibes

[zweihund]

Alrighty, we have an official stateroom number!

Drumroll, please.....

da-da-da-da-da-da-dadadadadadada-daaaaaaa
*clink*

2564

OK, now I am off to find it on the map and read reviews. Back in a few.
Ok, I'm back.

This looks promising!
review #1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=12147856&postcount=1)
review #2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=13337223&postcount=6)

Well, so far that's all I can find but it sounds promising! It looks like a great location - right next to the main stairs, one floor away from Route 66 and the lobby. I guess we'll burn off some of the alcohol pounds going to and from the adult pool ;)

Plans so far, having consulted my handy-dandy Passporter's Filed Guide:

towel animal folding
walking tour of Nassau (free!)
bike rentals on Castaway Cay
Rainforest Room at the spa (on Nassau day)
reading in deck 4
lots and lots of pool and hot tub time with smuggled libations

The last one goes without saying.

I also would really like to have our Castaway Cay lunch at Serenity Bay this year, and to check out the games pavilion. I'm considering "yoga on the beach" but that will depend on whether or not I can make the wake-up call. Who am I kidding? I always wake up at the crack of dawn, even when I go to bed at dawn. Not that I ever do, because I am old.

Where was I? I got distracted. Shiny things everywhere! :confused:

Other possibilities are the spy party, the Castaway Cay treasure hunt, a walking ship tour, pub quest trivia, and some of the tribute nights. 70's party! 80's night! Rat Pack!

You know, there was a point at which I was worried that we wouldn't be able to have as much fun without spending ridiculous amounts of money.....now I wish we were going on a 7-day so we would have time to do all of this free stuff.

[Tink rules]

Just think of all the great things you will learn from this trip that you can use for next year!!!

BTW... which Baggallini did you get? I know... I could search... I'm lazy...;)

[Buckeye Gal]

:banana: Woo Hoo!! :banana:

Congrats on making it official! The countdown can begin now.

[Stargater]

Alrighty, we have an official stateroom number!

Drumroll, please.....

da-da-da-da-da-da-dadadadadadada-daaaaaaa
*clink*

2564

OK, now I am off to find it on the map and read reviews. Back in a few.
Ok, I'm back.

This looks promising!

Which date did you end up booking? DH thinks that he would not relax on a 3 dayer me I would be happy to be anywhere on a Disney Cruise with or without the girls right now!! :upsidedow

[Mozart]

Alrighty, we have an official stateroom number!

Plans so far, having consulted my handy-dandy Passporter's Filed Guide:

towel animal folding





I think that one's only done on days at sea. My wife was looking out for it on our 3 dayer, and it never showed.

Just buy the book Carnival put out on the issue:

Carnival Towel Animals on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Carnival-Towel-Creations-40-Designs/dp/B000PL6P4E/ref=sr_1_1/002-7547987-9245658?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181703843&sr=8-1)

[Tink rules]

Did you start packing yet?????

[Database]

I'm so excited for you!:cool1:

Our local Disney Store has it's semi-annual 40% off sale. Just went crazy!
I even purchased the DH two cool shirts for Christmas..(That way I don't feel so guilty:guilty: with the budget splurge) My outfit(s):rolleyes1 sort of coordinate.

My parents called last night. Our family reunion is going to be at Anaheim next summer. Woo HOO. So in my fuzzy budget math.... that means said outfits were even cheaper.:idea:

Awesome news on your state room assignment. Waiting for your next installment.

[JadeDarkstar]

my son turns 5 in oct. were leaving end of nov. and well his bday will be a disney suit case if theres any good ones.. with some cloth for the trip lol and some other fun things couse he will look at the suit cvase and say wheres the toys lol

Ive kinda spoiled him becouse of his dad and me spliting so ive tryed to make everything grate for him..his dad see's him but i still fill like have to make everything overly nice

[zweihund]

Just think of all the great things you will learn from this trip that you can use for next year!!!

BTW... which Baggallini did you get? I know... I could search... I'm lazy...;)

I got the messenger bagg (http://baggallini.com/product2.asp?product='MES160'&Fabric='Crinkle') in crinkle-nylon seafoam. It's super comfy and organized. Things I love!

:banana: Woo Hoo!! :banana:

Congrats on making it official! The countdown can begin now.

Thanks Kim! :banana:

Which date did you end up booking? DH thinks that he would not relax on a 3 dayer me I would be happy to be anywhere on a Disney Cruise with or without the girls right now!! :upsidedow

We booked October 11-14th. The three day was our first ever taste of DCL and we relaxed plenty! Of course, you always want more.....but I'll take a 3-day over no cruise anytime!

I think that one's only done on days at sea. My wife was looking out for it on our 3 dayer, and it never showed.

Just buy the book Carnival put out on the issue:

Carnival Towel Animals on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Carnival-Towel-Creations-40-Designs/dp/B000PL6P4E/ref=sr_1_1/002-7547987-9245658?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181703843&sr=8-1)

I was wondering, I couldn't find it on the 3-day itineraries either.....maybe I'll just tackle our stateroom host/hostess and torture them until they tell me all their secrets.....

Did you start packing yet?????

I started prepping my toiletry bag, does that count? ;)

I'm so excited for you!:cool1:

Our local Disney Store has it's semi-annual 40% off sale. Just went crazy!
I even purchased the DH two cool shirts for Christmas..(That way I don't feel so guilty:guilty: with the budget splurge) My outfit(s):rolleyes1 sort of coordinate.

My parents called last night. Our family reunion is going to be at Anaheim next summer. Woo HOO. So in my fuzzy budget math.... that means said outfits were even cheaper.:idea:

Awesome news on your state room assignment. Waiting for your next installment.

Hehe, thanks! :goodvibes

my son turns 5 in oct. were leaving end of nov. and well his bday will be a disney suit case if theres any good ones.. with some cloth for the trip lol and some other fun things couse he will look at the suit cvase and say wheres the toys lol

Ive kinda spoiled him becouse of his dad and me spliting so ive tryed to make everything grate for him..his dad see's him but i still fill like have to make everything overly nice

Enjoy the birthday!

[zweihund]

Guess what I got in the mail today?

A little package from DCL reminding me that my vacation is coming up! ....and that my final payment is due no later than Juky 28th. It also had a very nice little booklet with info about the ship, shore excursions, etc. How lovely!

Also, I put in 5.5 hours today at the weekend job. Between today and tomorrow, the rest will be payed for! :thumbsup2

[Tink rules]

Hey Erica!!!

I just read on the drink cups thread that after the sail away party lots of people leave the plastic hurricane glasses behind on the deck...

If you wash them out... FREE SOUVINEER!!!

I didn't know how budget minded you wanted to be... just don't drink the leftovers.... :rolleyes1

[HPHammer]

I just read on the drink cups thread that after the sail away party lots of people leave the plastic hurricane glasses behind on the deck...

If you wash them out... FREE SOUVINEER!!!

I didn't know how budget minded you wanted to be... just don't drink the leftovers....


Tink Rules -- I am still laughing because when I read that, all I could think of was 'Caddyshack' and getting a cigarette butt out of an abandoned drink!

Hmmm...free souvenirs and cigarettes!!! :scared:

[JadeDarkstar]

well i had an idea that im gona do for my son next year. im gona buy a cheap trsure chest thing at walmart, and when on cast away cay have his dad take him for a walk and ill opretend not to fill good so ill bury the trser box for him and then when he comes back ill pretend to have found a secret map hehe it will be cute to watch him dig up the x. lol

[Tink rules]

That's a cute idea for your son!

Too bad you're not on the same cruise as the Geeks... I can only IMAGINE what they'd want in their buried treasure!!! pirate:

[zweihund]

All I can say is :rotfl2:

Not too much happening in the way of updates, other than the fact that I worked enough this past weekend to pay for the rest of the cruise! But I already posted that.

So in other words, not too much happening in the way of updates.

:rolleyes1

[Tink rules]

I was looking around to see what dates I might want to go and the 4 night right after yours was a possiblility... I thought since we had the alcohol switch under the palm tree planned with another cruiser... I thought we could meet and swap leftovers (not from the cups!!! :eek: )... But then reality smacked me up the head with ..."Yeah...sure...like there's going to be anything left!!!" :drinking1 :drinking1 :drinking1

[silversae]

That's a cute idea for your son!

Too bad you're not on the same cruise as the Geeks... I can only IMAGINE what they'd want in their buried treasure!!! pirate:

I'd like a good man in mine please :)

3 weeks till Erica and i can get together to cavort and plan our 3 days cruise! Sad that i'm excited about being able to get together and plan for a cruise that's supposed to tie us over until the big event in Sept of 2008.

I suppose we'll just have to head out for some spa treatments on land...you know, so we can figure out what sort of things we want in sept :) And there should be copious amounts of drinking...you know..so we can practice mixing drinks NOW so that by the time October is here, we're experts! :rotfl:

[JadeDarkstar]

hehe

*barrys a man for you and puts an x on the sand* "dig him up"

[Database]

Erica,

Did I see somewhere that you purchased a Passporter?
If so.... Did you feel like it was worth the investment?
I ask because $22 towards a bottle can make a lot of mixed drinks and I have my priorities!:rotfl2:

[zweihund]

I'd like a good man in mine please :)

3 weeks till Erica and i can get together to cavort and plan our 3 days cruise! Sad that i'm excited about being able to get together and plan for a cruise that's supposed to tie us over until the big event in Sept of 2008.

