Geeks go for broke! Updated 2/17: Wrap-up

[zweihund]

It's time.
Gather 'round, everyone. I'm going to tell you a little story:

Once upon a time, there was a young lady named Erica. She lived in a little house far, far away in a town called Casselberry, Florida. It was not far from Disney World, where she frequently traveled with her prince, Lionel. It was also not far from a place called Port Canaveral, where the charming couple vowed to return every September since their first trip on the Wonder in 2005.

Oh. Did we mention they were geeks? Geeks who like to drink?

Yes, it is THAT kind of trip report. Err, PRE-trip report.

The cast!

Erica, me, 33 years old and still a child at heart. A child who can buy rum.
Lionel, DH, 36 years old. Geek. Cute geek, but a geek nonetheless.

Aren't we cute?
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000b64rr

Sarah, DF, 28 or 29 or some nebulous younger-than-me age. Another cute geek. Cute CANADIAN geek.
Mat, DF, Sarah's DBF, 30? 31? Maybe I shouldn't be posting ages without permission, eh? Especially when I don't even know. Well, anyhow, he's a geek too. AND he's from Texas.

They give us a run for our schmoopy.
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000b532q

Also joining us will be a few hundred DISers and their families! We are officially the "Double Dip Delight". We even have a logo. That's what happens when you cruise with geeks.

We booked this cruise about a million or so years ago when it first became available, and for a long time it has seemed ridiculously far away. But now? Now it is only four months away and I am starting to panic, because I have nothing planned yet. This would not be a huge deal if we were going on another Wonder cruise, because I know Nassau and CC well enough to get by on such short notice. Cozumel and Costa Maya, however, are two different ball games. And there's that whole second day at CC thing to contend with.

I'm way behind! :scared1:

So I will be using this as an update tool in addition to a place for a series of lists for myself. My first list follows:

Things to do this weekend:

Anxiously await the arrival of my 2008 Passporter


Ok, that's really it so far.

I do have other things to do, but I think they can wait. Like, getting an actual FORMAL dress. Very exciting. And probably getting Lionel a new tie or two. And maybe a new pair of Crocs sandals. And fish extender gifts. And.....

Oh dear. Panic is setting in again.

More to come soon, stay posted and thanks for reading!!!!

[Bethipooh4]

pssst...your title says 07....

I think you are little late for the cruise..LOL

[Mozart]

Noone is interested in your report.

[zweihund]

pssst...your title says 07....

I think you are little late for the cruise..LOL

I KNEW I was planning too late! :rotfl:
I think for last year's TR I originally wrote '08 too. Can you believe they let me take care of patients all day? :confused3

Note to self: buy calendar. Consult daily.

Noone is interested in your report.

:snooty: :rotfl:

[Bethipooh4]

Don't listen to Mozart, I, for one am thrilled you are writing another TR.

I even read Mozart's.

[tinkerbell34]

I am SO happy to see you writing a new pre trip report! :woohoo: I am surprising my son with a cruise on the Wonder Sept 7th for his 10th birthday (our 1st cruise ever). I spent a few nights reading your past trip reports and laughing so hard that my son runs in to ask me what the heck I'm laughing at. Do you know how hard it is to keep this cruise a secret when I"m laughing my butt off???? I think I have mastered the turn and duck of the lap top so he can't partake in my amusement. :rotfl: I took a cue from one of your last trip reports and bought a new pair of crocs sandals for our cruise. ;) I also really can't wait to try one of those coffee drinks you mentioned.........along with a bahama mama (I am a foo foo drink person). :thumbsup2 I will look forward, with anticipation, at following your new adventure! popcorn::

[MagicMe]

Erica - I have so enjoyed all your trip reports and look forward to your "take" on this upcoming cruise. I'll be joining you on this cruise along with my DS and DGF (dbk1029 - who lurks but writes very little and thedisneygirl02 - who loves the DIS and is very excited for her first DCL cruise)!

This should be fun!!!!:cool1:

[Buckeye Gal]

Erica!! I'm so thrilled you got your pre-trippie started! I'm also excited to be one of the few hundred cast members who will join ya!

Looking forward to lots of entertainment here. No pressure! :rotfl:

[anewmac]

Cant wait to read along I loved your last report. And this time us hundred or so dis'ers get to add a tid-bit or too LMAO!

Mozart Be NICE.... :) dont make me seperate you too!

[zackksmom]

popcorn::

[TotallyAngelic]

HI Erica
Looking forward to reading more about your planning and preparations! We are on the double dip / Costa Maya cruise on 25th October so I will be very interested to read of your experiences. It will be our first Disney cruise and I am very excited!:yay: :yay: :yay:

[zweihund]

I'll just post to everyone all at once.

a) Mozart is just jealous because we get to go before him. Ha!
b) note the logos in the signatures of my fellow passengers!
c) I'd like to say that whatever happens on the Magic stays on the Magic, but we all know that's not true :rotfl: I might have to have the whole DISer lot sign a release form! Hehe.

I did do a little formal dress shopping online last night, before our modem got knocked out by a thunderstorm (I'm posting from Panera right now).....no internet until tomorrow at noon! What ever will I do?

Back to the dressed: why, oh why, is the paper sack dress so popular right now? They don't look good on ANYONE, let alone someone who has hips. You know, like a real woman? *sigh* I found absolutely nothing online. Feh.

Also, sent a nice email to Jennifer from the Passporter saying something to the effect of "I love you, but I'm tired of waiting....."

I'm holding out a tiny bit of hope that it will be there in today's mail, but that seems unlikely. We'll see. I have the PDF version, and I don't know why I can't just start with that. There's just something about a real live book. You know, I can underline and highlight (yes, I know you can do that on a computer too, but it's so much less satisfying) and dog-ear. Plus, it's much harder to shove a computer monitor in front of the husband's face when I urgently need to show him an excursion description. He still has that black eye from last time I tried that.

:rolleyes1

[nenner1]

It's about dang time you started writing for *US*, and not as WORK!

:rotfl:

Carry on.....popcorn::

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Yay! Another pre-trip report to read!!!!

I know where Casselberry is...I have a very good friend who lives there! :)

[miztigg]

yeah another trip report by u :rotfl: i can laugh my a$$ off at 2am instead of taking care of patients :rotfl2:

[rkandmjsmommy]

I am so glad to be "1" of the few hundred families that is crusing with you, its almost like crusing with a celebrity:lmao:

[oybolshoi]

Erica strikes again ... see how hard it is to stop writing this stuf??? :rotfl2:

Looking forward to reading along as always. :goodvibes

[Buckeye Gal]

I am so glad to be "1" of the few hundred families that is crusing with you, its almost like crusing with a celebrity:lmao:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: It really is. Really! :)

PS: What happens on the Magic DOES stay on the Magic!!!!*

*(Except where applicable, which includes DIS entertainment value of 6 out of 10 and entails anecdotes with cast members named Lionel, Sarah, Mat, or Erica.)

[jns]

looking forward to hearing more
we are on the Oct Cruise so looking forward to hearing all about yours in Sept

[Mozart]

I am so glad to be "1" of the few hundred families that is crusing with you, its almost like crusing with a celebrity:lmao:

It's going to go to her head now. Great.

P.S. How many cabins are involved here? 4 people in one cabin would be awfully crowded. Of course, Sarah does get ready in about 2 seconds so it's really only like 3.

[zweihund]

It's about dang time you started writing for *US*, and not as WORK!

:rotfl:

Carry on.....popcorn::

I know, I know! ACK! The good news is, all that work should pay for MOST of our alcohol. As long as we drink moderately ;)

Yay! Another pre-trip report to read!!!!

I know where Casselberry is...I have a very good friend who lives there! :)

You are one of the few and proud! We're actually barely even IN Casselberry, more like Winter Springs, but no one knows where that is either.

yeah another trip report by u :rotfl: i can laugh my a$$ off at 2am instead of taking care of patients :rotfl2:

I'm glad you and I have the same priorities :thumbsup2 I hate when my patients need something and drag me away from my reading! I'm busy here!

I am so glad to be "1" of the few hundred families that is crusing with you, its almost like crusing with a celebrity:lmao:

Awwww.....:hug:

Erica strikes again ... see how hard it is to stop writing this stuf??? :rotfl2:

Looking forward to reading along as always. :goodvibes

It really is! I can't believe I waited this long to start. I'm still working on Lionel for October 2009, btw. Though I fear the Magic might not be able to hold enough liquor for both of us......:rolleyes:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: It really is. Really! :)

PS: What happens on the Magic DOES stay on the Magic!!!!*

*(Except where applicable, which includes DIS entertainment value of 6 out of 10 and entails anecdotes with cast members named Lionel, Sarah, Mat, or Erica.)

Hehe - I promise, no off-color comments unless I have permission. Or unless it is really REALLY funny.

looking forward to hearing more
we are on the Oct Cruise so looking forward to hearing all about yours in Sept

Yay, we'll warm up the boat for you!

It's going to go to her head now. Great.

P.S. How many cabins are involved here? 4 people in one cabin would be awfully crowded. Of course, Sarah does get ready in about 2 seconds so it's really only like 3.

We opted for two cabins this year, and they are even on the complete opposite side of the boat from us. Last time we cruised with another couple we were right next door, so this should be interesting! Must remember not to peek over into the neighbor's balcony. It is NOT Mat and Sarah. Must remember.

[zweihund]

I do have news:

Guess what I am reading?

MY NEW PASSPORTER!

Yes, almost immediately after I fired off an email to poor Jennifer and David I had to send an apology. Thank goodness I was nice.....
I have been reading non-stop for the past 18 hours, with a little time off for sleep. I have learned many many things, including one very shocking and disturbing fact:

Disney now CHECKS ON YOUR FRIENDS' RESERVATIONS before it lets you reserve more than your cabin size for Palo. Dude. Uncool. So that means only one night at Palo, one brunch, and one high tea. Lionel might implode. Of course, you can put your name on a list and take whatever is left, which we will likely end up doing. But I wonder when they started doing that? Were people complaining that they couldn't get in or something? Hmmm.

In typical Erica-overplanning fashion, I have little sticky-note tabs marking all of the things I want to do on this cruise, and I haven't even gotten to the excursions yet. One the list is:


towel animal folding
ballroom dance lessons!
galley tour
art of Disney walking tour
many, MANY spa treatments


I think we learned from our budget cruise (see the link in my signature) that there are a ton of freebies on the boat that are incredibly fun and worth doing at least once, and we want to take advantage of those things. Of course, we are probably going to be spending more than we have ever spent on ANY vacation regardless, so hopefully doing some of the freebies will make me feel a little better about that :rolleyes1

Still have many lists to make. But the will come. Oh yes, they will come.

[Googelibear]

subscribing ;)

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Erica! Just checking in - I'll be "sailing" with you here - wishing I was still there - and so sorry to leave the "Party Cabin" empty - I'm sure you'll find some place to drink, though...:rolleyes1

[Elliott's_mommy]

[QUOTE=zweihund;25297838]I did do a little formal dress shopping online last night, before our modem got knocked out by a thunderstorm (I'm posting from Panera right now).....no internet until tomorrow at noon! What ever will I do?

OH no.....do we need formals? Should I be finding something for the muchkin who will be traveling with us? What to do? I have GOT to order this passporter thing everyone is talking about....of course the resident Disney expert here at the office suggeted the 'offical' guide..which is better? I think I'm going to go into meltdown soon.

[Mozart]

[QUOTE=zweihund;25297838]I have GOT to order this passporter thing everyone is talking about....of course the resident Disney expert here at the office suggeted the 'offical' guide..which is better? I think I'm going to go into meltdown soon.

For the cruise, it's virtually unanimous. Passporter is the way to go. Birnbaum (the "official" guide) is pretty good for theme parks, but their cruise book is horribly mis-informed in places. Not very detailed either.

[podsnel]

[QUOTE=zweihund;25297838]I did do a little formal dress shopping online last night, before our modem got knocked out by a thunderstorm (I'm posting from Panera right now).....no internet until tomorrow at noon! What ever will I do?

OH no.....do we need formals? Should I be finding something for the muchkin who will be traveling with us? What to do? I have GOT to order this passporter thing everyone is talking about....of course the resident Disney expert here at the office suggeted the 'offical' guide..which is better? I think I'm going to go into meltdown soon.

Definately get the passporter- it's like 100times the info and size and soooo much better!!

YAY!! So happy you've started your pre-trip report! I've never gotten to read along with you as it was going on, this is very exciting!:yay: We'll be on the Western in November, so I'll be very interested in all your tips and fun stuff. Subscribing right now!

And whoever said you are a celebrity on the DIS was soooo right- you are so hilarious, you should have a fan club!!:worship: :worship: :goodvibes

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I do have news:

Guess what I am reading?

MY NEW PASSPORTER!

Yes, almost immediately after I fired off an email to poor Jennifer and David I had to send an apology. Thank goodness I was nice.....
I have been reading non-stop for the past 18 hours, with a little time off for sleep. I have learned many many things, including one very shocking and disturbing fact:

Disney now CHECKS ON YOUR FRIENDS' RESERVATIONS before it lets you reserve more than your cabin size for Palo. Dude. Uncool. So that means only one night at Palo, one brunch, and one high tea. Lionel might implode. Of course, you can put your name on a list and take whatever is left, which we will likely end up doing. But I wonder when they started doing that? Were people complaining that they couldn't get in or something? Hmmm.