I suppose we'll just have to head out for some spa treatments on land...you know, so we can figure out what sort of things we want in sept :) And there should be copious amounts of drinking...you know..so we can practice mixing drinks NOW so that by the time October is here, we're experts! :rotfl:

Right on, sistah! I'm thinking pedicures, and pomegranate martinis for starters.....

hehe

*barrys a man for you and puts an x on the sand* "dig him up"

:rotfl2: :thumbsup2

Erica,

Did I see somewhere that you purchased a Passporter?
If so.... Did you feel like it was worth the investment?
I ask because $22 towards a bottle can make a lot of mixed drinks and I have my priorities!:rotfl2:

I really really like it - I don't know if I consider myself a "seasoned cruiser" but I did do alot of research (and poke around this place alot) prior to our other two cruises and I STILL found lots of cool information. I would definitely recommend it. If used correctly, you could save that $22 on the cruise by taking some of their advice, and then you'd break even!

I was looking around to see what dates I might want to go and the 4 night right after yours was a possiblility... I thought since we had the alcohol switch under the palm tree planned with another cruiser... I thought we could meet and swap leftovers (not from the cups!!! :eek: )... But then reality smacked me up the head with ..."Yeah...sure...like there's going to be anything left!!!" :drinking1 :drinking1 :drinking1

I was just about to say......you underestimate us, my friend :rotfl:

[Tink rules]

Go to Passporter...

They just put up the closeouts on the 2006 DCL books...

http://www.passporterstore.com/store/closeouts.aspx

First come first served... good luck!!

[Tink rules]

Ok... next time I'll put more than 3 smilies with drinks!!!!

[Database]

Tink, Thanks for the Passporter link :thumbsup2
You RULE!

Update:
I couldn't wait! I stopped by Borders after dinner tonight and purchased the new one! I kept telling myself.... Erica says I will save at least this much with the great tips.......Now to start some big time planning.

[zweihund]

Tink, Thanks for the Passporter link :thumbsup2
You RULE!

Update:
I couldn't wait! I stopped by Borders after dinner tonight and purchased the new one! I kept telling myself.... Erica says I will save at least this much with the great tips.......Now to start some big time planning.

:thumbsup2

And Michelle, thanks for the link!

[nenner1]

Tink, Thanks for the Passporter link :thumbsup2
You RULE!

Update:
I couldn't wait! I stopped by Borders after dinner tonight and purchased the new one! I kept telling myself.... Erica says I will save at least this much with the great tips.......Now to start some big time planning.

Database, is the "new" one you just bought the 06 edition or 07? Does the '07 have a lot of new information? I have the '06 one, is there enough difference in the 2 to consider grabbing the '07 version too?
:confused3

Thanks!:)

[Tink rules]

It probably has about the Med cruises in it - I know the authors took a RC cruise last year with most of the same itineraries so they could at least give an idea of the ports, etc... they DID remark how they found RC rooms MUCH smaller!!!

Next years will have the Mexico ports I guess...

Even the basic stuff about the ships is great!!!

Oh... and you're all welcome for the link!

[Database]

Database, is the "new" one you just bought the 06 edition or 07? Does the '07 have a lot of new information? I have the '06 one, is there enough difference in the 2 to consider grabbing the '07 version too?
:confused3

Thanks!:)
Nenner1,

I have the Walt Disney World Resort Passporter 07 version "expanded for use through 2008" We couldn't swing a DCL Vacation in 2008, it still brings tears to my eyes to think about it....:sad1: But I'm getting a WDW so:thumbsup2

Once again, TinkRULES! Looks like Tink has the lowdown on the Cruise Passporter! (ughh, I'm in cruise withdrawl! That God for Erica's Trippie!)

I was just on passporter.com to see how to register my new purchase.
It appears that we can update pages on line? I'm still trying to figure out what the crap I'm doing. (But that'd be another thread)

[Tink rules]

Thanks...

But it was sincerely luck...

And signing up for their e mails....

[dopey67]

This is great I'm on the DVC member cruise on Oct 19th... Thanks for the great laughs it's hard to pretend like I'm working when I'm laughing....I'm hooked

[zweihund]

This is great I'm on the DVC member cruise on Oct 19th... Thanks for the great laughs it's hard to pretend like I'm working when I'm laughing....I'm hooked

You are most welcome, and thank you for the kind words! We'll try to warm up the boat for you :goodvibes

[silversae]

yay only um 8 more days till we can bombard lionel with planning things! YAY!

[zweihund]

yay only um 8 more days till we can bombard lionel with planning things! YAY!

*insert evil laughter*

I was starting to feel guilty for not having updated recently, and then you posted. Perfect timing! :goodvibes

[Tink rules]

You don't have Lionel running around getting all kinds of little things to pack already?????

[zweihund]

You don't have Lionel running around getting all kinds of little things to pack already?????

I'm lucky that he pretends to listen to all of my planning details! :rotfl: He's more of a "I'll have fun when we get there" kind of guy, where I actually enjoy the planning almost as much as the vacation.

That's ok - me and silversae will just leave him at home while we shop ;)

[zweihund]

Well, I was kind of hoping that this weekend I could change the title of this pre-trippie to "Geeks Blow Millions!!!" but as it turns out we did NOT win the Firecracker raffle.

Geeks on a Budget it is, then.

[Tink rules]

Oh go buy another lottery ticket and then we can ALL go on the trip with you!!!

[Mozart]

Well, I was kind of hoping that this weekend I could change the title of this pre-trippie to "Geeks Blow Millions!!!" but as it turns out we did NOT win the Firecracker raffle.

Geeks on a Budget it is, then.

I feel for you. We actually won powerball this past Saturday.

I felt like the kid on the bike from the old Jon Cusak movie "Better Off Dead" walking into the grocery store going "I WANT MY $3!"

[Database]

"Geeks Blow Millions" has a nice ring to it!:thumbsup2

I'm married to a statistician (DH).

DW: "You can't win if you don't play!"
DH: "Your probability of winning if you don't play is ZERO. Your probability of winning if you do play is...... approximately ZERO."
DW: "So can we drive to the next state and pick up one of those Mega Jackpot tickets?":yay:
DH::headache:

[zweihund]

I feel for you. We actually won powerball this past Saturday.

I felt like the kid on the bike from the old Jon Cusak movie "Better Off Dead" walking into the grocery store going "I WANT MY $3!"

:rotfl2:

Wait - you won, and you STILL have not booked us a cabin on your cruise? Hello, priorities?

[zweihund]

"Geeks Blow Millions" has a nice ring to it!:thumbsup2

I'm married to a statistician (DH).

DW: "You can't win if you don't play!"
DH: "Your probability of winning if you don't play is ZERO. Your probability of winning if you do play is...... approximately ZERO."
DW: "So can we drive to the next state and pick up one of those Mega Jackpot tickets?":yay:
DH::headache:

:rotfl2: :thumbsup2

[zweihund]

Silversae is in the air somewhere between the Great White North and sweltering, humid Central Florida. Tomorrow, Harry Potter. And Sunday? We take over "the World" - or, at least one of the four parks that make up the world. :thumbsup2

[chepic]

I feel for you. We actually won powerball this past Saturday.

I felt like the kid on the bike from the old Jon Cusak movie "Better Off Dead" walking into the grocery store going "I WANT MY $3!"


Mozart....you are ahead of him, he only wanted $2 ;) I love that movie...I'm a teen of the eighties!!!

Cheryl

[zweihund]

Silversae is here and we have been having a blast. Guess what we did this morning? We put in the final payment, filled out all of our online forms, and?????

Booked a Palo reservation.

Yeah, I know it's geeks on a budget, but when I initially told him no, Lionel squealed "but it's only $10!!!" I have since made him swear that we will not order wine OR cappuccino.

84 more days!

[Database]

Sure.... if you want us to BELIEVE you aren't going to order wine... we will play along. :lmao: (Of course, you'll have some adult beverages in your state room, so maybe this isn't too big a stretch!)

Congratulations on the Palo reservation.:goodvibes

[Mozart]

I have since made him swear that we will not order wine OR cappuccino.


Liar. :)

[Disneygrl36]

Are we getting pictures of the hitting of the World.........a trippie within a pre-trippie perhaps?

Congrats on final payment, form filling out & Palo ressies. :woohoo:

[Tink rules]

Silversae is here and we have been having a blast. Guess what we did this morning? We put in the final payment, filled out all of our online forms, and?????

Booked a Palo reservation.

Yeah, I know it's geeks on a budget, but when I initially told him no, Lionel squealed "but it's only $10!!!" I have since made him swear that we will not order wine OR cappuccino.

84 more days!

Since Lionel sqealed... he gets to treat!!! :rolleyes1

[zweihund]

Sure.... if you want us to BELIEVE you aren't going to order wine... we will play along. :lmao: (Of course, you'll have some adult beverages in your state room, so maybe this isn't too big a stretch!)

Congratulations on the Palo reservation.:goodvibes

:rolleyes1
Lionel says "we'll just bring a glass of wine WITH us!"
I dunno.....I'm ok with doing that in the dining rooms, but it seems a little cheesy to BYOB to Palo. I know by the time he gets me there I'll totally cave.

Liar. :)

:rolleyes1 :rotfl2:

Are we getting pictures of the hitting of the World.........a trippie within a pre-trippie perhaps?

Congrats on final payment, form filling out & Palo ressies. :woohoo:

I might just do that.....someone asked if I was going to do a trip report for Sarah's visit but I didn't think we had enough Disney stuff to fill it. But I might post a few pics, that would be fun! We took some at Epcot, where I tried to drink around the world but only ended up making it to three stands. After that, I was too full of liquid. Go figure.

Since Lionel sqealed... he gets to treat!!! :rolleyes1

That's what I'm saying! :thumbsup2

[zweihund]

Oh, and just because this is a budget thread? Let me tell you about the most amazing clothing line: Bitten (http://www.bittensjp.com/), by Sarah Jessica Parker. LOVE IT! It's only available at Steve and Barry's, which I had never heard of (but which is apparently not too far up the road, woohoo!), and it is cheap cheap cheap while still of decent quality! When I post a pic from Epcot, you'll see one of my new outfits.

And because I like to brag about bargains: I got a pair of khaki-style bermuda shorts, a pair of khakis, a canvas belt, and four really cute t-shirts (two plain-style and two designed) for SIXTY SIX DOLLARS. Including sales tax. Could you just plotz?

I will definitely be going back. Soon. Very soon. Check it out!

Pictures will be forthcoming.

[Database]

Oh, and just because this is a budget thread? Let me tell you about the most amazing clothing line: Bitten (http://www.bittensjp.com/), by Sarah Jessica Parker. LOVE IT!

Pictures will be forthcoming.

Quit teasing and give us your Bitten fashion show! :goodvibes

[Disneygrl36]

Yeah :yay: pictures..........
I am a sucka for a trippie/pre-trippe with pictures.

Bring on the fashion show.....

[zweihund]

Quit teasing and give us your Bitten fashion show! :goodvibes

:rotfl:
You must work for the media!

Yeah :yay: pictures..........
I am a sucka for a trippie/pre-trippe with pictures.

Bring on the fashion show.....

I'll be working on a mini trippie today, pinky swear.

[zweihund]

Ok, so this is the mini-trippie within the pre-trippie that involves all of the same characters and a few photos and even some fashion tips.

The cast:
Me, Erica, self-confessed pinaholic who has been on the wagon for only a few months.
DH, Lionel, former cast member and keeper of the secrets (I don’t know what that means, but it sounds good)
DF, Sarah, aka silversae, Canadian extraordinaire and new Disney convert.
AF (another friend) Cameron, mutual buddy who recently discovered 3-day passes are cheaper for Florida residents and is now considering an AP!

Cameron and Sarah, and a father-son team apparently trying to steal a giant M&M:
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006kyke

This was Sarah’s birthday trip, a warm-up for the October visit for which this thread was created. The plan was simple: three parks, three days, and a little outlet shopping in there somewhere. Oh, and did her vacation just happen to fall the week during which The Order of the Phoenix opened in theatres AND The Deathly Hallows was released? How convenient……

As an aside, we were not at the store at midnight as previously planned because yours truly couldn’t make it past 11. Something to do with having been up since 5:30, perhaps? Though I suspect you could attribute a portion of it to being a wuss.
I digress.

Sarah arrived late Friday night, after which we came home and I promptly went to bed. But, that was not before we gave her a birthday surprise: a Florida survival kit! It contained a beach bag (usable on the cruise), spf 50 sunblock (cruise-able), one of those little squirt-bottle fans (which I guess you could KIND OF use on the cruise), flip flops (adult pool gear!), a floppy hat (adult beach, baby!), a bottle of pomegranate martini mix (to practice with), a cruise Passporter (!!!), some candy (which I’m sure I could somehow relate to the cruise, but that would be a stretch), and a few Imagineering guides to the parks. The bag was a hit, and her Passporter is already dog-eared. In fact, last night she busted out with “you don’t know how to fold a napkin? What HAVE you been doing on these cruises???”

Saturday the four of us went to see Order of the Phoenix, and came home to play drunken board games. Time to try out that martini mix! Lionel played bartender. For the first martini attempt, he followed the instructions exactly: combine one part pomegranate mix with one part vodka, shake with ice, and enjoy! Well, we did everything but enjoy. The mix was very tart and way too sweet. It tasted like pomegranate kool aid, if there were such a thing. In fact, given the recent pomegranate craze I would not be surprised if that started showing up on the shelves next to the berry blue. “Hey kids, why not try some peppy pomegranate? Hey, Kool Aid!”

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006pf0x

We tried a few different ratios and ended up with something close to 1.5 parts vodka to 1 part mixer, which did indeed taste pretty nice, but by then we were ready to move on to the rest of the liquor cabinet. I discovered the passion fruit schnapps that someone had brought us back from South America last year, and came up with the brilliant idea to mix it with vodka and the pomegranate. Talk about girly-drink drunk. Not to be shown up by my ability to create a fruity pink alcoholic beverage, Lionel kicked me out of his bar and came up with his own signature drink: pomegranate martini mix, vodka, peach schnapps, and sprite. Or, as he likes to call it, “pomegranate on the beach, doing things a pomegranate probably should not be doing at all, let alone on the beach.”

Final verdict: the pomegranate mix will not be joining us in October, as the bottle is big and bulky and the taste is a little too strong to last us for three days. Back to the drawing board. We actually made semi-drunken plans that night to go to the big discount liquor store and test out some other things, but we never made it.
Yet.

Next up, Sunday at Magic Kingdom!

[Disneygrl36]

Erica,
Yeah :banana: a trippie within a trippie.

What did Lionel do as a cast member if I may ask????

Did you like Order of the Phoenix? As I sit here I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of my book...I did not plan to be on the internet today as I planned to be buried in Deathly Hallows......but here I sit getting madder & madder at Barnes & Noble.com.

Love the drinking experiments....I have those same martini glasses.

Anxiously awaiting more popcorn::

[zweihund]

Sunday at Magic Kingdom, otherwise known as “what do you mean they don’t sell alcohol in this park?”

We woke early on Saturday morning with good intentions: we fully intended to leave our home at 9 am sharp so that we could be at the front gates no later than 10. But then, sometime after breakfast, I turned on the Xbox 360. What happens to a roomful of geeks when you turn on an Xbox 360?

They start playing games.
It’s all downhill from there.

I think we left the house at around 10, which should be an indicator to you that we exercised an enormous amount of restraint considering all of the geeky gaming options available on this console.

We were joined on our journey by Mat, a good friend of mine and Lionel’s and another recent Disney convert. The five of us piled into our little SUV and headed for the hills, iPod plugged in and skipping around from ABBA to Beastie Boys and back again to Elvis. To say my musical taste is eclectic would be an understatement.

We were all in agreement about our first stop: Monsters Inc Laugh Floor! Since viewing the most recent Travel Channel special on Disney, we have been looking forward to this show. As we waited in line, I could not help but squeal “MIKE WAZOWSKI!” every few moments. To me, it was funnier each time. I cannot say the same was true for my companions.

Inside, discovered that they like to include the audience even more than I had anticipated, and there was a big sign asking for our jokes to possibly be included in the show! I texted my best (also my worst) to the big man himself:

Me and Mat, champion texters:
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006b9ap

“What do you call a fish with no eyes?”
“A fsh.”

Drumroll, please!

Actually, I texted this twice. The first time, I forgot to put in the requested header. The second time, I realized I forgot to include my name and hometown. For a girl with an eye for detail, I was having a hard time with these simple directions. I attempted a third text, but lost it (I stink at texting. In case you had not figured that out by now.) before I managed to hit send. Ah well. I did, however, get two great responses:

“Got your joke. ROTFLOL. Thx 4 that – MW”

and
“Thx 4 the joke! Even Roz giggled (which was disturbing). We’ll try to use it in the show. Mike Wazowski”

Even monsters text better than me.

Though my joke was passed over, the show was still very enjoyable. The entire thing is tailored to the audience, and the animation is fantastic! When I see things like this, I can’t help but marvel at the amazing abilities of the Imagineers.

Mike Wazowski, making fun of "that guy":
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006qs1t

After the show, we got fast passes for Space Mountain (which had a 60 minute wait – seriously, people, are you insane?) and got in line for Buzz Lightyear. This has become one of my favorite rides at MK. I love the Toy Story universe, and beating my husband with my mad lazer shooting skillz (yo) is one of my long-running fantasies.

I got the lowest score of the bunch. Again, this should not be much of a shock to anyone.

With 30 minutes to kill before our fast passes would be ready, we did the best thing you can do before you ride a rickety little indoor roller coaster: we stuffed ourselves silly at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. My one complaint about this place is that there is never anywhere to sit. The five of us bunched around the only available table, which had barely enough room for our flimsy little paper troughs, let alone our beverages. We ate over our laps as we watched the rest of the poor souls carrying around trays of food, looking wistfully over the heads of the crowds in the hopes that someone, somewhere, might get up and leave before their burgers turned icy cold.

Seriously, Disney, what gives?

Once satiated, we headed back for Space Mountain – where we discovered that everyone else with a fast pass had arrived mere moments before us. We waited for about 15 minutes in a line adjacent to the standby passengers, where the air was incredibly muggy and it was getting rather hard to breathe. I lean towards claustrophobia on occasion, and I was starting to get a little antsy when finally they opened the gates for our side. We ran, not walked, to the boarding corral and grumbled about our so-called fast passes (even though they had still saved us a good 45 minutes). Once on the ride, all was forgiven and we squealed like children as we twisted and turned our way through the “galaxy”.

My childhood memories were pouring back into me, and I demanded that we all get on the People Mover next – that’s the Tomorrowland Transit Authority to the rest of y’all. They can change the name, but it will always be the People Mover to me. My party grudgingly rode with me and only let out the occasional grumble about what a lame ride it was. I retort: nostalgia is NOT lame! At least I wasn’t forcing anyone to go and see the Carousel of Progress…..

Sarah, Me and Lionel: having the most fun EVAR!
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00067gqp

Cameron and Mat: seriously, when does this thing let off?
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006r3wb

I do believe we spent most of our time in Tomorrowland, though we did make it to a few other attractions before calling it a day. Because in Florida? In July? Around mid-day? It’s hot. Like, really really REALLY hot. All the water in the world could not keep us hydrated as we sweated off pounds of salty fluid. Nasty.

We hit the favorites: Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, and Pirates of the Caribbean. But before we could make it to Big Thunder Mountain or the Haunted Mansion, we were all rather spent.

Did I mention Sarah is Canadian? In Florida? In July?

We decided to pack it in around 3 pm, as the even the relative noobs had been on the rest of the classic rides. Besides, it was getting to be thunderstorm-o’clock, and that is generally not the most pleasant time to be walking across a steamy theme park parking lot trying to find your car.