In typical Erica-overplanning fashion, I have little sticky-note tabs marking all of the things I want to do on this cruise, and I haven't even gotten to the excursions yet. One the list is:


towel animal folding
ballroom dance lessons!
galley tour
art of Disney walking tour
many, MANY spa treatments


I think we learned from our budget cruise (see the link in my signature) that there are a ton of freebies on the boat that are incredibly fun and worth doing at least once, and we want to take advantage of those things. Of course, we are probably going to be spending more than we have ever spent on ANY vacation regardless, so hopefully doing some of the freebies will make me feel a little better about that :rolleyes1

Still have many lists to make. But the will come. Oh yes, they will come.

Ohhhh...sticky tabs for the PassPorter! What a GREAT idea! :)

[Bethipooh4]

Don't forget to label your sticky tabs on your passporter, so you know exactly what to flip to when you are looking for it..

Plus, it makes you look like a genius when you are looking up something and your friends are there planning with you.:rotfl2:

[NZMUM]

Erica, another of your cruise mates looking forward to reading your report :cool1: .

Tania

[zweihund]

subscribing ;)

Welcome!

Hi Erica! Just checking in - I'll be "sailing" with you here - wishing I was still there - and so sorry to leave the "Party Cabin" empty - I'm sure you'll find some place to drink, though...:rolleyes1

We're going to have to sneak a sign onto 6080's door commemorating its significance....the occupants will be so confused when we are all hanging around outside with our drinks of the day!


OH no.....do we need formals? Should I be finding something for the muchkin who will be traveling with us? What to do? I have GOT to order this passporter thing everyone is talking about....of course the resident Disney expert here at the office suggeted the 'offical' guide..which is better? I think I'm going to go into meltdown soon.

The formals aren't required, you can just dress like you are going to a nice party (or skip the dining room altogether that night) but DH and I like to get all dolled up. I have my standard "little black dress" but I wanted something a little fancier. I might have to hit Macy's during their next big sale, the online stores left much to be desired.

GET THE PASSPORTER! It's great. Even for a seasoned alcoholic cruiser like some people I know. :rolleyes1


For the cruise, it's virtually unanimous. Passporter is the way to go. Birnbaum (the "official" guide) is pretty good for theme parks, but their cruise book is horribly mis-informed in places. Not very detailed either.

I second that!



Definately get the passporter- it's like 100times the info and size and soooo much better!!

YAY!! So happy you've started your pre-trip report! I've never gotten to read along with you as it was going on, this is very exciting!:yay: We'll be on the Western in November, so I'll be very interested in all your tips and fun stuff. Subscribing right now!

And whoever said you are a celebrity on the DIS was soooo right- you are so hilarious, you should have a fan club!!:worship: :worship: :goodvibes

Aw, you make me blush! Thank you for the wonderful compliment. I still maintain that I am funnier on paper than in person, but I'm also my own worst critic. Enjoy your Western :thumbsup2

Ohhhh...sticky tabs for the PassPorter! What a GREAT idea! :)

I thought so! When DH asked me about an excursion yesterday, I said "it's under the Cozumel tab, with the blue sticky." He looked at me, rolled his eyes, and then flipped right to the page. I was like "please, don't you know me by now?" :rotfl:

Don't forget to label your sticky tabs on your passporter, so you know exactly what to flip to when you are looking for it..

Plus, it makes you look like a genius when you are looking up something and your friends are there planning with you.:rotfl2:

Either a genius, or completely insane. Which is almost the same thing. Well, at least for me it is :thumbsup2

Erica, another of your cruise mates looking forward to reading your report :cool1: .

Tania

Thanks Tania!

[rkandmjsmommy]

[QUOTE=Elliott's_mommy;25368086]

And whoever said you are a celebrity on the DIS was soooo right- you are so hilarious, you should have a fan club!!:worship: :worship: :goodvibes

She does have a fanclub, we are called the Dis Double Dippers:goodvibes I have a feeling this cruise is going to be VERY interesting with Erica along add in alcohol and we have a Huge Party Planned:banana:

[Mozart]

I thought so! When DH asked me about an excursion yesterday, I said "it's under the Cozumel tab, with the blue sticky." He looked at me, rolled his eyes, and then flipped right to the page. I was like "please, don't you know me by now?" :rotfl:





Has Lionel ever referred to you as Monica? (Friends reference for those of you who are confused.)

[Andromeda9mm]

Hi!

We'll be sailing with you!

DH and I are also geeks. You're in good company.

Meredith in Utah

[Tink rules]

Ok Erica... Planky and I just got off the 15 night PC Repo cruise...

You've got a LOT of catching up to do!!!!

Planky likes shopping..... :woohoo: :rolleyes1 :woohoo: :rolleyes1 :woohoo:

[zweihund]

She does have a fanclub, we are called the Dis Double Dippers:goodvibes I have a feeling this cruise is going to be VERY interesting with Erica along add in alcohol and we have a Huge Party Planned:banana:

You have NO IDEA what you are in for *rubs hands together and smiles evilly*

Wait, evilly? Is that a word? I guess it is now.

Has Lionel ever referred to you as Monica? (Friends reference for those of you who are confused.)

I sometimes refer to myself that way! :rotfl: Organized geeks are the worst kind of geeks. SOMEONE I know, and we won't mention names (but it rhymes with SMARAH) keeps a notebook for her online gaming. But I won't say who. I'd hate to emberass her. :rolleyes1

Hi!

We'll be sailing with you!

DH and I are also geeks. You're in good company.

Meredith in Utah

Yay Meredith! The more geeks, the merrier! :thumbsup2

Ok Erica... Planky and I just got off the 15 night PC Repo cruise...

You've got a LOT of catching up to do!!!!

Planky likes shopping..... :woohoo: :rolleyes1 :woohoo: :rolleyes1 :woohoo:

Welcome back Michelle! I can't wait to see the pics.....I'm avidly following Planky's report.

[zweihund]

In case anyone had any doubts about my anal-retentive planning capabilities:

Revel in the sticky notes. Go on. You know you want to.
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000b746g

In case anyone is wondering, those are the little tab-sized stickies which are AWESOME. They have just enough room to write a little something, they are easily removable, and thay are pretty to boot :thumbsup2

Also, I would like to point your attention to the yellow folders on the left. This is my first experience with the deluxe version of the passporter, and I am so impressed! Not only are those little yellow pages POCKETS, but they have little places for you to write down all of the details of your trip. This is a great idea even if you are not a self-indulgent-alcoholic-TR-writing-junkie like myself. It comes with 13 of these little babies! Plus, there are several pockets in the binder itself which you can fill with plane tickets, passports, extra cash, or maybe a ginger chew or two. Oh! And it has the ability to remove unnecessary pages.

I give it three little green-smilie thumbs up: :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Thanks to my nifty tab system, we were able to quickly pare down some of the excursions. Currently, we are planning to do the Castaway Cay getaway package for both days, which includes a float, a bike and snorkel gear. I don't know if we will use all of them each day, but it's a great deal and leaves our options open. We are also considering the walking and kayak nature adventure, which received a 7/10 rating, but Lionel is a bit concerned about the whole tiny-vessel-in-the-ocean thing. Which, to be perfectly honest, is totally understandable after our experience with the jet ski eco tour (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=14464317&postcount=46). It is still in the running, but falls down a rung every time I mention it.

Of the three Cozumel excursions we were considering, I am strongly leaning toward the Punta Sur eco park and snorkel. It is well rated, and you get a nice variety of sightseeing and beach time. Plus, we can snorkel if the mood hits. Other contenders were the Xcaret eco park (which is nixed because it is a 7.5 hour excursion and we have short attention spans), the Fury catamaran party (45 minutes on a rocking catamaran? with free drinks? that could go either way), and the dune buggy and snorkel combo (which is $40 more than the other snorkel excursion for almost the same thing).

For Costa Maya, we have pretty much settled on the Chaccohoben Mayan ruins, which apparently has nothing to do with chocolate despite its appearance. It has a pyramid! The closest I have ever been to a pyramid was Epcot's Mexico pavillion and the pool area at Coronado Springs resort.

I'm still looking into spa appointments. And trying to decide what night and days we want to do Palo. I only have 30 more days to decide all of these things. PRESSURE!

Note(s) to self:

call Mat
email Sarah
tie DH down and force him to make a decision with me


That should pretty much do it. My goal is to have most of this planned out by the weekend, so I can start focusing on other things. Like formal wear. ;)

[TheDisneyGirl02]

In case anyone had any doubts about my anal-retentive planning capabilities:

Revel in the sticky notes. Go on. You know you want to.
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000b746g



LOVE the tabs in the picture!!!!!!! :thumbsup2

[chepic]

For Costa Maya, we have pretty much settled on the Chaccohoben Mayan ruins, which apparently has nothing to do with chocolate despite its appearance. It has a pyramid! The closest I have ever been to a pyramid was Epcot's Mexico pavillion and the pool area at Coronado Springs resort.

;)

:rotfl:

Chocolate ....pyramid....maybe you are on to something!!!!!

Glad to see you are writing now...wish we could sail away with you, but alas the 3 y.o. Russian speaking child would be overwhelmed with DH's behavior...remember the YMCA picture from my TR...

I will be anxiously awaiting more.......

.....and you're right...I think that Mozart is jealous that you are going 1st:goodvibes

che

[CrazyZeus1]

We can't wait to sail with you too! Sounds like you, um, earned a reputation? :rotfl:

[Mozart]

.....and you're right...I think that Mozart is jealous that you are going 1st:goodvibes

che

My cruise is better than her cruise, though. :smokin:

Yes, I shall turn into a 6 year old and play the "I am rubber and you are glue" game if I have to.

P.S. Rethink Tulum if it's not on your list. That place is gorgeous.

[Tink rules]

Mozart...

(sorry to hijack Erica...)

Corrallia and Corrina are now having dinner with Joel...

However...

Cecelia... on the Magic.... :woohoo: :banana: :woohoo: :banana: :woohoo:

Brunch and Dinner... she just spoiled us silly...

Remember that Erica...

Oh and with all the planning...

Just leave 90% of it home... That's my tip...

[Tink rules]

Oh and Erica...

We made PJ... Palo Manager... an honory Diser on the PC cruise... Lanyard and all...

Not that we aren't into sucking up or anything!!!

He was great... got us into everything and more... GO FOR BRUNCH!!!! It is to die for!!! And dinner... :lovestruc Tea was... you'll be disappointed if you've been to the GF tea, but the lemon Tiramisu was heavenly...

[praisehisname]

Hi Erica! We're on the next double-dip after you (10/25/08), so I'm looking forward to hearing all about your trip!

This is my first experience with the deluxe version of the passporter, and I am so impressed!

I had my first experience with the deluxe passporter last fall when we did the parks and it was awesome! Now you've convinced me to go ahead and get the cruise version. Thanks!

Denise

[jollytammy]

Loved your last trip report! And was really excited to see this one:banana: And THANK YOU :worship: for putting in the picture and your recommendation of the deluxe passporter. I usually just buy the regular one.

[zweihund]

LOVE the tabs in the picture!!!!!!! :thumbsup2

I'm so glad that not everyone thinks I'm crazy, and some of you guys even like it! :rotfl:

Yesterday I emailed Sarah with my excursion ideas and today I got this response from Mat:

I love you. I really do.
But you are a crazy person. Really and truly. Just for the record.

They are laughing now, but when I get all of our reservations they'll be glad I'm a rabid overplanner, now, won't they? Mmmm, hmmmm.

:rotfl:

Chocolate ....pyramid....maybe you are on to something!!!!!

Glad to see you are writing now...wish we could sail away with you, but alas the 3 y.o. Russian speaking child would be overwhelmed with DH's behavior...remember the YMCA picture from my TR...

I will be anxiously awaiting more.......

.....and you're right...I think that Mozart is jealous that you are going 1st:goodvibes

che

Hehe, thanks Cheryl! We'll get to cruise together one day, the cruise Gods have said so.

We can't wait to sail with you too! Sounds like you, um, earned a reputation? :rotfl:

:rolleyes1

My cruise is better than her cruise, though. :smokin:

Yes, I shall turn into a 6 year old and play the "I am rubber and you are glue" game if I have to.

P.S. Rethink Tulum if it's not on your list. That place is gorgeous.

It sounds great, but......7.5 hours? Did it seem like a long time? Also, how was the boat ride, long? It got amazing reviews in the Passporter but we were a little nervous about the whole time thing. Have any pics? popcorn::

Mozart...

(sorry to hijack Erica...)

Corrallia and Corrina are now having dinner with Joel...

However...

Cecelia... on the Magic.... :woohoo: :banana: :woohoo: :banana: :woohoo:

Brunch and Dinner... she just spoiled us silly...

Remember that Erica...

Oh and with all the planning...

Just leave 90% of it home... That's my tip...

Ok, most of that was just confusing but.....as far as leaving the 90% at home.....you DO know who you are talking to, right? ;) When I go on vacation, I have to pencil in relax time or I don't do it! :rotfl2:

Oh and Erica...

We made PJ... Palo Manager... an honory Diser on the PC cruise... Lanyard and all...

Not that we aren't into sucking up or anything!!!

He was great... got us into everything and more... GO FOR BRUNCH!!!! It is to die for!!! And dinner... :lovestruc Tea was... you'll be disappointed if you've been to the GF tea, but the lemon Tiramisu was heavenly...

Mmmmm, Palo. We've been to one brunch and one tea and enjoyed them both (with the exception of the multicolored trifle, which was ghastly). In fact we went on the same day, which we will never do again. Too much food to enjoy everything! But we will definitely book them both.

I STILL need to have tea at GF. *looks over at DH* "you reading this?"

Hi Erica! We're on the next double-dip after you (10/25/08), so I'm looking forward to hearing all about your trip!

I had my first experience with the deluxe passporter last fall when we did the parks and it was awesome! Now you've convinced me to go ahead and get the cruise version. Thanks!