As the monorail ride in was rather unpleasant (sweaty people in small enclosed spaces, you do the deductive reasoning) we opted to take the fairy back. Aaaaaaaand, we missed it by mere seconds. Seriously, the guys saw us standing there, and they waved and signed something with both palms that we naively took to mean “hey kids, we’ll be back in ten minutes because we really, really care.”

Yeah, more like 20. And somewhere in there, the skies opened up. We had to sprint to the ferry, along with the rest of the crowd that had formed during our supposed 10 minute wait, over a slick walkway and through a rather impressive thunderstorm.

Up there somewhere is some land....we think.
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006s7ez

I believe this is one of the only times I have ever been cold at the Magic Kingdom.

The good news is that even though it took us almost an hour to get to our car (which is another one of the reasons this is our least frequently visited park – it’s so hard to actually LEAVE) most of the rain had stopped by then. Back in the car, we were all thinking the same thing until Lionel finally said it out loud:

“Wow. We SMELL!”

Pretty much sums up the day.

Next: I have to go back to work? Blasphemy!

[nenner1]

With 30 minutes to kill before our fast passes would be ready, we did the best thing you can do before you ride a rickety little indoor roller coaster: we stuffed ourselves silly at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. My one complaint about this place is that there is never anywhere to sit. The five of us bunched around the only available table, which had barely enough room for our flimsy little paper troughs, let alone our beverages. We ate over our laps as we watched the rest of the poor souls carrying around trays of food, looking wistfully over the heads of the crowds in the hopes that someone, somewhere, might get up and leave before their burgers turned icy cold.

Seriously, Disney, what gives?





Erica, did you hear all of the discussion lately about this topic? Apparently at MK they were testing a new seating..thing... AFAIK they were only doing it at Pecos Bill, but they were not allowing "table savers", and were having all members of the party directed into the dining room by a CM *after* they have their food. The people who observed this in action said it worked great and there were plenty of empty tables (right at noon during 4th of July week) to sit at. According to the CM, they will only be implementing it at certain restaurants and only during "busy" periods, but it sounds like maybe they should try it at Cosmic Ray's. In fact, we never eat there...for two reasons. Reason #1, its always too freakin' crowded. And....reason#2, last time I at there (which was before the Tomorrowland refurb, btw) it smelled funny. Not like funny-smelling-food funny, or funny-smelling-people;) funny, like funny-smelling building funny.:rolleyes: :confused3


thunderstorm-o’clock

:rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl:

OMG...hilarious!!!!

And you know I feel the same as you about the people mover. My husband always used to whine and complain about me dragging him on that "boring thing", I just LOVE it!!! And now he likes it too!:thumbsup2

Love your trippie within the trippie!!! :goodvibes

[zweihund]

Erica,
Yeah :banana: a trippie within a trippie.

What did Lionel do as a cast member if I may ask????

Did you like Order of the Phoenix? As I sit here I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of my book...I did not plan to be on the internet today as I planned to be buried in Deathly Hallows......but here I sit getting madder & madder at Barnes & Noble.com.

Love the drinking experiments....I have those same martini glasses.

Anxiously awaiting more popcorn::

Lionel used to be a server at the Yachtsman Steakhouse, and before that at another restaurant that closed. He was there for something like 8 years? Part-time only. But he did get a Partners in Excellence award - it sits on our shelf in the computer room.

I loved Order of the Phoenix - I thought they did a great job of making a good movie out of a book that was at times difficult to read. Halfway through Deathly Hallows so far.

Erica, did you hear all of the discussion lately about this topic? Apparently at MK they were testing a new seating..thing... AFAIK they were only doing it at Pecos Bill, but they were not allowing "table savers", and were having all members of the party directed into the dining room by a CM *after* they have their food. The people who observed this in action said it worked great and there were plenty of empty tables (right at noon during 4th of July week) to sit at. According to the CM, they will only be implementing it at certain restaurants and only during "busy" periods, but it sounds like maybe they should try it at Cosmic Ray's. In fact, we never eat there...for two reasons. Reason #1, its always too freakin' crowded. And....reason#2, last time I at there (which was before the Tomorrowland refurb, btw) it smelled funny. Not like funny-smelling-food funny, or funny-smelling-people;) funny, like funny-smelling building funny.:rolleyes: :confused3




:rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl:

OMG...hilarious!!!!

And you know I feel the same as you about the people mover. My husband always used to whine and complain about me dragging him on that "boring thing", I just LOVE it!!! And now he likes it too!:thumbsup2

Love your trippie within the trippie!!! :goodvibes

Thanks Jen!
I really think that would help Cosmic Rays. It was really ridiculous. I like "funny-smelling building funny" - I know EXACTLY what you mean ;)

[silversae]

Erica rocks the house with her trip reports. Having just landed back in canuck land i'll try to post something here sooner, rather than later...for now...laundry...unpacking! and um dealing with a WEEEEE small sunburn. :)

[nenner1]

Thanks Jen!
I really think that would help Cosmic Rays. It was really ridiculous. I like "funny-smelling building funny" - I know EXACTLY what you mean ;)


OMG, it still smells like that in there? :lmao:

I'll have to stop in just to get a whiff of nostalgia!!!:cool1:

[zweihund]

Erica rocks the house with her trip reports. Having just landed back in canuck land i'll try to post something here sooner, rather than later...for now...laundry...unpacking! and um dealing with a WEEEEE small sunburn. :)

Just a wee one ;)
Oscar waited for you to come home all night, it was so sad! You'd better get posting soon, so the time will pass more quickly :thumbsup2

OMG, it still smells like that in there? :lmao:

I'll have to stop in just to get a whiff of nostalgia!!!:cool1:

:laughing:

[Disneygrl36]

Mize Wazowski :lmao::magnify:<<<<that kind of looks like him don't you think? I hope we get to see this at MNSSHP in Oct.

Boy........that is some RAIN. :umbrella:

Did you ever figure out the portions for the Wedding Cake Martini....I went back searching for the ingredients....I really want to give that a try. :drinking1

[Tink rules]

Mize Wazowski :lmao::magnify:<<<<that kind of looks like him don't you think? I hope we get to see this at MNSSHP in Oct.

Boy........that is some RAIN. :umbrella:

Did you ever figure out the portions for the Wedding Cake Martini....I went back searching for the ingredients....I really want to give that a try. :drinking1


Ya know... you'd think I actually drink more than I do!!! Not sure if this helps...

Wedding cake martini
Ingredients

1/2 ounce Absolut vodka
3 ounces Amaretto
1/2 ounce orange juice
1/2 ounce pineapple juice
1 tablespoon heavy cream
The mix

Pour the liquid ingredients into a shaker 1/2 full of cracked ice (except the heavy cream)
Shake, shake, shake for a minute
Allow your shaker to stand for a full minute
Strain your martini cocktail into 2 freezing martini glasses
Top each glass with 1/2 of the heavy cream

[MAGICFOR2]

Erica! Lovin' your minnie trippie within your pre-trippie! I had spaced that you had this thread going! I am jealous of your Steve and Barry's! We have a Super Walmart! :woohoo: I know everyone else wishes they had one
:rotfl2:

[Mozart]

We have a Super Walmart!

Walmart = the source of all evil in the universe

(See Mozart. See Mozart type. See Mozart badmouth Wal-Mart. See Mozart run for his life.)

[Tink rules]

Run Mozart!!!! RUN!!!!

But I must run now to MY Super Walmart (down the block from me...) to buy cheap shampoo....

Erica... too bad they don't sell cheap booze!!! (Beer doesn't count...)

[zweihund]

Mize Wazowski :lmao::magnify:<<<<that kind of looks like him don't you think? I hope we get to see this at MNSSHP in Oct.

Boy........that is some RAIN. :umbrella:

Did you ever figure out the portions for the Wedding Cake Martini....I went back searching for the ingredients....I really want to give that a try. :drinking1

Ya know... you'd think I actually drink more than I do!!! Not sure if this helps...

Wedding cake martini
Ingredients

1/2 ounce Absolut vodka
3 ounces Amaretto
1/2 ounce orange juice
1/2 ounce pineapple juice
1 tablespoon heavy cream
The mix

Pour the liquid ingredients into a shaker 1/2 full of cracked ice (except the heavy cream)
Shake, shake, shake for a minute
Allow your shaker to stand for a full minute
Strain your martini cocktail into 2 freezing martini glasses
Top each glass with 1/2 of the heavy cream

There ya go! I can't tell you how heavenly it tastes, you have to see for yourself.

Erica! Lovin' your minnie trippie within your pre-trippie! I had spaced that you had this thread going! I am jealous of your Steve and Barry's! We have a Super Walmart! :woohoo: I know everyone else wishes they had one
:rotfl2:

I can't believe I have lived this close to one for so long, and it took a Canadian to tell me what I've had all along! Craziness. The girls from work are planning a tentative field trip there on Friday......I might go!

Walmart = the source of all evil in the universe

(See Mozart. See Mozart type. See Mozart badmouth Wal-Mart. See Mozart run for his life.)

You'd DEFINITELY run for your life at OUR Super Wal-Mart - ours is a little scary.

Run Mozart!!!! RUN!!!!

But I must run now to MY Super Walmart (down the block from me...) to buy cheap shampoo....

Erica... too bad they don't sell cheap booze!!! (Beer doesn't count...)

Totally!

[FatherForce]

Super WalMart = Super Scary
:scared1:

[Disneygrl36]

Ya know... you'd think I actually drink more than I do!!! Not sure if this helps...

Wedding cake martini
Ingredients

1/2 ounce Absolut vodka
3 ounces Amaretto
1/2 ounce orange juice
1/2 ounce pineapple juice
1 tablespoon heavy cream
The mix

Pour the liquid ingredients into a shaker 1/2 full of cracked ice (except the heavy cream)
Shake, shake, shake for a minute
Allow your shaker to stand for a full minute
Strain your martini cocktail into 2 freezing martini glasses
Top each glass with 1/2 of the heavy cream

Planning to try this very soon. Thanks Tink :tink:

[Database]

I loved Order of the Phoenix - I thought they did a great job of making a good movie out of a book that was at times difficult to read. Halfway through Deathly Hallows so far.

We liked the movie as well. I just finished Deathly Hallow's for the second time this morning.

Thanks for the pre-trippie! I learn SO much from your threads.
1)Scratch Pomengrante Martini.
2)Wedding Cake Martini.... sounds awesome...... must go to liquor store and purchase more "stuff"......:rolleyes1

[zweihund]

Oh, did I mention I was doing a trippie within a trippie that is still a pre-trippie? Because I've been sitting back here for about two hours now with "nothing to do" - and then I remembered, I DO have something to do. So sorry. :rolleyes1

Ok, when last we left our characters we were soaking wet and stinking to high heaven on the long road back home. Once we got home, we cleaned up and had dinner, and then went to see a great little movie that I was not expecting to be great: Knocked Up.

FUNNY! Like, really REALLY funny. And I am not a fan, in general, of "stupid humor". So go see it before it's gone.

Monday came all-too-soon and both Lionel and I had to work. We left Sarah to go in search of the world's largest M&M with Cameron, while Lionel attempted to teach the youth of America how to create a folder on the desktop and I taught a guy with no use of his legs how to put on a pair of pants.

When I got home, Sarah called to inform me that she was at Wonderworks. I've never been there, but from what I could gather it was like a big playground full of giant bubble makers and flight simulators and the like. Said Sarah in her report:

"I spent way too much time upside down today."

We decided we weren't going to touch that one.

While Sarah and Cameron were off playing on I-Drive, I was researching restaurants. I've been reading dining reviews and thought to myself, we can't call ourselves Disney junkies if we hardly ever go there to eat! My goal was to find some unique dining experiences for Tuesday's lunch and Thursday's dinner. Tuesday was Animal Kingdom, so I settled on Rainforest Cafe. It's RIGHT THERE, and I had no idea how long we would want to stay in the park because thunderstorm o'clock and omigod it's hot-thirty are at different times every day through the Florida summers.

Thursday was a little tricker: we had all of Epcot from which to choose. In the end, I opted for the Rose and Crown. Lionel and I had already been to Teppanyaki (Japan) and Alfredo di Roma and we really wanted to try something new. Canada was out, because.....well, she can have that anytime. America was out because......burgers and fries? Please. I did consider Coral Reef, but I wanted to make sure that we would be in a good fireworks viewing area post dinner. So, Great Britain won.

I spent hours researching, and when they got home? And I told them? They said "ok, sure." I forget that not everyone is a freak like me, who would be all like "ROSE AND CROWN? NO WAY! SERIOUSLY? WOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!"

I know. I'm a nerd. But you know what? You're reading my nerdiness. And you like it.

Next up? We finally find Nemo, and slosh our way around the world.

[silversae]

When I got home, Sarah called to inform me that she was at Wonderworks. I've never been there, but from what I could gather it was like a big playground full of giant bubble makers and flight simulators and the like. Said Sarah in her report:

"I spent way too much time upside down today."

We decided we weren't going to touch that one.


For those of you have yet to meet me (oh wait, that's all of you less our fearless trip writer erica)....i don't drive. That's a story for another time, but although i'm a gamer geek, i abhor flight simulators, which happen to be my father's favorite. We used to do this whole bonding thing in which he'd show me his "leet flying skills" and i'm show him how i could crash into the ground 20times in a row.

Needless to say, when they strapped us into the flight simulator and informed me i'd be driving, i warned my gunner cameron that he might want to switch with me :eek: He declined, advising me that i couldn't possibly be that bad and that he'd be fine. 2 mins into it, after spending probably close to 1.58 seconds of that upside down, he was <THIS> close to pushing the giant red emergency stop button! :lmao:

Our friend who was watching the whole thing on the screen outside the simulator, later commented that he couldn't figure out what the hell we were trying to do.

Beyond that, wonder works is kinda fun. Where else can you lie on a bed of needles, experience what it's like to be in a hurricane (hey we don't have those in Canada really!), blow giant bubbles, sit in a simulation earthquake AND have a techno dance off, ALL in one go! :banana:

I'm guessing it MIGHT also have been made a bit fun by the fact that we had a few drinks before going...but, well in my defense i was merely practicing for October!

[zweihund]

I'm guessing it MIGHT also have been made a bit fun by the fact that we had a few drinks before going...but, well in my defense i was merely practicing for October!

:thumbsup2

And this was even BEFORE we alcoholic-slushied our way around the world!

[zweihund]

I just want to make an announcement:

LIONEL IS READING THE PASSPORTER.

:love:

[zweihund]

Tuesday: Animal Kingdom. Or, as we mortals like to call it, the day it got hotter than the sun.

The only thing better than waking up on a Tuesday and knowing that you have the day off from work is waking up on a Tuesday knowing that you are going to Animal Kingdom. Wheeee!

We got moving early, by some miracle. Sarah is the queen of fast showers. We’re not sure if it’s a Canadian thing or just a Sarah thing. We know with certainty that it is not a geek thing, because we like to linger.
Anyhow.

We headed to the park with one mission: to find Nemo. Sarah had been to Animal Kingdom before, but she had not yet seen this attraction and neither had we. So, apart from a ride on Everest, this was the main priority. That, and trying not to melt. Did we mention that it is hot in Florida in July? And that Sarah is from Canada?

We arrived around 10 am, and discovered that for the second of three Disney days, we had left the little squirt bottle fans at home. Great. We did the next best thing, which was covering ourselves in SPF 30 sunblock. Good timing too, because we JUST missed the tram. I think I’ve been on the Animal Kingdom tram all of once in my life, because we always end up walking. The rest of the guests looked at us like we were nuts, but at least we were catching some breeze in the brutal heat as we glided across the grass toward the front gates. Plus, we arrived seconds before they all did on the next tram.
In your FACE, naysayers!

We’re here!
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00068scy

Once inside, Lionel ran to get us lunch reservations at Rainforest Café while the rest of us checked out the wait times. 60 minutes for Everest. Seriously, people. Why waste a Disney hour in a line? Sarah was no noob, she headed straight for the fastpass machine like a pro. The Gods were smiling upon us, as the passes fell right before lunchtime. Perfect! Off to wait in the Nemo line!

Lionel and I had wanted to see this show since it opened, but somehow we never managed to get in the crazy line in time. Remember how I made fun of those Everest losers? Well, we waited for 40 minutes in the blazing sun to find Nemo. At least he got lost in a theatre that was air-conditioned.

To make the wait less miserable, Sarah and I headed off to Dino-land in search of ice cream, which only melted halfway by the time we got back to the boys. The children in front of us were drooling as we slurped down our treats, and one tugged on his Dad’s sleeve: “Daddy, can I have ice cream?”
“Not now.”
I felt guilty. But only a little bit. One of the best things about being an adult at Disney? You can eat ice cream ANY TIME YOU WANT.

After about 20 minutes the guards took down the rope and we were heading to salvation in the form of a cool, indoor theatre. No, wait, let me rephrase that. We THOUGHT that was what was happening. The sweat running down our faces was almost mixed with tears as we discovered the sad truth: we were merely being corralled to another waiting area which had one single oscillating fan. And it was JUST out of reach.

“Dear God,” I thought, “we’re going to kill Sarah before her vacation is halfway over.” In truth, the Canadian was taking the sauna-like temperature better than the three Floridians, who stood there panting like tired dogs. My hair was completely soaked, and I wasn’t having fun at all. The water was almost gone. I was starting to feel like we were stranded on a desert island and all of the coconuts were gone, when they finally opened the theatre doors. A wave of air conditioning hit me, and it was bliss. If only Disney could find a way to harness this beautiful climate control and cover the entire park with it. If ONLY!

Inside, we discovered that the hordes of Brazilian tourists had decided to join us for the first show. They cheered and sang football songs, and started the first of many “waves.”

You know the wave: you see it at football and baseball games. It always seems to die out before it gets to the end because of all the party poopers. Well, let me tell you this: there were A LOT of party poopers in this theatre. HOT party poopers, who wanted no more to do with this teenage Brazilian wave than they would with a steaming cup of coffee. The Brazilian teens stood and sat, and the wave stopped. They tried again, and a few people joined in. Again, and again, and again until finally about half of the upper tier was participating. The teens cheered, and many grumpy faces in the front row crossed their arms and shook their heads. There would be no fun here, not right now. Not like this!

We giggled at the angries, imagining the rest of their day filled with suppressed smiles and holding purses while everyone else went on Everest. This is Disney, folks. Serious business.

Quick, take the picture before the fun police come!
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00069wda

I have to interject here that this was the FOURTH attempt at this photo. Sarah's eyes would not stay open! I chose this one because I look the least drunk, and even though I know no one who has read my other trip reports will believe this, I had not had a drop yet! Pinky swear. Still, this pic came out better than our first attempt, which made Sarah and I convulse uncontrollably with laughter every single time we looked at it:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006tgky

The show was great! I liken it to the Lion King on Broadway: the actors were there, but they blended with their “fish” – Sarah, master of the covert non-flash photo, took these:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006wft1

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006x7k3

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006y4s0

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006z4w1

If you haven’t seen it, make sure you do! The actors are all great. Though I think the woman who plays Dory has straight espresso running through her veins. They did a great job of making it feel like you are under water, and they cover almost every single part of the original film in 30 minutes! My one disappointment? My favorite character, our namesake, was not in the production! Maybe the true title should have been “Finding Jacques”?