Denise

You are most welcome Denise! With luck, I will have my TR done before you sail, but my track record hasn't been so great lately.....

Loved your last trip report! And was really excited to see this one:banana: And THANK YOU :worship: for putting in the picture and your recommendation of the deluxe passporter. I usually just buy the regular one.

Thank you so much, you guys make me blush :goodvibes
My passporter is sitting next to me right now as I type. Every now and then I look over at it longingly. It's true.

[zweihund]

Just a little quickie:

I have found the most awesome fish extender gifts EVER. DH is sitting next to me at our computer station, so I opened up the bookmarked page and said to him "are you ready to see our FE gifts?"
He looked over and nodded.
I opened the page and as it was loading said "wait for it, WAIT for it, WAIT FOR IT, aaaaaannnnnnnd THERE THEY ARE BEST FISH EXTENDER GIFTS EVER YAAAAAAYYYYYY!"

He blinked twice and replied "ok, those are fine" and went right back to playing his game.

:sad2:

[Mozart]

It sounds great, but......7.5 hours? Did it seem like a long time? Also, how was the boat ride, long? It got amazing reviews in the Passporter but we were a little nervous about the whole time thing. Have any pics? popcorn::

The long part is that it's a two hour bus ride down each way. But the ruins...wow. I've got some pics that I'll have to scan in. We went on that excursion 6 years ago on Royal Caribbean. You get there and they take you on about a 45 minute tour or so, plus they have an area for swimming in the ocean there, and a small marketplace to do some shopping. The bus ride is brutal, though.



I STILL need to have tea at GF. *looks over at DH* "you reading this?"




Tell Lionel that if I can do it...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/Tea.jpg

[Tink rules]

Mozart... I always knew you were a real man!!! :thumbsup2 Tea is just another reason to have really good snacks on good china!!!! and in your case... Champagne... YUM!!!

[Tink rules]

Just a little quickie:

I have found the most awesome fish extender gifts EVER. DH is sitting next to me at our computer station, so I opened up the bookmarked page and said to him "are you ready to see our FE gifts?"
He looked over and nodded.
I opened the page and as it was loading said "wait for it, WAIT for it, WAIT FOR IT, aaaaaannnnnnnd THERE THEY ARE BEST FISH EXTENDER GIFTS EVER YAAAAAAYYYYYY!"

He blinked twice and replied "ok, those are fine" and went right back to playing his game.

:sad2:

Sorry darling... I just whipped up 106 cool ties for the Disers on the PC Repo... but then again... we needed them... we wilted away on crossing day...

So just how good are you with a sewing machine?

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Just a little quickie:

I have found the most awesome fish extender gifts EVER. DH is sitting next to me at our computer station, so I opened up the bookmarked page and said to him "are you ready to see our FE gifts?"
He looked over and nodded.
I opened the page and as it was loading said "wait for it, WAIT for it, WAIT FOR IT, aaaaaannnnnnnd THERE THEY ARE BEST FISH EXTENDER GIFTS EVER YAAAAAAYYYYYY!"

He blinked twice and replied "ok, those are fine" and went right back to playing his game.

:sad2:

OMG!!!!! Now I'm SOOOO curious to what they are!!!! I have to get moving on FE gifts!!!!! :)

[KristinK]

the Fury catamaran party (45 minutes on a rocking catamaran? with free drinks? that could go either way),

Erica,

After reading your previous PTR's & TR's, and giddily recognizing a bit (ok - a lot, if you must know...:rolleyes1 ) of myself in your personality/lifestyle (i.e., anal-retentive, alcoholic, obsessive planner, alcoholic, etc.), I highly recommend the above excursion!

My mom and I did the Fury Catamaran Sail & Snorkel on our Western cruise in Sept 2006, and OMG did we have a great time!!!

The Fury folks (awesome tour company :thumbsup2 ) met us at the pier and we hopped on the huge catamaran and sailed out to the snorkeling site. The reef had suffered some damage from hurricanes the previous year, so they took us out fairly deep to snorkel...as this was my first snorkeling experience, I wasn't crazy about the depth - I kept worrying about water getting in my snorkel and drowning...however, it was really cool and got even better when we reboarded the cat! Once you were finished and turned in your snorkel gear, the bar on board was open to you :dance3: !!

They had beer and awesome margaritas :stir: !! And, boy, do they keep them coming :thumbsup2 Once everyone is back onboard, they set sail for their private beach area (about 1/2 hour to 45 min away) with the music cranking and lots of dancing and partying on the cat! And the drinks keep flowing...::yes::

The private beach is cool and the way they bring the cat into shore is an experience in itself! There were lots of fun and interesting things to do at their beach (water trikes, kayaks, sand volleyball, floaties, etc.) and a bar! More margaritas anyone?? Mom and I were taking it easy - we just grabbed floaties and a margarita and floated about until we were called back in (early, because a HUGE black storm cloud was just on the horizon and working its ugly way toward us!)

Here was where the real fun began for us, and all I can say is thank goodness we had been imbibing all afternoon because the trip back would have :scared1: the he** out of me otherwise! About 5 or 10 minutes after we left the shore, the storm hit us HARD! There was wind, rain, lightening, hail, :eek: and margaritas! The Fury crew had to put on the snorkeling masks in order to drive the boat, but they kept the music playing, and the bars open! People were cowering under tables, wrapping themselves up in anything they could to protect their skin from the hail and wind-blown rain that felt like rocks/needles pounding your skin...but I just found a little cover by sitting under the front edge of the bar :rolleyes1 , wrapped up in my towel. Each time I got to the bottom of my cup, I just reached up to the bar and low and behold, when I brought it back down, it was full again!

Eventually, the storm blew on by, and folks crept out from their hiding spots back up onto the deck and began dancing and reliving the harrowing experience!

The Fury crew was unbelievable, and we tipped them VERY WELL at the end! We did have an unusual experience, but we had a blast! Those Fury folks know how to throw a party!!

The only minor snafu was that upon our return to Cozumel, where we had a few hours to explore before reboarding the Magic, was the fact that we were pretty annihilated from our party on the catamaran :laughing: We danced at Senor Frogs, ran the streets trying to find the good Louis Vuitton knock-offs, and then spent an inordinate amount of time trying to locate a "bano" to use! We were finally welcomed at a jewelry store, of all places, where they offered us free shots of tequila after our quick potty stop! Of course, we had to be polite, so it's actually a wonder we ever found our way back to the pier - on time no less...

Anyway,sorry so long - I intended to just say that it's a great excursion, but somehow felt compelled to share why...:rolleyes1

PS - Sadly, I lost my mom (and best-friend) :hug: very unexpectedly this past February, so maybe that's part of why I rambled on with this tale...

I am sure that whichever excursion you choose, you will make the most of it and have a ball! Enjoy!

Kris

[anewmac]

OMG!!!!! Now I'm SOOOO curious to what they are!!!! I have to get moving on FE gifts!!!!! :)

ohhhh im excited.... and ya Amy your not alone.. I need to get started on mine too! OY... so much to do and only 17weeks to do it in LMAO

[Mozart]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/May_31_001-1.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/May_31_002-1.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/May_31_003-1.jpg

Crap, those came out pretty bad. On those last 3 I was on top of a 50 foot cliff and you can't really tell. Oh well.

I can definitely see you "guarding the keg" on the Fury catamaran too.

[zweihund]

The long part is that it's a two hour bus ride down each way. But the ruins...wow. I've got some pics that I'll have to scan in. We went on that excursion 6 years ago on Royal Caribbean. You get there and they take you on about a 45 minute tour or so, plus they have an area for swimming in the ocean there, and a small marketplace to do some shopping. The bus ride is brutal, though.


Tell Lionel that if I can do it...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/Tea.jpg

Ok, first, LOVE that picture. That is classic. :thumbsup2

And I love the scanned pics! It looks like a backdrop or something, and you are right......spectacular! Sadly, I don't know if we can get past the bus ride part. Lionel and I are both fairly prone to car sickness, especially on bumpy rides, and two hours is.......well, it kind of scares me.

But thank you for sharing! If we ever get iron tummies we will go back and take the Tulum tour ::yes::

Sorry darling... I just whipped up 106 cool ties for the Disers on the PC Repo... but then again... we needed them... we wilted away on crossing day...

So just how good are you with a sewing machine?

Oh dear. I made an awful sofa cover once. Does that count? Sofa covers for everyone! :rotfl:

OMG!!!!! Now I'm SOOOO curious to what they are!!!! I have to get moving on FE gifts!!!!! :)

FE gifts are ordered! I have to take a picture of all of them when they arrive but it will be so hard not to post it until we get back. Maybe I could post it right before we leave for the port.....nah......better not. Can't spoil the surprise! A little hint: it's not at all what you would expect from us.

Erica,

After reading your previous PTR's & TR's, and giddily recognizing a bit (ok - a lot, if you must know...:rolleyes1 ) of myself in your personality/lifestyle (i.e., anal-retentive, alcoholic, obsessive planner, alcoholic, etc.), I highly recommend the above excursion!

Kristin, thanks so much for sharing! Sounds like you had a blast despite the weather conditions. Alcohol always helps ::yes::
Though when I relayed your story to Lionel, he turned a little bit pale and said "NO." I said "but-" and he said "NO." Ah well.

Not much news on the planning front today, but I will be parking myself and hubby's laptop up at Starbucks a little later and plan to commence researching with a latte in hand. I'd go for something harder, but I have to work tomorrow. Someone's gotta pay for all these spa treatments I'm planning.

[CruisinEars]

Another Erica and Lionel fan here!! :cool1: I have read your other trippies and thoroughly enjoyed them. I recently took my own cruise so now at least I know what you are talking about. Look forward to hearing about this cruise.

Also, may I comment on the Pina Coladas on board? Yes...., cool. They are the BEST I have ever had. I only wish I had discovered them sooner on the cruise. You can bet the next cruise you will find me at the pool with a PC everyday. :rotfl:

[zweihund]

Another Erica and Lionel fan here!! :cool1: I have read your other trippies and thoroughly enjoyed them. I recently took my own cruise so now at least I know what you are talking about. Look forward to hearing about this cruise.

Also, may I comment on the Pina Coladas on board? Yes...., cool. They are the BEST I have ever had. I only wish I had discovered them sooner on the cruise. You can bet the next cruise you will find me at the pool with a PC everyday. :rotfl:

They are rather awesome Pina Coladas! The only thing better is when they blend in a little fruity swirl. Ok, can't say any more. I need to stop drooling on my husband's laptop.

Ok, since we started talking excursion possibilities I am coming back to the readers for some advice. Lionel is intrigued by the Dune Buggy Beach and Snorkel Combo excursion in Cozumel, while I am still leaning toward Punta Sur. Any advice? They are both about 4.5 hours, and both involve taking open air vehicles to a beach to snorkel. The dune buggies, however, cost $40 more per person. Which is fine if it's worth it. Anyone know if it's worth it?

In other news I spend a few hours last night looking at formals online, and I do not like what I see. What does a girl have to do to get a cocktail dress that doesn't make her look like a character from Laugh In?

[MAGICFOR2]

Welcome!



We're going to have to sneak a sign onto 6080's door commemorating its significance....the occupants will be so confused when we are all hanging around outside with our drinks of the day!

:rotfl2: :drinking1 :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[zweihund]

Hey kiddos,

One quick post before the storm rolls in.

Guess what I just did?

Paid off the cruise!!!!!!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Tink rules]

And that's a reason to celebrate???????????????????????



:woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo:

[chepic]

Yeah for you!!!! Our crusie jar has a small layer on the bottom...:( not quite there yet.

What size are ya.....I have lots of dresses in my closet after the last cruise...can let you use a white gown...:bride: ....I think it would be nice.

On a serious note, I have talked to people who have done the dune buggy thing and they loved it, however they said it really does knock you around quite a bit, so be prepared for some bruising....another reason for a cocktail after..:laughing:

che

[TotallyAngelic]

Tell Lionel that if I can do it...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/Tea.jpg

WOW, I don't believe it - my mother has that exact china set - I am now going to have to tell her that the china set I always said was a bit naff is actually the exact same as that used in the Grand Floridian !!!!:blush:

[Mozart]

WOW, I don't believe it - my mother has that exact china set - I am now going to have to tell her that the china set I always said was a bit naff is actually the exact same as that used in the Grand Floridian !!!!:blush:

What's sad is that I know that the name of it is Royal Doulton Old Country Rose, and that it's the #1 selling china pattern of all time.

I am secure in my manhood.

[rkandmjsmommy]

What's sad is that I know that the name of it is Royal Doulton Old Country Rose, and that it's the #1 selling china pattern of all time.

I am secure in my manhood.


Moart,
You make me laugh, I followed the surprise wedding thread when Joel and his wife surprised their families on the cruise
You are a GOOD MAN, Tea at the GF and Knowing the Pattern, you rock!

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Erica,
I'm getting just like you...sitting next to me is my PassPorter and tabs! :lmao:

Great minds think alike (or borrow each other's ideas)! LOL!!!!

[TheDisneyGirl02]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/May_31_001-1.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/May_31_002-1.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/May_31_003-1.jpg

Crap, those came out pretty bad. On those last 3 I was on top of a 50 foot cliff and you can't really tell. Oh well.

I can definitely see you "guarding the keg" on the Fury catamaran too.

Wow...love the photos. I'm going to show them to my DBF to see if he's interested in doing that. Thanks for posting them!

[chepic]

What's sad is that I know that the name of it is Royal Doulton Old Country Rose, and that it's the #1 selling china pattern of all time.

I am secure in my manhood.

:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

You are a riot, Dave would say it was the white china with the flowers....

Cheryl

[zweihund]

And that's a reason to celebrate???????????????????????

:woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo:

You want to hear something really funny? I had my wallet at the computer, and was giving Lionel a play-by-play on my cell phone while I was making the final payment. And when I got to work this morning, I realized they were still right next to the computer.

Yes, I carried a nearly empty purse to work today. No wonder if felt so light. :headache:

Yeah for you!!!! Our crusie jar has a small layer on the bottom...:( not quite there yet.

What size are ya.....I have lots of dresses in my closet after the last cruise...can let you use a white gown...:bride: ....I think it would be nice.

On a serious note, I have talked to people who have done the dune buggy thing and they loved it, however they said it really does knock you around quite a bit, so be prepared for some bruising....another reason for a cocktail after..:laughing:

che

Hehe, thanks for the review. I think we are going to do the Punta Sur park. It just sounds more appealing to me. Dune buggies are fun and all, but not exactly the way I want to get around in Mexico. Call me strange....:rotfl:

What's sad is that I know that the name of it is Royal Doulton Old Country Rose, and that it's the #1 selling china pattern of all time.

I am secure in my manhood.

I don't quite have the words. Just, wow. :rotfl:

Erica,
I'm getting just like you...sitting next to me is my PassPorter and tabs! :lmao:

Great minds think alike (or borrow each other's ideas)! LOL!!!!

They help, don't they? :thumbsup2

[Hedy]

Glad to see a geek report!

[zweihund]

Glad to see a geek report!

Thanks Hedy!

I just had an entire update typed out, and then something funny happened and the page reloaded......BLANK.
Sweet.

Here it is again in a nutshell:

Spend a few hours the other night breaking all of the definite costs down so that I had a better idea of how much wiggle room (read: booze money) we will have. Here are the current for-sure plans.....


Palo: brunch, tea and dinner (just have to pick a night for dinner)
Spa: week-long rainforest passes, and the rasul. Will likely book a special (or three) once on board
Castaway Cay: two-day getaway package (bikes, snorkels and floats)
Cozumel: Eco Park and Snorkel (Punta Sur Park)
Costa Maya: Chaccohoben Mayan Ruins (pyramids!)


I also really REALLY want to do the Galley tour, but I am happy to just wait and see what we feel like doing with all of the other on-board ideas. I'm tempted by the ballroom lessons, but I only just learned how to walk properly in heels.....not sure the feets can take twirling in them.

Also, trying to take Michelle's advice and not overplan. Which, well, is going to be hard, considering I have TABBED MY PASSPORTER (see post 37). AND HAVE A SPREADSHEET OF COSTS. AND....well, am just me.

Hello, my name is Erica, and I am an overplanner.

June is going to be a flurry of busy-ness, with Lionel's birthday, a weekend course in Miami (right on the bay! rooftop pool! on the company's dime!), and some extra weekend work. But, I'm sure I'll be updating from time to time.

Happy Friday-eve.

[Hedy]

Because geeks will understand:
I am about to start reading my guidebook for the other place in Orlando I'm going in July. I am getting up to find one of my highlighters that have Post-it flags built in. :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[anc22]

Oooooh, Ballroom Lessons? I didn't know they had that. I have always wanted to try that, but getting the DH to agree may be a challenge. :confused:

[anewmac]

Oooooh, Ballroom Lessons? I didn't know they had that. I have always wanted to try that, but getting the DH to agree may be a challenge. :confused:

Arin... I dont think I could get E to do it either... umm Ill be your partner LOL :dance3:

[miztigg]

They are rather awesome Pina Coladas! The only thing better is when they blend in a little fruity swirl. Ok, can't say any more. I need to stop drooling on my husband's laptop.

Ok, since we started talking excursion possibilities I am coming back to the readers for some advice. Lionel is intrigued by the Dune Buggy Beach and Snorkel Combo excursion in Cozumel, while I am still leaning toward Punta Sur. Any advice? They are both about 4.5 hours, and both involve taking open air vehicles to a beach to snorkel. The dune buggies, however, cost $40 more per person. Which is fine if it's worth it. Anyone know if it's worth it?

In other news I spend a few hours last night looking at formals online, and I do not like what I see. What does a girl have to do to get a cocktail dress that doesn't make her look like a character from Laugh In?
my DH and DS did the beach buggy and snorkle combo and they both LOVED it i thought it was like 80 a person :confused3 not sure my DMIL booked it for them

[chepic]

Erica....do they have a Passporter for Storyland in New Hampshire??:lmao:

cheryl

[nenner1]

Palo: brunch, tea and dinner (just have to pick a night for dinner)
Spa: week-long rainforest passes, and the rasul. Will likely book a special (or three) once on board
Castaway Cay: two-day getaway package (bikes, snorkels and floats)
Cozumel: Eco Park and Snorkel (Punta Sur Park)
Costa Maya: Chaccohoben Mayan Ruins (pyramids!)


I also really REALLY want to do the Galley tour.....

Also, trying to take Michelle's advice and not overplan....

Good job with your plans! I think we are going to do Chacchoben too....(by default it may be our only option if we do end up docking in CM) AND I totally *have* to do the Galley tour this time, also. Do they only have one GT per cruise?

As much as I am fighting not trying to overplan, because of our split cabin situation I don't have much choice since I can't book Flounder's Reef for the baby until my cabin-halving mate pays her balance. And I really don't have the kahones to book excursions if I don't yet have FR so looks like we may be stuck booking whatever is left after 75....IF there is anything. It is unbelievably difficult to restrain myself but I don't want to be dissapointed later. (Must.put.Passporter. down. NOW!):rotfl2:


Although ordering the new Passporter might make me feel better.....;) I so need to do that!

[zweihund]

Because geeks will understand:
I am about to start reading my guidebook for the other place in Orlando I'm going in July. I am getting up to find one of my highlighters that have Post-it flags built in. :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

:thumbsup2 I love it.

Oooooh, Ballroom Lessons? I didn't know they had that. I have always wanted to try that, but getting the DH to agree may be a challenge. :confused:

Arin... I dont think I could get E to do it either... umm Ill be your partner LOL :dance3:

Lionel and I have been watching So You Think You Can Dance so I think that's the angle I'm going to take. :rotfl:

my DH and DS did the beach buggy and snorkle combo and they both LOVED it i thought it was like 80 a person :confused3 not sure my DMIL booked it for them

Passporter lists it as $90 but that may well have been after a rate increase. I think it sounds fun, but I'm concerned with the bounce factor. I'm not a big fan of bumpy :sick: I get carsick pretty easily.....

Erica....do they have a Passporter for Storyland in New Hampshire??:lmao:

cheryl

How great would that be? :rotfl2:

Good job with your plans! I think we are going to do Chacchoben too....(by default it may be our only option if we do end up docking in CM) AND I totally *have* to do the Galley tour this time, also. Do they only have one GT per cruise?

As much as I am fighting not trying to overplan, because of our split cabin situation I don't have much choice since I can't book Flounder's Reef for the baby until my cabin-halving mate pays her balance. And I really don't have the kahones to book excursions if I don't yet have FR so looks like we may be stuck booking whatever is left after 75....IF there is anything. It is unbelievably difficult to restrain myself but I don't want to be dissapointed later. (Must.put.Passporter. down. NOW!):rotfl2:


Although ordering the new Passporter might make me feel better.....;) I so need to do that!

Order it!

I have to look at castaway club dot com (don't censor me, DIS!) and see what the Western's normally offer. If I find anything out I will let you know! Regarding the 75 days out thing, I wouldn't stress too much. I know they keep extra slots set aside for those who cannot book online, AND for first-timers. Good luck! :thumbsup2

[zweihund]

So......Lionel and I are seriously considering "booking" the Romantic Escape at Sea. I keep going back and forth. It includes:


a stateroom gift (robes, a frame and some chocolates)
dinner at Palo with a bottle of wine from the premium list
a (full) champagne breakfast in bed
week-long passes to the rainforest room at the spa
a free 8x10 from Shutters (unconfirmed)


The other thing it includes is the ability to book all excursions, spa treatments and Palo at 105 days out with the concierge crowd. I admit, that is swinging my vote a bit. Lionel's thoughts were "this is supposed to be our blow-out cruise, let's do it!" Mine is.....do we really need robes and rose petals?

All in all I think it is worth the price, but my main concern is that we might not be able to do Palo with Mat and Sarah. I know that may not be the romantic evening that most of you would have in mind, with two extra people at the table, but Lionel and I really enjoy sharing Palo with others. Besides, we're schmoopy. We are romantic every day. We don't need a table for two to put us in the mood, if you know what I mean.

And with luck, that won't get me a citation from a moderator. :rolleyes1

[podsnel]

So......Lionel and I are seriously considering "booking" the Romantic Escape at Sea. I keep going back and forth. It includes:


a stateroom gift (robes, a frame and some chocolates)
dinner at Palo with a bottle of wine from the premium list
a (full) champagne breakfast in bed
week-long passes to the rainforest room at the spa
a free 8x10 from Shutters (unconfirmed)


The other thing it includes is the ability to book all excursions, spa treatments and Palo at 105 days out with the concierge crowd. I admit, that is swinging my vote a bit. Lionel's thoughts were "this is supposed to be our blow-out cruise, let's do it!" Mine is.....do we really need robes and rose petals?

All in all I think it is worth the price, but my main concern is that we might not be able to do Palo with Mat and Sarah. I know that may not be the romantic evening that most of you would have in mind, with two extra people at the table, but Lionel and I really enjoy sharing Palo with others. Besides, we're schmoopy. We are romantic every day. We don't need a table for two to put us in the mood, if you know what I mean.

And with luck, that won't get me a citation from a moderator. :rolleyes1

Do it! Do it! Do it! I'm with Lionel- I'm definately booking REAS for our cruise, and I feel like it will really put it over the top! The 105 day booking DEFINATELY swayed me, because I am a first time cruiser, and I absolutely won't make it to 75 days or whatever it is to book Palo, etc... but I don't understand why you wouldn't be able to book a table and then just add your friends at 90 days to your table- can't that work?

[chepic]

So......Lionel and I are seriously considering "booking" the Romantic Escape at Sea. I keep going back and forth. It includes:


a stateroom gift (robes, a frame and some chocolates)
dinner at Palo with a bottle of wine from the premium list
a (full) champagne breakfast in bed
week-long passes to the rainforest room at the spa
a free 8x10 from Shutters (unconfirmed)


The other thing it includes is the ability to book all excursions, spa treatments and Palo at 105 days out with the concierge crowd. I admit, that is swinging my vote a bit. Lionel's thoughts were "this is supposed to be our blow-out cruise, let's do it!" Mine is.....do we really need robes and rose petals?

All in all I think it is worth the price, but my main concern is that we might not be able to do Palo with Mat and Sarah. I know that may not be the romantic evening that most of you would have in mind, with two extra people at the table, but Lionel and I really enjoy sharing Palo with others. Besides, we're schmoopy. We are romantic every day. We don't need a table for two to put us in the mood, if you know what I mean.

And with luck, that won't get me a citation from a moderator. :rolleyes1

Go For It!!!! the robes are worth it alone, although, Palo is just the bomb and the bottle of wine...that would save you another trip to the Liquor Store....Have you seen Roger Rabbit? "I went to the Liquor store guy, he knew" a little Disney moment sorry.

Cheryl

[zweihund]

Ok. We gave in to peer pressure and booked the REAS.
We book on Saturday night! :banana:

When I was talking to the agent, he said "ok, you should be able to book right now, just give it a few minutes for the reservation to go through. We should be at about 105 days out."

I replied, too quickly, "actually it's 109."

I am such a dork.

Yay for romance on the high seas! :lovestruc

Of course, part of me is panicked that now I only have five more days to decide WHEN to book Palo dinner! :confused: An overplanner's work is never done...

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Ok. We gave in to peer pressure and booked the REAS.
We book on Saturday night! :banana:

When I was talking to the agent, he said "ok, you should be able to book right now, just give it a few minutes for the reservation to go through. We should be at about 105 days out."

I replied, too quickly, "actually it's 109."

I am such a dork.

Yay for romance on the high seas! :lovestruc

Of course, part of me is panicked that now I only have five more days to decide WHEN to book Palo dinner! :confused: An overplanner's work is never done...

Take a deep breath...you'll be fine. :)

I'm still tabbing my PassPorter! :rotfl2: It's so much fun! I took it to lunch at the Olive Garden with my DBF yesterday! I'll take it to dinner tonight! So much to read!!!! :)

[silversae]

You know what WASN'T on your to do list...warn ME that you had started your pre-trippie. Looks like i have some catching up to do.

It's also a little scary that there are people *coughmozart* who remember that I take 2 seconds to get ready. For the record. :bitelip:

Hmmm...Romantic Escape...there's a thought.


Besides, we're schmoopy. We are romantic every day. We don't need a table for two to put us in the mood, if you know what I mean.


Um..i'm fairly certain that on THIS cruise, we can out schmoop you. We'll have 2 months of not seeing each other to make up for. :lovestruc

[anewmac]

hmmm Im debating booking the REAS.... just to be able to book early... But with us doing days at the world and having to fly in and pre and post hotel.. bla bla bla.... E would kill me...

::: whispers::: but what he doesnt see on the credit card... cant hurt ME, RIGHT?:rolleyes1

[flower91882]

More geeks checking in. We will also be cruising with you.

I am also an overplanner. Everyone I know makes fun of my affinity for lists. But, I'm the one that gets stuff done so, :p

Just something funny that may or may not be applicable (and may or may not be embarrassing). I also keep a notebook on the video games I'm playing. It's mostly because I often take long breaks in between because I get really busy, then I forget what I was supposed to be doing.