Next: Dinosaurs, Yetis, and mean tourists. Oh my!

[Tink rules]

I just want to make an announcement:

LIONEL IS READING THE PASSPORTER.

:love:

Oh man!!! I hope you guys are using different colored highlighters!!! :eek:

[Disneygrl36]

Loved the new installment of the trippie within the pre-trippie. I agree with you about the Nemo show....it is wonderful!!!!! Why is it always so D@#$ hot at Animal Kingdom---like at least 10 degrees hotter than any other park.

On a personal happy note....I got to make my 90 day on-line cruise ressies last night. :banana: We went out to dinner & to a club to listen to some music.....we didn't get home until 12:40am & the window opens up at midnight now....thank goodness I was mellow from a few cosmos or I would have been like this :scared1:. I got everything I wanted so the cosmo gods must have been helping me out :woohoo:.

[zweihund]

Oh man!!! I hope you guys are using different colored highlighters!!! :eek:

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Loved the new installment of the trippie within the pre-trippie. I agree with you about the Nemo show....it is wonderful!!!!! Why is it always so D@#$ hot at Animal Kingdom---like at least 10 degrees hotter than any other park.

On a personal happy note....I got to make my 90 day on-line cruise ressies last night. :banana: We went out to dinner & to a club to listen to some music.....we didn't get home until 12:40am & the window opens up at midnight now....thank goodness I was mellow from a few cosmos or I would have been like this :scared1:. I got everything I wanted so the cosmo gods must have been helping me out :woohoo:.

Congrats on all your ressies! :woohoo:

[zweihund]

I just wanted to say something:

72 more days!!!!

Ok, that's all for now.

[Tink rules]

did you make that Palo ressie????

I'm sure if you look under the cushions in the couch and in the car you might find enough to cover it...

Oh wait... I forgot... It was Lionel's idea...

Tag... he's it....:woohoo:

[zweihund]

did you make that Palo ressie????

I'm sure if you look under the cushions in the couch and in the car you might find enough to cover it...

Oh wait... I forgot... It was Lionel's idea...

Tag... he's it....:woohoo:

:rotfl:
He promises it will be his treat. :goodvibes

[chepic]

Z; I can totally relate to the too hot AK park....but I must interupt your trippie in a trippie to tell you last time in AK we were picked for the Million Dreams and received a fast pass thing...well you would have thought I won a million dollars....people were looking at me like I was a crazy person :rotfl2: which I am of course. I could have been an ad for them. So I can completely relate to all you are saying about being a Disney freak.

Keep it coming...you are by far one of the best writers Disboards has ever had.

Che

[zweihund]

Where were we?
Oh yeah. In the air conditioning.

The Nemo show at Animal Kingdom lasts about 30 minutes, during which you happily acclimate to the wonderfully cool and crisp environment. When it is over, they ruthlessly throw open the doors to the non-air conditioned world and the heat hits you like solid wall. “Omigod,” you think, “I’m going to die. Right here. At Disney.”

But then, you don’t die. You get shoved into a giant horde of people, not all of whom put on deodorant that morning, where you rub elbows with a million other warm, sweaty bodies who all have the same goal: push, push, push outside!
And then? Then, you might WISH you were dead. But you are not. You are very much alive, and you are sweating your little butt off and wishing you were surrounded by an invisible force field.

With an hour to kill before our Everest fast passes and two hours to kill before lunch, we headed over to Dinosaur which was close, and air conditioned. Seems all of our Nemo companions had the same idea, because the wait was up to 40 minutes. Yes, I made fun of the Everest people. But you know what? Most of this wait took place indoors. So who’s laughing now, huh? Probably the people who go to Disney in September.

I love Dinosaur. Sarah liked it when we rode it during her last trip as well. Cameron, being an Animal Kingdom noob, had never been on it and thus inherited the “outside seat.”

If you have not been on this ride yet, I highly recommend the outside seat. Trouble is, I can never remember which outside seat is “that” outside seat, and for some reason I ALWAYS end up in the other one. Including this time. And I flinch.
Every.
Single.
Time.

The pictures are always funny. I’m the only one who ever looks like they’re about to pee.

Did the wait say 40 minutes? It was more like 20. And the stinkin’ Everest fast passes were STILL not for another 20 minutes. For crying out loud, how do we waste some time around here? We thought about Primeval Whirl, but I am not willing to wait more than ten minutes for a ride that lasts approximately one. So what are two geek girls to do but go shopping for potato head parts in the Dinoland Toy Store?

But first, a photo:

He saved us, so he is our friend!
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0006a3we

Sarah and I are self-confessed Mr Potato Head junkies. During her last trip, we each filled a box. I made Tinkerbell:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00058s76

I guess I was delusional in thinking that they would have a whole new line of tater parts since our visit in March……after all, stick with what works, right? So instead we did what geeks in Disney stores do: we tried on Stitch hands and silly hats.

Would you believe we have not a single photo of this?

Well, the store only killed about ten minutes so the guys had a brilliant idea: why not walk over to the Safari to get fast passes for after lunch while the girls hung out in the air conditioned Everest shop? I thought this might not work, because our Rainforest Cafe reservations were for an hour from then, and I was certain the fast pass times would fall over the duration of lunch. But, I didn’t say a word. Which, in retrospect, was a mistake. Because when they came back, and told me the fast passes fell over lunchtime? I missed my opportunity to say “I told you so.”

Blast!

No matter, because it was FINALLY Everest time. I never, ever get tired of this coaster. It’s fun, it’s fast, it’s full of unusual things, and it doesn’t give me a headache like Big Thunder does. Plus, the Yeti is just so cool! Sarah, Lionel and I, the veterans, always feel the need to shout stupid things like “oh no, the track is broken! Where will we go?” Yes, we are THOSE PEOPLE. Cameron, of course, did not know where we WERE going to go. I think the next part surprised him a bit because I’m pretty sure I heard him shriek. Wheeeeeee!

With Everest finished, we still had 30 minutes to kill before lunch. Now I know why we never make plans like this. So much waiting! Erica hates to wait! We opted to try Safari fast passes again and this time successfully got the estimated post-lunch hour that we were hoping for. I told you so! Oh, wait. I didn’t. Blast again.

We were ready for a break from the heat again, and starting to get a little worn down, so my brilliant husband suggested we try to get in early at the Rainforest Café. Did I mention I love this man?

We were shuffled to the reservations line with the promise of seating within ten minutes. In the meantime, I checked out the décor. I’ve only ever been to the Rainforest Café once, and it was the one in Downtown Disney waaaaaaay back when it originally opened. I remember thinking it was pretty neat, and I was not disappointed by the giant aquariums and the swinging monkeys.

There we were, enjoying our air-conditioned wait amongst the yellow tangs, when SHE came. She was a brash woman who appeared to be in her mid forties, and who I suspect had never cracked a smile in her life. She pushed her way through the non-reservation line, back towards the podium.

“You never gave me a ticket! They don’t know who I am! You told me to go to the front of the line, but you didn’t give me a ticket!”

And then, her chest opened up and an alien burst from it, devouring another customer’s head before disappearing back beneath her shirt.

“I need a ticket!”

The poor guy at the podium had the patience of a saint. “Ma’am, I am very sorry. I assumed you were with the party in front of you, because you walked right behind them.”

“Well, I wasn’t! I was just going where YOU told me to go!”

“I’m very sorry about that. Here is your ticket.”

“Well NOW I’m even FURTHER back in the line!” The alien popped out again, but this time the crowd was wise and had given her a three-foot radius of clear space. Clearly disappointed, it disappeared again. She pushed her way back to the front of the line, as other customers leapt out of her path to give her plenty of room. I whispered to Lionel, so as not to disturb the demon hiding in her chest cavity. “I’m so glad she’s not MY mom.”

“Smith? Party of six?”

The woman charged the hostess. “What did you say???”

“I said Smith. Party of six.”

“Did you say Xera, Goddess of Darkness?”

“No. I said Smith. Party of six….”

I’ve never seen a party more reluctant to show themselves to be seated in my entire lives.

Things seemed to calm down quickly after that, and we sat in an area surrounded by monkeys. Let me tell you, the monkeys are pretty novel at first. Even the elephant seems pretty cool. But after about 20 minutes? I wanted to put a gag on every single animatronic in that place, and even some of the wait staff. Because the noise is overwhelming. And when the monkeys finally shut up? The entire restaurant seemed to be shouting “VOLCANOOOOOOOOO!” Volcano, we figured out, is their signature dessert. And to our displeasure, everyone in the place seemed to want one. Volcanoes to the left, monkeys to the right, and an overpriced mediocre lunch in front of me. I wasn’t impressed.

I wanted to take Sarah to a fun place for lunch, but all I ended up doing was give everyone a headache. What a bummer. Next time I spend $50 on burgers and fries? It won’t be at the Rainforest Cafe. From now on, we’ll stick with the Tusker House.

Next up? The closest I have ever been to a giraffe!

[silversae]

...did i mention i love you erica....a lot. :cheer2:

However my coworkers think i'm insane because i just burst out laughing at my desk.

[Tink rules]

Z; I can totally relate to the too hot AK park....but I must interupt your trippie in a trippie to tell you last time in AK we were picked for the Million Dreams and received a fast pass thing...well you would have thought I won a million dollars....people were looking at me like I was a crazy person :rotfl2: which I am of course. I could have been an ad for them. So I can completely relate to all you are saying about being a Disney freak.

Keep it coming...you are by far one of the best writers Disboards has ever had.

Che

Now aren't we ALL a little crazy???????? :upsidedow

I saw a bumper sticker not too long ago that read...

"Boring women don't make HISTORY"

[zweihund]

Z; I can totally relate to the too hot AK park....but I must interupt your trippie in a trippie to tell you last time in AK we were picked for the Million Dreams and received a fast pass thing...well you would have thought I won a million dollars....people were looking at me like I was a crazy person :rotfl2: which I am of course. I could have been an ad for them. So I can completely relate to all you are saying about being a Disney freak.

Keep it coming...you are by far one of the best writers Disboards has ever had.

Che

That was me when we won the ears last year - I started jumping up and down and squealing! Over ears! :rotfl:

And thanks, Che - I have some pretty big shoes to fill with the rest of the great writers here! :goodvibes

...did i mention i love you erica....a lot. :cheer2:

However my coworkers think i'm insane because i just burst out laughing at my desk.

It was the first self-portraint, wasn't it? :lmao:
And......THAT'S why they think you're insane? They obviously don't know you like we do.....:rolleyes1 ;)

Now aren't we ALL a little crazy???????? :upsidedow

I saw a bumper sticker not too long ago that read...

"Boring women don't make HISTORY"

I love it! :thumbsup2

[chepic]

Now aren't we ALL a little crazy???????? :upsidedow

I saw a bumper sticker not too long ago that read...

"Boring women don't make HISTORY"

:banana: Women are GREAT!!! :banana: Just ask my husband. :thumbsup2

cheryl

[Database]

Yes, I made fun of the Everest people. But you know what? Most of this wait took place indoors. So who’s laughing now, huh? Probably the people who go to Disney in September.

I'm sorry it was soooo darn hot for you guys. Now I'm not feeling so cheap for always going in January.


The pictures are always funny. I’m the only one who ever looks like they’re about to pee.

I had to go back and check out the photo! So if we ever meet and I see that look, I'll know to get out of your way.



There we were, enjoying our air-conditioned wait amongst the yellow tangs, when SHE came. She was a brash woman who appeared to be in her mid forties, and who I suspect had never cracked a smile in her life. She pushed her way through the non-reservation line, back towards the podium.

“You never gave me a ticket! They don’t know who I am! You told me to go to the front of the line, but you didn’t give me a ticket!”

And then, her chest opened up and an alien burst from it, devouring another customer’s head before disappearing back beneath her shirt.

“I need a ticket!”

The poor guy at the podium had the patience of a saint. “Ma’am, I am very sorry. I assumed you were with the party in front of you, because you walked right behind them.”

“Well, I wasn’t! I was just going where YOU told me to go!”

“I’m very sorry about that. Here is your ticket.”

“Well NOW I’m even FURTHER back in the line!” The alien popped out again, but this time the crowd was wise and had given her a three-foot radius of clear space. Clearly disappointed, it disappeared again. She pushed her way back to the front of the line, as other customers leapt out of her path to give her plenty of room. I whispered to Lionel, so as not to disturb the demon hiding in her chest cavity. “I’m so glad she’s not MY mom.”

“Smith? Party of six?”

The woman charged the hostess. “What did you say???”

“I said Smith. Party of six.”

“Did you say Xera, Goddess of Darkness?”

“No. I said Smith. Party of six….”

:eek:

Wouldn't that be freaky if she was a Diser and reads this report? :laughing:

Note to self: Be on my best behavior in January.....:rolleyes1

(This is post number 500 and I have sucessfully remained tagless. :banana:)

[ColinCos]

At deck 9, if you go near Goofy's galley and go to the side a smudge, you will come to a little soft serve machine. Awesome right? One problem. THE PAPER BOWLS. They are like 2 in. in diameter and about an inch high.
My advice is to go right to the other side of the boat (not from bow to stern but the other side to side). If you do that you come across a big serve yourself soda machine. It has paper cups that are about 2 in. in diameter, but are like 5 inches higher. You can probably guess the rest...Go back to the soft serve and fill your soda cup up ice cream.

Leave it out in the sun and you have a milkshake, and even if you don't, you have 5 times the ice cream you would have had without my advice. Enjoy!

Me... :dancer:

[Tink rules]

Add some root beer and you might even get a decent float... Do they serve root beer on board????

[ColinCos]

I am so glad you liked my tip. I am so sorry to say that they do not have root beer onboard. You can imagine how sad I was when I figured that out. It is my favorite soda ever! You can make a coke/diet coke float though. That is pretty good. I have to admitt though, it is not as good as a root beer float.

Good luck
:cool2:

[zweihund]

Wouldn't that be freaky if she was a Diser and reads this report? :laughing:

Note to self: Be on my best behavior in January.....:rolleyes1

(This is post number 500 and I have sucessfully remained tagless. :banana:)

That might be bad......hehe.
Hey, I'm around 1500 and tagless, so I win! Wheeee!

At deck 9, if you go near Goofy's galley and go to the side a smudge, you will come to a little soft serve machine. Awesome right? One problem. THE PAPER BOWLS. They are like 2 in. in diameter and about an inch high.
My advice is to go right to the other side of the boat (not from bow to stern but the other side to side). If you do that you come across a big serve yourself soda machine. It has paper cups that are about 2 in. in diameter, but are like 5 inches higher. You can probably guess the rest...Go back to the soft serve and fill your soda cup up ice cream.

Leave it out in the sun and you have a milkshake, and even if you don't, you have 5 times the ice cream you would have had without my advice. Enjoy!

Me... :dancer:

Or......bring a bottle of Irish Creme and have a Bailey's shake!
Just sayin'.
Great idea!

Add some root beer and you might even get a decent float... Do they serve root beer on board????

I wish! I think I could stand to try a coke float though. You know, if I MUST.

[Tink rules]

PLEASE!!!

Just don't make it a diet coke float!!! I just couldn't get the idea of that around my brain...

Diet Coke and ice cream....

If you're gonna go for it... GO FOR IT!!!

Baileys 4 pack already packed for the lake... will restock for cruise...

[zweihund]

Guess who got a new pair of Crocs in the mail?

If you guessed anyone other than me, you would be wrong. Well, I'm sure someone SOMEWHERE also got a pair of Crocs in the mail, but what I'm trying to say is.....I got a new pair of Crocs!

They're not necessarily CRUISE Crocs, but they will be packed for sure.

Look!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000707c1

(except mine are charcoal instead of purple)

I gave up on the Tevas for the time being, because I have discovered that they, while adorable and comfy for average wear, do not have enough support to get me through a day of walking. Crocs, on the other hand, DO.

I am also heading to the Gap Outlet again this weekend in search of more cami tops. One of my good friends sent me a discount coupon for 20% off! Anything! Including the outlet store! SCORE!!!!! I just desperately need summer clothing, which I know sounds ridiculous coming from a Floridian. Sadly, it's true.

I have a rare weekend off, so I'm thinking Lionel and I might head out to the giant discount liquor store to "browse" - looking for O'Mara's Irish Creme (which I think I mistakingly referred to a few posts ago as O'Malley's, but never mind), Vanilla vodka, and some kind of mixer. I will keep you posted on the progress.....this could potentially be a very sloshed weekend!

[Buckeye Gal]

I have a rare weekend off, so I'm thinking Lionel and I might head out to the giant discount liquor store to "browse" - looking for O'Mara's Irish Creme (which I think I mistakingly referred to a few posts ago as O'Malley's, but never mind), Vanilla vodka, and some kind of mixer. I will keep you posted on the progress.....this could potentially be a very sloshed weekend!


:drinking1 Cheers!

[Tink rules]

Hey... Save some for the cruise!!!

Congrats for the crocs!!! I'm sure you will be VERY comfy!!! :cloud9:

[zweihund]

Where were we? Oh yeah – full on fried food, and tired of listening to screaming monkeys.

Lunch was over, and it was time for our Safari! The Safari ride at AK is one of my favorites. It reminds me of the Jungle Cruise, but for real. Plus…..I love giraffes. Any time I can see a giraffe up close, I am happy.

We piled in to the truck and hoped Little Red would make it this time. Which Cameron didn’t understand, but never mind that. What a great trip it was! Every time we ride the safari we get to see something different. This time, as we rounded one of the corners, we saw this:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0007120h

It was RIGHT THERE. Staring at Lionel. So cool!

There was another surprise around the corner as well – a baby elephant was taking a bath!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0007283s

The guide said that the Mother had only recently let the baby get in the water, and this baby was having the time of his life! He frolicked about as much as an elephant can frolic when up to its belly in a pond. Adorable.

The next corner had one more surprise: the most rhinos we have EVER seen on this ride:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00073dr9

All in all, it was a successful trip! We had been pretty wiped out after lunch after a day in the sunshine, but it was definitely worth the wait as you can see from the pics. Cameron was impressed, and Sarah loved the elephant. Who wouldn’t?

Now, you think we would have learned from our experience in March that a day in the park plus a stop at Downtown Disney does not mix……but, we decided to do it anyway. A quick stop at the pastry stand on the way out ensured that Sarah had enough sugar in her to kill a small dinosaur and the car literally BOUNCED to DD. We were in search of toys! Toys, toys, toys. And maybe a pina colada.

First stop? The Lego store. Wheeeeee! Sarah was on the hunt for magnets, which she discovered on her last vacation here. Magnets! Shaped like Legos! Stackable! What can I say, Canadians are easily amused. (whistle)
So are Americans! Because when I found the Sponge Bob Lego magnet trio, I had to have it.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000741k9

Post magnet patrol, it was booze time. I swear, Disney makes the best Pina Coladas EVAR. Except this time? It came out of a slurpee machine! I wasn’t as impressed, but I drank it anyway. When in Rome……
No one else got anything, which made me feel a little bit like a lush. Me? Lush? I dun knuw whach jer meansh……hic!

We made the obligatory stop at World of Disney, which I almost always get lost in. I initially wanted to buy myself a shirt, but changed my mind once I found out it cost $30. Sure, I’ll shuck out 8 bucks for a pina colada from a machine, but 30 clams for a Mickey shirt? I can wait until it goes on clearance.