I'm getting a little nervous with everyone getting the REAS package. Don't take all my reservations!! I can't really justify getting it myself since most of the cost is because of the Spa stuff, which we wouldn't use.

[Brena]

Hello from Winter Springs! :)

I covet your Passporter and look forward to your trip report.

[zweihund]

You know what WASN'T on your to do list...warn ME that you had started your pre-trippie. Looks like i have some catching up to do.

It's also a little scary that there are people *coughmozart* who remember that I take 2 seconds to get ready. For the record. :bitelip:

Hmmm...Romantic Escape...there's a thought.



Um..i'm fairly certain that on THIS cruise, we can out schmoop you. We'll have 2 months of not seeing each other to make up for. :lovestruc

Hehehe....we'll have a schmoop-off! We'll have people vomiting overboard in no time.....

You should totally do the REAS.

hmmm Im debating booking the REAS.... just to be able to book early... But with us doing days at the world and having to fly in and pre and post hotel.. bla bla bla.... E would kill me...

::: whispers::: but what he doesnt see on the credit card... cant hurt ME, RIGHT?:rolleyes1

RIGHT! :thumbsup2

More geeks checking in. We will also be cruising with you.

I am also an overplanner. Everyone I know makes fun of my affinity for lists. But, I'm the one that gets stuff done so, :p

Just something funny that may or may not be applicable (and may or may not be embarrassing). I also keep a notebook on the video games I'm playing. It's mostly because I often take long breaks in between because I get really busy, then I forget what I was supposed to be doing.

I'm getting a little nervous with everyone getting the REAS package. Don't take all my reservations!! I can't really justify getting it myself since most of the cost is because of the Spa stuff, which we wouldn't use.

Someone I know, and I won't say who, *coughsilversaecough* also keeps a game notebook. But I won't mention names. ;)

Hello from Winter Springs! :)

I covet your Passporter and look forward to your trip report.

Hello Brena from Winter Springs! I often do my updates from our Starbucks :surfweb: If you bump in to me there, I might even let you touch my passporter. Maybe.

[silversae]

Just something funny that may or may not be applicable (and may or may not be embarrassing). I also keep a notebook on the video games I'm playing. It's mostly because I often take long breaks in between because I get really busy, then I forget what I was supposed to be doing.

There is NOTHING wrong with this...nothing at all. You're just using your life skills at planning to help your video game life *grin*

and yes.. as Erica mentions...i too MIGHT also have such a thing...or two...:thumbsup2

[flower91882]

There is NOTHING wrong with this...nothing at all. You're just using your life skills at planning to help your video game life *grin*

I would have to agree. However, most people seem to make fun of my 'planning' habits in general. I'm not sure I understand why. :confused3 I think the term OCD has been used once or twice (or more).

[zweihund]

This was going to be a happy, bouncy post in which I was going to tell you that after a few days of wondering if they were every going to show up, my fish extender gifts finally arrived. I also sold my old underwater camera housing on ebay, which means we have some money to put toward the housing for our new camera.

But all of that is moot right now, for I just received this from Dreams Unlimited:

We have been notified by Disney Cruise Line that the itinerary for your September 27, 2008 sailing has been changed and no longer includes a stop in Costa Maya.

Below is your new itinerary:

Port Canaveral
Castaway Cay
Day at Sea
Grand Cayman
Cozumel
Day at Sea
Castaway Cay
Port Canaveral

Disney Cruise Line informed us this change is due to the extensive damage to the port in Costa Maya that remains from last years Hurricane.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.


Kelsie Johnson
Dreams Unlimited Travel
Cruise Concierge Team

Well, poop on a cracker. :worried:
Looks like I have some more reading to do this evening. Le sigh.

[anc22]

Well, poop on a cracker. :worried:
Looks like I have some more reading to do this evening. Le sigh.

I have never heard that expression before and it literally made me laugh out loud and choke on the actual crackers (triscuits) that I am eating. :lmao:

[flower91882]

I was more excited about the skunk reference: "Le sigh"

I don't see why everyone's so upset about the port change. More Planning to do! Isn't that always exciting? Just me? ok.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Well, poop on a cracker. :worried:
Looks like I have some more reading to do this evening. Le sigh.

I like that expression!

I guess you had to move your tabs! I haven't gotten that far just yet so mine wasn't tabbed up!

Despite the change, I'm sure we'll still have an awesome time! :)

[Mozart]

It's also a little scary that there are people *coughmozart* who remember that I take 2 seconds to get ready. For the record. :bitelip:

Hmmm...Romantic Escape...there's a thought.

I think you should do it. Nothing more nauseating than a romantic trip for a young married couple except for a romantic trip for a young unmarried couple who haven't seen each other in 2 months.

Oh yeah...it's amazing the things I remember. I'm a brilliant guy.



Well, poop on a cracker. :worried:
Looks like I have some more reading to do this evening. Le sigh.

:scared1: THE NIGHTMARE! ALL THE TRIP PLANNING YOU'VE DONE! ALL THE TABS YOU'VE CROSS-REFERENCED IN YOUR PASSPORTER.

And now you gotta do it all over again! (Well, for us OCD planners, that might not be a bad thing.)

At least they told you now and not after you hit the 105 day mark.

[nenner1]

I don't see why everyone's so upset about the port change. More Planning to do! Isn't that always exciting? Just me? ok.

Oh, ITA!

While I am dissapointed we aren't going to CM...I am so excited we are now going to GC. It's almost like its a whole new cruise!!! :rotfl2:

[chepic]

Last I had heard, Costo Maya was wiped out from the Hurricanes last year, so going somewhere else is probably a good thing. I said to one of the PT's "oh yeah, that will go over like a lead balloon" and she looked at me like I had 3 heads....never heard that saying before. So now I will have to use the poop on a cracker and see what she says.

cheryl

[zweihund]

I have never heard that expression before and it literally made me laugh out loud and choke on the actual crackers (triscuits) that I am eating. :lmao:

:rotfl2:
I think the original phrase is "crap on a cracker" but I think poop sounds better. Poop is my favorite exclamation when I am having a hard time with something. It keeps me from saying bad things in front of children ;)

I was more excited about the skunk reference: "Le sigh"

I don't see why everyone's so upset about the port change. More Planning to do! Isn't that always exciting? Just me? ok.

I can't say I'm upset, just disappointed. One of the main reasons I wanted this cruise was to see the Mayan ruins. It's not the end of the world; it's just a place I have always wanted to visit and now I have to wait.

Stupid hurricane. :(

I like that expression!

I guess you had to move your tabs! I haven't gotten that far just yet so mine wasn't tabbed up!

Despite the change, I'm sure we'll still have an awesome time! :)

Last night I went out into the living room and plopped down on the sofa with my passporter and tabs. Lionel said "what are you doing?" and I said RESEARCH. I must have given him "the look" too, because he didn't ask me anything else!

I think you should do it. Nothing more nauseating than a romantic trip for a young married couple except for a romantic trip for a young unmarried couple who haven't seen each other in 2 months.

:lmao:


:scared1: THE NIGHTMARE! ALL THE TRIP PLANNING YOU'VE DONE! ALL THE TABS YOU'VE CROSS-REFERENCED IN YOUR PASSPORTER.

And now you gotta do it all over again! (Well, for us OCD planners, that might not be a bad thing.)

At least they told you now and not after you hit the 105 day mark.

I'm so glad to know I am not the only person who cross-references tabs. :thumbsup2

I do have to admit, it's kind of fun planning again. And I am thankful that it happened NOW as opposed to later, but still.....would have been nice to have known a few months ago. I REALLY feel bad for the people of Costa Maya who are having to rebuild and miss all of these tourism dollars. Now we have no one to bring school supplies to!

Oh, ITA!

While I am dissapointed we aren't going to CM...I am so excited we are now going to GC. It's almost like its a whole new cruise!!! :rotfl2:

I think most of us know how to make the best of it. Besides, I'm sure they sell margaritas in Grand Cayman too, right? ;)

Last I had heard, Costo Maya was wiped out from the Hurricanes last year, so going somewhere else is probably a good thing. I said to one of the PT's "oh yeah, that will go over like a lead balloon" and she looked at me like I had 3 heads....never heard that saying before. So now I will have to use the poop on a cracker and see what she says.

cheryl

Haha! You have to tell me what she says. My favorite phrase of all time is "you can't swing a dead cat without hitting X" - I don't know what kind of person that makes me......:rolleyes1

[chepic]

A patient just told me this one.....her husband's boss said it....you can't polish a turd!!!:lmao:

I guess it's that kind of week....and ends today on Friday the 13th!!!

Have a great weekend.

cheryl

[MAGICFOR2]

I was more excited about the skunk reference: "Le sigh"

I don't see why everyone's so upset about the port change. More Planning to do! Isn't that always exciting? Just me? ok.

Erica, I'm so jealous! Grand Cayman is supposed to be so great - a double dip and GC at that price! :woohoo: Now I'm really, really sorry we changed our plans - but I'm really happy for you! I guess not seeing the ruins would be a disappointment. Should I be sad or happy for you? :confused3

[zweihund]

A patient just told me this one.....her husband's boss said it....you can't polish a turd!!!:lmao:

I guess it's that kind of week....and ends today on Friday the 13th!!!

Have a great weekend.

cheryl

Nice! :rotfl:

Erica, I'm so jealous! Grand Cayman is supposed to be so great - a double dip and GC at that price! :woohoo: Now I'm really, really sorry we changed our plans - but I'm really happy for you! I guess not seeing the ruins would be a disappointment. Should I be sad or happy for you? :confused3

I think a little of both ;)
I have resigned myself to the fact that despite the change in plans, we ARE still going to have a fantastic time. I guess I can learn to live with the sparkling, crystal blue waters of the paradsise that is Grand Cayman.....

[MAGICFOR2]

Nice! :rotfl:



I think a little of both ;)
I have resigned myself to the fact that despite the change in plans, we ARE still going to have a fantastic time. I guess I can learn to live with the sparkling, crystal blue waters of the paradsise that is Grand Cayman.....

I know it will be hard, but good for you to make the best of it :drinking1

[zweihund]

Ok, we book in......about 7 hours. And I am FREAKING OUT. For no reason whatsoever. Well, there is an actual reason. I have no idea yet what to book for Grand Cayman. This is not a particularly huge deal, since I doubt any of the beach-only excursions will be selling out, but still.
It won't be DONE.

Here is what we are booking tonight:

Castaway Cay day #1 (Sunday): Two-Day CC Getaway Package, Palo Dinner
Sea Day #1 (Monday): Palo High Tea, Exotic Rasul
Grand Cayman (Tuesday): see frantic post above
Cozumel (Wednesday): Eco Park and Snorkel
Sea Day #2 (Thursday): Palo Brunch
Castaway Cay day #2 (Friday): (getaway package)

I am probably going to check in to getting one of the spa specials onboard for a spa taster or a stone massage or something......and will be spending the rest of the evening researching GC beach packages.

To many of you, this will come as no surprise: the thing I am most excited about in GC is the Tortuga Rum Cake Bakery. :thumbsup2 I am trying to figure out how many rum cakes two people can carry......

[MAGICFOR2]

Sounds wonderful! I don't know how many rum cakes you can carry, but back in the day we carried 8 bottles of rum carry on! :bitelip:

[zweihund]

Sounds wonderful! I don't know how many rum cakes you can carry, but back in the day we carried 8 bottles of rum carry on! :bitelip:

Tammie, I have big shoes to fill. ;)

Ok, it is official: we are going to Rum Point on Grand Cayman. Mostly because of the name. :thumbsup2

Is it midnight yet? :hyper:

[nenner1]

Castaway Cay day #1 (Sunday): Two-Day CC Getaway Package, Palo Dinner
Sea Day #1 (Monday): Palo High Tea, Exotic Rasul
Grand Cayman (Tuesday): see frantic post above
Cozumel (Wednesday): Eco Park and Snorkel
Sea Day #2 (Thursday): Palo Brunch
Castaway Cay day #2 (Friday): (getaway package)

Nice...I like it!:thumbsup2
(Evil grin) I especially like how all you 105'ers are so loose lipped with your plans. Helps us 90 day poor folk figure out which days will be easier to book for what...:laughing: You know. Whatever's left for us cheapos to scrounge after!:rotfl:

To many of you, this will come as no surprise: the thing I am most excited about in GC is the Tortuga Rum Cake Bakery. :thumbsup2 I am trying to figure out how many rum cakes two people can carry......

OMG, you are so not alone. Now THIS is the benefit of having to tote along a stroller....a huge under-basket to FILL with rum cakes!!!! :cloud9: And two kids I will pimp out to carry rum cake bags. They could probably carry four bags each, those cakes are light! I'll have to have them practice building their upper arm strength bringing in the Publix grocery bags.....bwahahahahaah!:rolleyes1

And this is shameful to admit but on our last trip in Nassau we bought one multipack (six cakes)...of the small ones and one large original flavor...and I ate them ALL the day we got back. ALL seven of them. Ron did help, but not much, it was mostly me. I was PG is that an excuse??? :cutie:

:banana: Good luck tonite you lucky duck!!!!