After WOD, Sarah skipped off to the toy store and we ran to keep up with her. Ok, THEY ran to keep up with her. I would have spilled my drink. I must admit, I felt a little awkward sipping a frosty rum-filled beverage in a store frequented by children, but I got over it pretty quickly. Hed, kidsh! Wann shome? Itsh like a milksssshhake, shee?

We browsed the potato head parts, but for some reason they seemed to be out of a lot of the ones I had hoped to get: Buzz Lightyear and The Incredibles for starters, of which they only had one or two pieces. One bin was entirely empty, so I can only hope they are getting some new stock in. Maybe if I focus on potato head parts, I can keep myself from spending the $65 on a Pal Mickey. That’s what I keep telling myself!

Sarah’s sugar high was wearing off and my drink was empty, so when we discovered that both boys were sitting on the floor leaning against the glass we though it wise to head on home. Ten minutes into the ride, Sarah was slumped forward, her face completely obscured by her hair. I though I heard faint snoring. Cameron took out his camera, but as he could hit the shutter the hair spoke:

“I’m not asleep, so you’d better delete that.”

It still didn’t move, so I can’t be sure if it came from Sarah or some tiny troll that lived in the mass of red on top of her head. Cameron deleted the photo just to be safe.

Next up: watch out Outlets, here we come!

[Database]

I have a rare weekend off, so I'm thinking Lionel and I might head out to the giant discount liquor store to "browse" - looking for O'Mara's Irish Creme (which I think I mistakingly referred to a few posts ago as O'Malley's, but never mind), Vanilla vodka, and some kind of mixer. I will keep you posted on the progress.....this could potentially be a very sloshed weekend!

Enjoy your weekend off! :banana: We're going to outlets tommorrow (afternoon) too!:goodvibes

This summer, I've split my saturday hours with another provider. He needed more hours and wanted the afternoon shift. (He teaches at university in the morning so this worked out great for me.) Now I don't want to go back to full time.:lmao:

I've been surfing the job openings at two university hospitals located in the city today. Wondering if it's worth the hassle and the pay cut and increased commuter headache to go 9-5 M-F and have my weekends back. :confused3

Oh well, doesn't matter. I'd have to curtail my Disney Addiction and that ain't gonna happen!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

[Database]

Awe. I love you're updated trippie. Can't wait to get to AK in January.

No more feeling sorry for myself at having to work full saturdays come September!

[zweihund]

News: we have tested the alcohol.

On Friday, I asked Lionel if he would like to go on a date.
"Where?"
"How about dinner? At Pei Wei?" (inspired by Mozart)
"Ok!"
"And maybe a trip to the liquor store....."
"What?"

Can I just say? A liquor superstore has some of the best people watching you can get without buying a park ticket. There was the older couple in the vodka aisle squealing with delight over the Absolut Peppar. There was the youngish couple perusing the microbrews and discussing the finer qualities of beer. There was the lady who brought her two children with her and was letting them run wildly down the aisles of expensive wine (brave, or just plain stupid.....you decide!). But mostly? There was BOOZE. Miles and miles of it.

After nearly getting lost in the wine section, we found what we were looking for: O'Mara's Irish Cream. Brenda was not kidding when she said this stuff was ridiculously cheap! $7 for a regular-sized bottle! Score!
We browsed for about a half hour before settling on the rest of our purchases: Skyy Vanilla vodka, and Creme de Cacao (white). Why, you ask?

Well, a wedding cake martini, of course!

It took a few tries, but we finally got the proportions figured out. Here is the recipe, which is the closest to the Carrabbas version that we can get without actually stalking the bartender:

2 1/2 oz White Creme de Cacao
1 oz Skyy Vanilla vodka (though I'm sure you could use ANY vanilla.....Carrabbas uses Skyy)
1 1/2 oz pineapple juice

Shake it like a polaroid picture, and the serve in a chilled martini glass while you go and watch the episode of So You Think You Can Dance that you recorded last week, and you will be living my most recent Friday night. PARTY!

Last night we tried the other potential drink option, which was Vanilla vodka and coke. Tasty! And of course, the O'Maras was as wonderful as we remembered from last year's Food and Wine festival. Not quite as sickly sweet as Bailey's.

The verdict? We like the adult version of vanilla coke, but fear it will be too sweet to last us an entire weekend. The martini is the same. Though, I am considering making up a small bottle's worth and bringing it pre-mixed for the beach day at Castaway Cay. The Irish Cream is a hit. So what does this mean? Back to the drawing board.

I think we will end up with a plain bottle of vodka (which will cost anywhere from $16-22 depending on what quality we end up going for), a mixer of some sort (we saw another version of the pomegranate martini for $5 by the same company who makes an apple flavor we liked), and the O'Mara's ($7). That gives us the option of vodka and coke/sprite, screwdrivers (do they have orange juice at the drink stations? if not, there's always room service), wine for dinner (and with the All Hands on Deck cheese platter from room service), Irish Cream for after dinner, or Irish coffee (yay for the beverage station!) anytime we want. Assuming we bring one or two bottles of wine from our cabinet, and it will bring the total booze bill to roughly $34, at the max. Not bad for three folks, eh?

I should have been an accountant. :teacher:

[anewmac]

I think we will end up with a plain bottle of vodka (which will cost anywhere from $16-22 depending on what quality we end up going for), a mixer of some sort (we saw another version of the pomegranate martini for $5 by the same company who makes an apple flavor we liked), and the O'Mara's ($7). That gives us the option of vodka and coke/sprite, screwdrivers (do they have orange juice at the drink stations? if not, there's always room service), wine for dinner (and with the All Hands on Deck cheese platter from room service), Irish Cream for after dinner, or Irish coffee (yay for the beverage station!) anytime we want. Assuming we bring one or two bottles of wine from our cabinet, and it will bring the total booze bill to roughly $34, at the max. Not bad for three folks, eh?

I should have been an accountant. :teacher:

You could make some adult Shirley Temples too if you take a bottle of Grenadine. Just add Vodka to 7up and add a splash of grenadine NO CHERRY LOL:rolleyes1 . Presto Chango... Adult SHirley Temple... What would you call an adult Shirely Temple.. besides OLD... Maraline Manroe???... Pamela Anderson?? LOL:laughing:

[ArmandXG]

Just lurking, but I had to comment on the booze. I prefer Bailey's myself...I guess it's all a matter of personal taste:goodvibes
I packed a 12 pak of the mini bottles of Captain Morgan's spiced rum for our last cruise (Bailey's and Famous Grouse as well). I would grab 2 bottles for dinner and add them to my coke. Saved us $$$!

[zweihund]

You could make some adult Shirley Temples too if you take a bottle of Grenadine. Just add Vodka to 7up and add a splash of grenadine NO CHERRY LOL:rolleyes1 . Presto Chango... Adult SHirley Temple... What would you call an adult Shirely Temple.. besides OLD... Maraline Manroe???... Pamela Anderson?? LOL:laughing:

Maybe an Angelina Jolie? :rotfl:

Just lurking, but I had to comment on the booze. I prefer Bailey's myself...I guess it's all a matter of personal taste:goodvibes
I packed a 12 pak of the mini bottles of Captain Morgan's spiced rum for our last cruise (Bailey's and Famous Grouse as well). I would grab 2 bottles for dinner and add them to my coke. Saved us $$$!

Total Wine had a huge mini-bottle selection as well. My favorite was the tiny Chambord. I brandished it in front of Lionel and exclaimed "I know you're not supposed to say this about booze, but it's so cute!" :rolleyes:

[oybolshoi]

Hi Erica! Long time no post... glad to read that you liked the OMara's (I wish I was drinking some right now). Would you believe that I can no longer find it here in St. Louis? :scared1:

Say...any chance you and Lionel will be able to meet up with Jay and me and some other random DISsers for PFTS on October 20th? We'd love to have you and share much food and alcohol inspired mirthfulness. :goodvibes

[zweihund]

Hi Erica! Long time no post... glad to read that you liked the OMara's (I wish I was drinking some right now). Would you believe that I can no longer find it here in St. Louis? :scared1:

Say...any chance you and Lionel will be able to meet up with Jay and me and some other random DISsers for PFTS on October 20th? We'd love to have you and share much food and alcohol inspired mirthfulness. :goodvibes

I think we can arrange that! Hmmm.....mutual food report?
If you like, I can even bring you a few bottles of your beloved Irish Cream. :goodvibes

[oybolshoi]

I think we can arrange that! Hmmm.....mutual food report?
If you like, I can even bring you a few bottles of your beloved Irish Cream. :goodvibes

Erica, if you decide to come to PFTS check out the meet thread we've got going. There are about 16 people signed up so far for a meet 'n' eat 'n' greet that night.

As for the Irish Cream... maybe one bottle... unless I can figure out a way to get it home 'cause there's no way we can drink it all up before leaving on the 25th. ;)

[zweihund]

Erica, if you decide to come to PFTS check out the meet thread we've got going. There are about 16 people signed up so far for a meet 'n' eat 'n' greet that night.

As for the Irish Cream... maybe one bottle... unless I can figure out a way to get it home 'cause there's no way we can drink it all up before leaving on the 25th. ;)


Oh, Brenda. I am disappointed in you.

:rotfl2:

Send me the link and I'm there! I showed the info to Lionel and at first he was like "$125!!!!!!!!" But then he saw the rest of the description, and he said "mmmmmm......" and started drooling like Homer Simpson.

I totally married the right man.

[zweihund]

Yesterday, I was strolling through the aisles of my local Publix grocer, minding my own business and dutifully sticking to "the list" when I saw it:

Pomegranate martini mixer. The one we wanted to try. With a $1 off coupon dangling from its slender neck.

Needless to say, it is sitting on the kitchen counter awaiting a test run later this evening. I promise keep you all informed.