[flower91882]

Castaway Cay day #1 (Sunday): Two-Day CC Getaway Package, Palo Dinner
Sea Day #1 (Monday): Palo High Tea, Exotic Rasul
Grand Cayman (Tuesday): see frantic post above
Cozumel (Wednesday): Eco Park and Snorkel
Sea Day #2 (Thursday): Palo Brunch
Castaway Cay day #2 (Friday): (getaway package)


Eek...I think those are the days I was planning for tea and brunch too. :worried:

If I don't get my ressies, I'm blaming you! :laughing:

[zweihund]

Nice...I like it!:thumbsup2
(Evil grin) I especially like how all you 105'ers are so loose lipped with your plans. Helps us 90 day poor folk figure out which days will be easier to book for what...:laughing: You know. Whatever's left for us cheapos to scrounge after!:rotfl:



OMG, you are so not alone. Now THIS is the benefit of having to tote along a stroller....a huge under-basket to FILL with rum cakes!!!! :cloud9: And two kids I will pimp out to carry rum cake bags. They could probably carry four bags each, those cakes are light! I'll have to have them practice building their upper arm strength bringing in the Publix grocery bags.....bwahahahahaah!:rolleyes1

And this is shameful to admit but on our last trip in Nassau we bought one multipack (six cakes)...of the small ones and one large original flavor...and I ate them ALL the day we got back. ALL seven of them. Ron did help, but not much, it was mostly me. I was PG is that an excuse??? :cutie:

:banana: Good luck tonite you lucky duck!!!!

:lmao:

If I can even keep my eyes open until midnight, I'll be in good shape. I've been up since 5:30 this morning! Midnight seemed like such a good idea about 6 hours ago, and now? I'm thinking we'll get Palo when we get Palo, the bed looks REALLY comfy...... :rotfl:

Eek...I think those are the days I was planning for tea and brunch too. :worried:

If I don't get my ressies, I'm blaming you! :laughing:

Don't worry; you have a whole morning and afternoon to choose from!

T-minus 45 minutes, and couting. I hope the caffiene holds out.

[anc22]

T-minus 45 minutes, and couting. I hope the caffiene holds out.

I am right there with you, except since I am on the West Coast, it will only be 9:00 p.m. for me ;)

:surfweb:

[zweihund]

I am right there with you, except since I am on the West Coast, it will only be 9:00 p.m. for me ;)

:surfweb:

Oh, man......now I am the one who is jealous! :lmao:

[anewmac]

Nice...I like it!:thumbsup2
(Evil grin) I especially like how all you 105'ers are so loose lipped with your plans. Helps us 90 day poor folk figure out which days will be easier to book for what...:laughing: You know. Whatever's left for us cheapos to scrounge after!:rotfl:



OMG, you are so not alone. Now THIS is the benefit of having to tote along a stroller....a huge under-basket to FILL with rum cakes!!!! :cloud9: And two kids I will pimp out to carry rum cake bags. They could probably carry four bags each, those cakes are light! I'll have to have them practice building their upper arm strength bringing in the Publix grocery bags.....bwahahahahaah!:rolleyes1



OMG Im busting a gut LOL over here.. P & J keep asking whats so funny... I cant tell them cuz well,... Ill be pimping them out too also carry cakes.. and RUM lmao. Ok Ill carry the cakes they can take the rum... what those suckers are heavy!

and Ya you 90 dayers better open up about your plans too so that us 1st timers that were too cheap to get the REAS package (I didnt do it... Disney Visa is already heavy LOL) Know whats leftover and how early to get to port to stand in line on board to change or GET palo, spa stuff etc.... LOL

GOOD LUCK Erica!!! we expect an update before you hit the rack letting us know what you got.. !pixiedust:

[zweihund]

Well, there is good news and there is bad news.

The good news is that I did not completely freak out at 12:01, when the red type on the DCL website told me I could not book because my reservation was not paid in full. Instead, in disbelief, I refreshed the screen and discovered that the booking screen was indeed open, leading me to believe that I had fallen asleep momentarily and was having a nightmare.

We got everything we wanted, at the times we wanted.

The bad news? Well, it won't let us put Mat and Sarah in our Palo dining plans because their booking window is not open yet. How crappy is that? So I booked anyhow, figuring we can change it at the 90 day mark if need be.

You would think that my mostly-successful reservation fiasco would have my adrenaline pumping, but in truth I can barely move my hands to type anymore. Therefore I am off to bed. I'm sure I'll be chattier in the morning.

'night, DIS.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Well, there is good news and there is bad news.

The good news is that I did not completely freak out at 12:01, when the red type on the DCL website told me I could not book because my reservation was not paid in full. Instead, in disbelief, I refreshed the screen and discovered that the booking screen was indeed open, leading me to believe that I had fallen asleep momentarily and was having a nightmare.

We got everything we wanted, at the times we wanted.

The bad news? Well, it won't let us put Mat and Sarah in our Palo dining plans because their booking window is not open yet. How crappy is that? So I booked anyhow, figuring we can change it at the 90 day mark if need be.

You would think that my mostly-successful reservation fiasco would have my adrenaline pumping, but in truth I can barely move my hands to type anymore. Therefore I am off to bed. I'm sure I'll be chattier in the morning.

'night, DIS.


Glad you got everything you wanted!!!!! :thumbsup2

[anc22]

Wasn't that fun? :rotfl:

We got everything that we wanted too :goodvibes

[nenner1]

Glad you got everything...but sorry you have to come back at 90 to coordinate with Mat and Sarah. The 90 day ressies are gonna get down & dirty!

[flower91882]

Congrats on getting your ressies!

[Mozart]

The bad news? Well, it won't let us put Mat and Sarah in our Palo dining plans because their booking window is not open yet. How crappy is that? So I booked anyhow, figuring we can change it at the 90 day mark if need be.


Doublecheck that Mat and Sarah have made their final payment. Once they have, you should be able to make reservations at Palo's for them as long as a) they're linked to your ressies b) they have tables left and c) you select someone from the 105 day booking window as the primary person on the reservation.

[anewmac]

Glad you got everything...but sorry you have to come back at 90 to coordinate with Mat and Sarah. The 90 day ressies are gonna get down & dirty!

WOOHOO glad you got everything you wanted.. Sucks about not being able to add Sarah and Matt to the ressies

Jen so the 90'ers are gonna get down and dirty eh... wow wonder how pitaful the 75dayers are gonna be scrounging for ANYTHING left :rotfl2:

[Tink rules]

Hope it's not as bad as we had it for the PC repo... at 90 days... we crashed DCL's computers... some people were on for 5 hours watching the little fishies go round and round... (funny... DCL changed it to a swimming Mickey right after that... :rotfl2: )

Relax... we got just about everything we wanted including excursions.

[Tink rules]

Doublecheck that Mat and Sarah have made their final payment. Once they have, you should be able to make reservations at Palo's for them as long as a) they're linked to your ressies b) they have tables left and c) you select someone from the 105 day booking window as the primary person on the reservation.


And of course if you don't get it... get in line 1st day and add them to your ressie... that's the easiest way of doing it...

Hey Mozart....Joel is back... Coralia says hi....

Sorry Erica... we now return you to your TR!!! :goodvibes

[zweihund]

Doublecheck that Mat and Sarah have made their final payment. Once they have, you should be able to make reservations at Palo's for them as long as a) they're linked to your ressies b) they have tables left and c) you select someone from the 105 day booking window as the primary person on the reservation.

That might be what the problem is....I know I was able to book one cruise at 90 days out as a CC member, and got a table for four with two non-CC members. I'll ask Sarah if final payment has been made yet! Good idea :)

We are linked - their names show up, but I can't select them. Hmm.

[zweihund]

I added something to our reservation.

After looking over our activities this morning, I decided it looked a little.....well, it seemed to be missing......ok. Lets just say that there was a lack of Erica pampering.

Yes, I will be in the Rainforest every day. Yes, we will be at Palo many times. Yes, there is the Rasul, the champagne breakfast in bed, and the rose petals strewn across the stateroom. But something was just not there. What was it?

My brain whispered something to me.

Pssst! Hey, Erica. Yes, you with the short poofy hair. No, I don't want to hear excuses about the humidity in Florida, just listen for a minute. YOU. NEED. A. MASSAGE. No, not that chair you gave Lionel for his birthday, I'm talking a REAL MASSAGE.

You know that commercial where the hand orders mittens from the cell phone while its body sleeps? Well, in no time flat I had booked a Cabana massage for 2pm on our last day at Castaway Cay. I looked up at Lionel, feeling remotely guilty.

"Um, you don't care if I have one more spa treatment, do you?"

He rolled his eyes at me and pretended not to notice as I ogled the screen with our new itenerary for the next ten minutes.

So, here is the new plan. Unless, of course, it changes when we add Mat and Sarah to dinner and brunch:

Saturday, Port Canaveral: no active plans
Sunday, Castaway Cay: Two Day Getaway Package, Palo Dinner
Monday, Sea Day: Exotic Rasul, High Tea
Tuesday, Grand Cayman: Rum Point Beach (and Tortuga Rum Cake Bakery)
Wednesday, Cozumel: Eco Park and Snorkel
Thursday, Sea Day: Palo Brunch
Friday, Castaway Cay: Two Day Getaway Package, Cabana Massage
Saturday, Port Canaveral: many, many tears

I think it looks pretty good! Now, we plan to get to the Rainforest Room for at least a little time every day. I'm thinking, unofficially, that we may arrange our champagne breakfast in bed for the first Sea Day. We also want to make sure we book the galley tour, which will most likely be on Thursday, as soon as we can at guest services. But other than that? Done.

Now, on to other things. Like making a fish extender.

[MagicMe]

Erica - love the addition!!! You so deserve it after all this planning!!:goodvibes

[ears4all!]

Great pre-trip Erika! I love it!

[TheDisneyGirl02]

We also want to make sure we book the galley tour, which will most likely be on Thursday, as soon as we can at guest services. But other than that? Done.

Do you think you will be able to book the galley tour before getting on board? I know my DBF would LOVE that tour so I want to make sure he doesn't miss it! :)

[chepic]

The bad news? Well, it won't let us put Mat and Sarah in our Palo dining plans because their booking window is not open yet. How crappy is that? So I booked anyhow, figuring we can change it at the 90 day mark if need be.

You would think that my mostly-successful reservation fiasco would have my adrenaline pumping, but in truth I can barely move my hands to type anymore. Therefore I am off to bed. I'm sure I'll be chattier in the morning.

'night, DIS.

If you book the vow renewal...;) ;) ....you get upgraded to consierge, and then you tell your consierge person you want them added, and :wizard: it will be done!!!

cheryl

[zweihund]

Erica - love the addition!!! You so deserve it after all this planning!!:goodvibes

Great pre-trip Erika! I love it!

Thank you both!

Do you think you will be able to book the galley tour before getting on board? I know my DBF would LOVE that tour so I want to make sure he doesn't miss it! :)

You can book it at guest services only, but the passporter says you can book it when you get onboard. Apparently it isn't always listed in the navigator? So I have read. I have no idea if that's true or not. My advice is to head to guest services immediately and book. It's free!

If you book the vow renewal...;) ;) ....you get upgraded to consierge, and then you tell your consierge person you want them added, and :wizard: it will be done!!!

cheryl

I can see us doing a vow renewal now.....

"How long have you been married?"

"Oh, it will be four years in November......" :rolleyes1 :rotfl:

[Brena]

You can book it at guest services only, but the passporter says you can book it when you get onboard. Apparently it isn't always listed in the navigator? So I have read. I have no idea if that's true or not. My advice is to head to guest services immediately and book. It's free!


Man, that passporter sounds like it really comes in handy! Either I need to get my own or spend all my days hanging out at the Starbucks!

[anc22]

I just broke down and added a couple's cabana massage for our first stop at Castaway Cay.....:cool1:

I also just stopped to add up all of the expenses that are already going to be on our bill as soon as we board..............:scared1:

Sounds like you are going to have the same problem :rotfl:

[zweihund]

Man, that passporter sounds like it really comes in handy! Either I need to get my own or spend all my days hanging out at the Starbucks!

Or both! :rotfl:

I just broke down and added a couple's cabana massage for our first stop at Castaway Cay.....:cool1:

I also just stopped to add up all of the expenses that are already going to be on our bill as soon as we board..............:scared1:

Sounds like you are going to have the same problem :rotfl:

Yes, I tallied up "the number" the other night, and while it was not as bad as it could have been, it made me do a double-take!

[Disneygrl36]

I'm here for the party.
Glad I found the trippie before it got too far along. :love: the Passporter!!!!!!!!!!:worship:
Sounds like a great plan so far.

[zweihund]

I'm here for the party.
Glad I found the trippie before it got too far along. :love: the Passporter!!!!!!!!!!:worship:
Sounds like a great plan so far.

Thanks Melanie!

Alrighty, all. I will be away for the weekend on a course in Miami. We are staying in a hotel on the bay front so I can watch the ships coming in and out from the rooftop pool.

Oh, the things I must put up with for work. :rolleyes1

See you Monday!

[flower91882]

Have fun in Miami!

[Disneygrl36]

Oh......I bet they have all kinds of fun drinkies in Miami. :cool1: Have fun.

[podsnel]

OoooH! I'll be celebrating my 22nd anniversary with Pods this weekend in NYC- we'll be toasting, I know you'll be joining us!!! Have a blast-:yay: :banana: :hippie:

[zweihund]

Have fun in Miami!

Oh......I bet they have all kinds of fun drinkies in Miami. :cool1: Have fun.

OoooH! I'll be celebrating my 22nd anniversary with Pods this weekend in NYC- we'll be toasting, I know you'll be joining us!!! Have a blast-:yay: :banana: :hippie:

Well, we didn't go crazy with the drinking, but we did enjoy some time at the rooftop pool. Not a bad way to spend a working day, eh? Here's my mini-TR from Miami.....

The view from the room....nice, huh? If you stand on your tiptoes you can see the harbor.
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000b9tfy

We got the room at this bayfront hotel for $220 total, for all four nights. Normally, it is upwards of $150 per night. How did we do this, you ask? HOTWIRE. We ended up with a rate of $62 per night. I guess this is the room you get for that view. But hey - we weren't there for the room. We were there for the rooftop pool!

Oh, and a work conference. Right. Ahem.

I could get used to this job.
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000ba4y5

We drove down on Thursday, and arrived a few hours before we had to be at the course. My buddy and I looked at each other, grabbed our books and headed up to the pool without a word spoken aloud. There we sat until we had only 20 minutes to spare before we had to leave. Ah......it was great!

More pool shots:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000bbkx3

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000bcxd1

The course was wonderful, exhausting and relaxing at the same time. It was on manual therapy, which is like the therapist version of massage. Very localized massage. That kind of hurts. But helps pain and corrects bad posture. Yes, for four days I sat at the pool and got massaged. And I got paid for it. Being an OT rocks!

Our course was at Jackson Memorial Hospital, which was about two miles from the hotel. Two miles through what my buddy referred to as the "cultural district" - and by cultural district, I don't mean a place you go to have new exotic foods and learn new words for common items and mingle with the locals. I mean places where you pray that the traffic light does not turn red, because those big, burly guys standing on the corner are giving you the stink-eye. I'm pretty sure we witnessed a few drug deals going down as we drove past, trying to look confident and like we belonged in Miami.

I said to my buddy as we passed a basketball court full of people, but where no basketball or any other kind of ball was to be found, "nothing good is going on over there, so let's just gun it through this yellow light, ok?"

Another interesting thing about Miami is that NO ONE CARES. About you. About customer service. About being friendly. Nope. No one likes you, and you are inconveniencing EVERYONE simply by being present in their hotel/shop/parking garage. Maybe it's because Orlando isn't really a big city, but I was really surprised by the attitudes there. My buddy asked a guy in the sandwich shop (Au Bon Pain, which ROCKED by the way) where the bathroom was, and he shrugged and said "pfffft, I dunno" and walked off.

Nice.

On Sunday, which was our last day, I watched three cruise ships come in to the harbor. I did this standing on my toes so that I could see over the air conditioner vents. THAT was pretty neat. It doesn't look that deep, but it must be in order to allow a giant boat to swing around 180 degrees and then parallel park. I saw two Carnival and one Royal Carribean. Cool.

I'm back in way-too-hot Central Florida again, and we leave in just over three months. Time to get working. We need:


a bigger memory card for the camera
a waterproof housing for the camera (watching ebay for this)
a fish extender (also watching ebay, sewing will be a last resort)
an evening gown for me
a less formal suit for Lionel


That's about it, really! I am toying with the idea of a new bathing suit, but really.....I have FOUR. I am also thinking about new Crocs sandals, but really.....I have TWO PAIRS already. I hate to say it, but I think that budget cruise ruined me! :rotfl:

[chepic]

Which hotel were you in? When we left out of Miami on the EOS we stayed in a Mariott the night before and it had the pool on the roof and we had pretty good views of the harbour....were you at the same one? We could watch the draw bridge go up and stop traffic for 45 minutes with people blaring their horns in annoyance....your right, they really don't care!!

And your right about something else....Therapist's rule!!!!

cheryl

[Mozart]

Which hotel were you in? When we left out of Miami on the EOS we stayed in a Mariott the night before and it had the pool on the roof and we had pretty good views of the harbour....were you at the same one? We could watch the draw bridge go up and stop traffic for 45 minutes with people blaring their horns in annoyance....your right, they really don't care!!

And your right about something else....Therapist's rule!!!!

cheryl

My therapist isn't that good. She says that she's unable to help me because I won't acknowledge that I have a problem. Then she gives me medicine.

[chepic]

My therapist isn't that good. She says that she's unable to help me because I won't acknowledge that I have a problem. Then she gives me medicine.

:rotfl: :lmao: Some people just can't be helped no matter what you do....did you ever think that it's your mother's fault?!?!?!?

che

[Disneygrl36]

Ok, I'm skeert of Miami now. Cool that you got paid to hang out by the pool to get massged. I knew I should have been an ot or pt instead of an RN.:thumbsup2

[zweihund]

Which hotel were you in? When we left out of Miami on the EOS we stayed in a Mariott the night before and it had the pool on the roof and we had pretty good views of the harbour....were you at the same one? We could watch the draw bridge go up and stop traffic for 45 minutes with people blaring their horns in annoyance....your right, they really don't care!!

And your right about something else....Therapist's rule!!!!

cheryl

Therapists DO rule! :thumbsup2
We were at the Bayside Hilton (or is it Hilton Bayside?), and the pool was actually on the roof of the LOBBY, which wasn't EXACTLY what I was expecting since it has something like 20 floors, ya know? So our room actually had a better view of the bay! :rotfl: crazy.

My therapist isn't that good. She says that she's unable to help me because I won't acknowledge that I have a problem. Then she gives me medicine.

:rotfl: :lmao: Some people just can't be helped no matter what you do....did you ever think that it's your mother's fault?!?!?!?

che

I'm staying clear of this one :rolleyes1

Ok, I'm skeert of Miami now. Cool that you got paid to hang out by the pool to get massged. I knew I should have been an ot or pt instead of an RN.:thumbsup2

Hehe - therapists have all the fun! But you guys get those awesome 3x12 hour work weeks, so I guess we break even ::yes::

[Tink rules]

The view from the room....nice, huh? If you stand on your tiptoes you can see the harbor.
http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000b9tfy



Hey Erica... isn't that considdered an obstructed porthole room??? :rotfl:

[nomadic]

hahaha...this is brillant! Can't wait until your cruise acutally starts!!

ps--its okay, i'm an overplanner too, and am on meds ;) :rotfl2: :rotfl:

[zweihund]

Hey Erica... isn't that considdered an obstructed porthole room??? :rotfl:

That's the first thought that came to mind when we opened the drapes, actually! :rotfl2:

hahaha...this is brillant! Can't wait until your cruise acutally starts!!

ps--its okay, i'm an overplanner too, and am on meds ;) :rotfl2: :rotfl:

Thanks! :goodvibes

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Erica! Congrats on getting all of your ressies! Your Miami hotel looks Floradish - too bad about the neighborhood. We're on vacation with the first little family of "was going to be a cruise-ers" - Mark and Lindsay and our grandbabies - Disneyland or bust! We'll be there Sunday - my birthday! ::yes::

[zweihund]

Hi Erica! Congrats on getting all of your ressies! Your Miami hotel looks Floradish - too bad about the neighborhood. We're on vacation with the first little family of "was going to be a cruise-ers" - Mark and Lindsay and our grandbabies - Disneyland or bust! We'll be there Sunday - my birthday! ::yes::

Happy Birthday!!!!

Well, I don't really have much of an update. Sarah has had a super busy week, and Mat (in typical man fashion) cannot for the life of him remember what excursions they have decided upon. I THINK she was booking at midnight but I have no idea what she got or what they are doing, or even if she booked anything. :confused3

It's tough when you live in two different countries! :sad2:

At any rate, I believe we are going to be alone on our excursions in Cozumel, but they MAY be joining us at Rum Point beach in Grand Cayman. We'll still see plenty of each other, thought, because we are all short excursion kind of people!

I did end up selling our old camera case on ebay, and have been on the lookout for a new case that will fit our current digital. I also got a 2GB SD card for the camera for (get this) ELEVEN DOLLARS. Including shipping. I got it on amazon.com from someone who listed it as "bulk" but it is legitimate! I already tested it and it works just fine. Same brand as our 1GB card. So we now have the ability to take about a million photos.
And believe me, I probably will.

Hmm. Wonder if any amazon sellers have bulk underwater camera housings?
ETA: the answer is no. Ah well. Ebay it is.
ETA again: Camera case purchased from ebay. Figured I might as well.

So, one thing is off the list (make that two now). Still have to get Lionel a new suit, and some new ties. Perhaps a July 4th weekend trip to Burlington might remedy that, I bet they'll have some great sales! Maybe I'll manage to find a dress there that does not look like a paper sack. I guess a girl can dream.

[zweihund]

Ok, I have made contact.

Mat and Sarah have booked excursions! Some same, some not. Sadly, the reservation engine was giving lots of folks grief on Saturday night, our beloved Canadian included. She did not secure brunch. However, we plan to send Mat and Lionel to Rockin Bar D to remedy the situation so we can all brunch together. Currently, we are having romantic dinners at Palo seperately.

On CC Day #1, we are all just chillin' together. We have Palo Dinner.
On Sea Day #1, we all have assorted spa appointments, and Lionel and I are having romantic tea alone.
On Cozumel Day, we are all doing the Eco Park and Snorkel. I changed our time from 10:45 to 12:45 because the first time slot was already gone.
On Grand Cayman Day, we are shopping together in the afternoon. Lionel and I will be at Rum Point Beach on our own. I think Mat and Sarah have Palo in the evening? Not sure.
On Sea Day #2, we will HOPEFULLY all have brunch together.
On CC Day #2, we are chillin' and they are snorkelling with the seahorses. We'll meet for lunch at Serenity Bay and chill together for the rest of the day.

All in all, I think we'll get to have lots of time with our friends while still having some quality alone time. Everything worked out very nicely!

And now? I must find a fish extender. Ebay, here I come!

[mousemom11]

ps--its okay, i'm an overplanner too, and am on meds ;) :rotfl2: :rotfl:

OMG! Just discovered this thread and am loving it. Let me introduce myself.

Hi, I'm Becky, and I'm an Obsessive Compulsive Overplanner with a Passporter Addiction Living a Better Life Through Calming Medications. As you can see below, our trip isn't for another 16 months and I am already reading, tabbing, cross referencing, researching the internet on shore excursions, addicted to DIS boards, and Completely Unproductive at work as I read up on WDW and DCL.

However, because we are surprising our DD's with the cruise portion of the trip, I have to hide my DCL Passporter until after the girls have gone to bed. They can't figure out why Mom tries to hustle them off to bed at 4 pm (it's night-time SOMEWHERE in the world, right?).

Anyhoo, thanks for the laughs and the group therapy. May we never be cured!!!

Becky

[Disneygrl36]

Plans are looking good Erica....I like the balance of alone/together time you have planned.
Now what the the important plans.......you know the ones I mean right?:drinking1

[zweihund]

OMG! Just discovered this thread and am loving it. Let me introduce myself.

Hi, I'm Becky, and I'm an Obsessive Compulsive Overplanner with a Passporter Addiction Living a Better Life Through Calming Medications. As you can see below, our trip isn't for another 16 months and I am already reading, tabbing, cross referencing, researching the internet on shore excursions, addicted to DIS boards, and Completely Unproductive at work as I read up on WDW and DCL.

However, because we are surprising our DD's with the cruise portion of the trip, I have to hide my DCL Passporter until after the girls have gone to bed. They can't figure out why Mom tries to hustle them off to bed at 4 pm (it's night-time SOMEWHERE in the world, right?).

Anyhoo, thanks for the laughs and the group therapy. May we never be cured!!!

Becky

Hello, fellow obsessive compulsive planner! It's good to be among friends here at the DIS, isn't it? :goodvibes

Plans are looking good Erica....I like the balance of alone/together time you have planned.
Now what the the important plans.......you know the ones I mean right?:drinking1

I have NO IDEA what you are talking about......:rolleyes1

[anc22]

Did you find a F.E. on Ebay yet? That is where I bought mine and I love it!

[zweihund]

Did you find a F.E. on Ebay yet? That is where I bought mine and I love it!

Arin! I love your FE too :goodvibes
I've been watching ebay, but so far nothing has grabbed me as "the one" - I think FE hunting is kind of like looking for the perfect wedding dress.....I did PM the seller who made yours and also another seller who was recommended, because Lionel and are are holding out for Lilo and Stitch if we can get it. If not? Crunch time at the last minute ;)

In other news, my new underwater camera case arrived today! I'd take a picture of it, but that seems kind of lame. So, I will link to it instead, which is only slightly less dorky:

Naturally, I got a better deal than this, but amazon has the best links. (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-WP-DC14-Waterproof-Digital-Camera/dp/B000NSH15Q)

Not much other news, just sitting around wondering why it isn't Friday yet. Why do I have to work? I need to find some way to be a full-time cruiser. Samantha Brown, I am coming for your job! Watch out!

[chepic]

Not much other news, just sitting around wondering why it isn't Friday yet. Why do I have to work? I need to find some way to be a full-time cruiser. Samantha Brown, I am coming for your job! Watch out!

I think we all want her job!!! :woohoo: How does one get that job anyway....I think that YOU could definitely handle the written part of that job....I think a visual trippie from you would be a hoot....get on that...tape yourself this trip and put it on you tube and then we can pressure the travel channel to hire you to replace her...she gets on our nerves around here anyway!!:rotfl: Big question....do you look o.k. in a 2 piece....I have seen her on occasion put one on.

che

[Mozart]

...tape yourself this trip and put it on you tube and then we can pressure the travel channel to hire you to replace her...she gets on our nerves around here anyway!!:rotfl: Big question....do you look o.k. in a 2 piece....I have seen her on occasion put one on.

che

You dare to speak poorly of the goddess Samantha?

I consider Samantha a part of my family. You speak ill of Samantha, you speak ill of me.

I shall not forget this travesty!

[chepic]

You dare to speak poorly of the goddess Samantha?

I consider Samantha a part of my family. You speak ill of Samantha, you speak ill of me.

I shall not forget this travesty!

:worship: :worship: OOOO Mozart....you misconstrude my speech. I speak poorly of Goddess Samantha for my tongue speaketh out of jealousy!! I humbly beg forgiveness to you and all Goddess Samantha lovers everywhere.


How's that Erica....do you think you could use something like that in one of your episodes?!?!?!?! ;)

Cheryl

[podsnel]

Arin! I love your FE too :goodvibes
I've been watching ebay, but so far nothing has grabbed me as "the one" - I think FE hunting is kind of like looking for the perfect wedding dress.....I did PM the seller who made yours and also another seller who was recommended, because Lionel and are are holding out for Lilo and Stitch if we can get it. If not? Crunch time at the last minute ;)

In other news, my new underwater camera case arrived today! I'd take a picture of it, but that seems kind of lame. So, I will link to it instead, which is only slightly less dorky:

Naturally, I got a better deal than this, but amazon has the best links. (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-WP-DC14-Waterproof-Digital-Camera/dp/B000NSH15Q)

Not much other news, just sitting around wondering why it isn't Friday yet. Why do I have to work? I need to find some way to be a full-time cruiser. Samantha Brown, I am coming for your job! Watch out!

I completely agree!!! I have been waiting and watching for months on ebay looking for just the right one....hope we don't fall in love with the same FE!!!:scared1:
It kind of IS like buying a wedding dress, only for mine, 4 people need to fit in it!;)
Ellen

[tinkerbell34]

Arin! I love your FE too :goodvibes
I've been watching ebay, but so far nothing has grabbed me as "the one" - I think FE hunting is kind of like looking for the perfect wedding dress.....I did PM the seller who made yours and also another seller who was recommended, because Lionel and are are holding out for Lilo and Stitch if we can get it. If not? Crunch time at the last minute ;)

If I may be so bold, I would recommend graddysmommy on ebay. She does wonderful custom FE's. Just look under the ones that look like pirate and princess minnie/ mickey. It will say custom FE. She did a wonderful one for our family with Dale, Tinkerbell, Lightening Mcqueen, Pocohantas, Grumpy, and Sailor Mickey. It has all of our names on it, favorite colors, and is B-E-autiful! Just a humble suggestion. ;)

[mousemom11]

The seller's id is gradysmommy. She does cute FE's.

[jollytammy]

I got my FE from her, and it was lovely. You could email her and see if she'd do one like you want. She does wonderful work!!!

[zweihund]

I have contacted her, thanks! The best thing is.....she's on this cruise too! She can stroll down the halls and see all of her handiwork ;)

[tinkerbell34]

I have contacted her, thanks! The best thing is.....she's on this cruise too! She can stroll down the halls and see all of her handiwork ;)

Does that mean you can save on shipping? hehe

[zweihund]

Does that mean you can save on shipping? hehe

:lmao:

[LuvtheEars]

I will hand deliver it for a Moccachino! :thumbsup2

Tiffany :rolleyes1

[zweihund]

I will hand deliver it for a Moccachino! :thumbsup2

Tiffany :rolleyes1

:rotfl:

Hmmm.......might be worth it!

[zweihund]

You know it's time to clean the closet out when you discover a formal dress in the back corner that:


is beautiful
fits perfectly
has been worn.....maybe twice?
is free! well, because I already bought it. forever ago


Of course, I would like to find another semi-formal, but I also have a great little black dress that will work just fine. See? I told you the budget cruise ruined me.

Only 76 more days! All I have to do is.....

Make door signs, make tags for FE gifts, work on Lionel's semi-formal wear, finish the online check-in, and make my packing list.

Wow. Not so much after all!

[nenner1]

You know it's time to clean the closet out when you discover a formal dress in the back corner that:


is beautiful
fits perfectly
has been worn.....maybe twice?
is free! well, because I already bought it. forever ago


Of course, I would like to find another semi-formal, but I also have a great little black dress that will work just fine. See? I told you the budget cruise ruined me.

Only 76 more days! All I have to do is.....

Make door signs, make tags for FE gifts, work on Lionel's semi-formal wear, finish the online check-in, and make my packing list.

Wow. Not so much after all!

Really, it isn't much!!! :)

I too, likely have some "freebie" dresses in the back of my closet, but mine don't fit.:confused3

Still.have.to.start.FE.gifts. Cant.decide. :sad2: If all you have left is the tags then...you're :cool2:

[rkandmjsmommy]

I have contacted her, thanks! The best thing is.....she's on this cruise too! She can stroll down the halls and see all of her handiwork ;)



I LOVE my FE that Tiffany made us, it Rocks!

I like your underwater camera thingy, I also have a Canon SD750 LOVE THAT CAMERA!

[silversae]

Only 76 more days! All I have to do is.....

Make door signs, make tags for FE gifts, work on Lionel's semi-formal wear, finish the online check-in, and make my packing list.

You forgot one... "get Mat to make a door sign for him and Sarah..." oh and "stock up on Jelly beans for Sarah who won't have time to go to target before they take off on the boat"

We've got our secret Mickey's now..and when i told Mat, his comment was "what's that?" *rolls her eyes* Just another prime example of the boys tuning us out :)

[zweihund]

Really, it isn't much!!! :)

I too, likely have some "freebie" dresses in the back of my closet, but mine don't fit.:confused3

Still.have.to.start.FE.gifts. Cant.decide. :sad2: If all you have left is the tags then...you're :cool2:

Well, I almost forgot about Secret Mickeys! Now I have to get more stuff :rotfl:

(and, apparently jelly beans)

I LOVE my FE that Tiffany made us, it Rocks!

I like your underwater camera thingy, I also have a Canon SD750 LOVE THAT CAMERA!

I love our camera too! It takes such wonderful pics, I can't wait to try it out for underwater stuff.

Tiffany is working on a Lilo and Stitch FE for us! :banana:

You forgot one... "get Mat to make a door sign for him and Sarah..." oh and "stock up on Jelly beans for Sarah who won't have time to go to target before they take off on the boat"

We've got our secret Mickey's now..and when i told Mat, his comment was "what's that?" *rolls her eyes* Just another prime example of the boys tuning us out :)

:lmao:

That's almost as good as when he said "well, we don't want to do a full-day excursion where we spend most of the time on a bus".......after I had spent HOURS the previous day telling him which excursions we were doing. And why we WERE NOT doing the long one.

Silly boys.

Jelly beans will be yours!

[zweihund]

Today I got my "secret Mickey" person. This is the person for whom you drop off surprises based on their likes and dislikes (which a very organized DISer put together in list form for us! Thanks anewmac!). That means.....shopping time!!!

I don't know why I am so excited about this, I just AM. I think this is the first cruise I have been on where there were SO many DISers who all seem to be of similar senses of humor and likes/dislikes. It's going to be like being on a boat full of people I already know. And that's pretty awesome.

I don't really have anything else to say right now. I guess I have some jelly bean shopping to do this weekend, though! :rotfl:

[chepic]

how cool....a secret Mickey....I will have to file that away for the next cruise...10 years from now.;)

che

[anewmac]

Today I got my "secret Mickey" person. This is the person for whom you drop off surprises based on their likes and dislikes (which a very organized DISer put together in list form for us! Thanks anewmac!). That means.....shopping time!!!

I don't know why I am so excited about this, I just AM. I think this is the first cruise I have been on where there were SO many DISers who all seem to be of similar senses of humor and likes/dislikes. It's going to be like being on a boat full of people I already know. And that's pretty awesome.

I don't really have anything else to say right now. I guess I have some jelly bean shopping to do this weekend, though! :rotfl:

Aww your welcome, It was my pleasure! I love reading everyone make mention of there s/m I know who everyones talking about its so fun :) :banana:

[zweihund]

Last night, in the first of many "warm-ups" for the boat, I drank a bottle of Nagori unfiltered sake and rocked out on Rock Band for a few hours. Sometimes you have to unleash your inner drummer, no matter how much she flails.

Oh, and then I woke up six hours later, because I am on call at my occasional weekend job. Only when I got ready and called, they didn't need me, and I was too awake to go back to sleep.

Hello, hangover.

I figured, however, I would look at the bright side of my surprise day off. We have nothing else planned for today, and we just got paid yesterday, so....why not go to Burlington and look at suits for Lionel? I'm sure that when he wakes up he will be absolutely thrilled with my plans for the day. :rolleyes1
More to come. First, coffee. :surfweb:

[anewmac]

Last night, in the first of many "warm-ups" for the boat, I drank a bottle of Nagori unfiltered sake and rocked out on Rock Band for a few hours. Sometimes you have to unleash your inner drummer, no matter how much she flails.

Omg I love Rock Band, unfortunatly we dont have it yet (xmas present this yr for the boys.. SHHHH ) But I cant do the drumms, just the guitar, and well you really dont want me singing :laughing:

Oh, and then I woke up six hours later, because I am on call at my occasional weekend job. Only when I got ready and called, they didn't need me, and I was too awake to go back to sleep.

Hey when life hands you lemons, make Lemon Drops :drinking1 Thats what we will be doing when E gets back. I almost have the boys and I all ready with new snazy duds (ok ok me more so princess: )

[nenner1]

Last night, in the first of many "warm-ups" for the boat, I drank a bottle of Nagori unfiltered sake and rocked out on Rock Band for a few hours. Sometimes you have to unleash your inner drummer, no matter how much she flails.


Omg I love Rock Band, unfortunatly we dont have it yet (xmas present this yr for the boys.. SHHHH ) But I cant do the drumms, just the guitar, and well you really dont want me singing :laughing:


Sounds like we have the makin's of a Rock Band band! Now wouldn't *that* be fun to break out on the cruise!! Rock Band + Konk Koolers= unlimited opportunity for hilarity!:rotfl2:

[LuvtheEars]

Sounds like we have the makin's of a Rock Band band! Now wouldn't *that* be fun to break out on the cruise!! Rock Band + Konk Koolers= unlimited opportunity for hilarity!:rotfl2:

Forget one hit wonder night or 80's night! Let's make it "Rock Band" night! Who's bringing the PS3 and the Rock Band stuff? :thumbsup2

Sign us up! Although I think my 8 year old son can beat me at any of the instruments. :confused3 :rotfl: :rolleyes1

Tiffany

[anc22]

So.....how'd the shopping trip go? Did you get your F/E yet? :)

[zweihund]

Omg I love Rock Band, unfortunatly we dont have it yet (xmas present this yr for the boys.. SHHHH ) But I cant do the drumms, just the guitar, and well you really dont want me singing :laughing:

Hey when life hands you lemons, make Lemon Drops :drinking1 Thats what we will be doing when E gets back. I almost have the boys and I all ready with new snazy duds (ok ok me more so princess: )

Sounds like we have the makin's of a Rock Band band! Now wouldn't *that* be fun to break out on the cruise!! Rock Band + Konk Koolers= unlimited opportunity for hilarity!:rotfl2:

Forget one hit wonder night or 80's night! Let's make it "Rock Band" night! Who's bringing the PS3 and the Rock Band stuff? :thumbsup2

Sign us up! Although I think my 8 year old son can beat me at any of the instruments. :confused3 :rotfl: :rolleyes1

Tiffany

Yes, I admit it. I am a rock band junkie! I've even gone so far as to try and sing and drum at the same time. I failed out of the Nirvana song though - doh! :headache:

As a matter of fact, we are having a "Rock Band Party" in a few weeks! Should be a hoot. I'm all for Rock Band night on the cruise! You'd never get me off of the drums :rotfl:

So.....how'd the shopping trip go? Did you get your F/E yet? :)

It went very well! I'll post an update this week with more details. I think my FE is still in production......Tiffany just got a Wii Fit so I have to cut her some slack ;)

[Tink rules]

Hi Erica!!!

Sorry I haven't had the chance to catch up yet... life caught up after the Repo...

But someone on our thread just posted this and I instantly thought of you... I think it may make a nice summertime drink!!! :flower3:

Creamsicle Margarita recipe
Ingredients
1 1/4 oz gold tequila
3 oz orange juice
1 oz sweet and sour mix
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
6 oz crushed ice

Mixing instructions
Blend all ingredients until slushy. Serve in a margarita glass.

[anewmac]

Hi Erica!!!

Sorry I haven't had the chance to catch up yet... life caught up after the Repo...

But someone on our thread just posted this and I instantly thought of you... I think it may make a nice summertime drink!!! :flower3:

Creamsicle Margarita recipe
Ingredients
1 1/4 oz gold tequila
3 oz orange juice
1 oz sweet and sour mix
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
6 oz crushed ice

Mixing instructions
Blend all ingredients until slushy. Serve in a margarita glass.

OH man that does sound good... saving this bad boy for the weekend. thanks Tink!:cloud9:

[nenner1]

OH man that does sound good... saving this bad boy for the weekend. thanks Tink!:cloud9:

I'm sayin the same thing!!!

:P'''' (that's drool)

[zweihund]

Hi Erica!!!

Sorry I haven't had the chance to catch up yet... life caught up after the Repo...

But someone on our thread just posted this and I instantly thought of you... I think it may make a nice summertime drink!!! :flower3:

Creamsicle Margarita recipe
Ingredients
1 1/4 oz gold tequila
3 oz orange juice
1 oz sweet and sour mix
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
6 oz crushed ice

Mixing instructions
Blend all ingredients until slushy. Serve in a margarita glass.

Ooooohhhhhhhhh.........how can I resist that? Good thing I'm not working this weekend! :rotfl: Thanks Tink!

[PigletsPal2]

Erica, lovin' the TR! BTW, I used to live in Casselberry 100 years ago, at the Summit Apartments on 436, about 1/2 mile down from the I-4 exit to
Altamonte Springs. They're probably not there anymore. Princess Aurora (now 40 y.o.!) went to Red Bug Elementary School for grades 1-2.

We're now on the other side of Orlando in Kissimmee (see profile note at left), closer to Celebration.

Keep the TR entries coming!

Queen Colleen

[Tink rules]

Ooooohhhhhhhhh.........how can I resist that? Good thing I'm not working this weekend! :rotfl: Thanks Tink!

Just watchin out for ya!!! :goodvibes

[alleluia5]

popcorn:: Ah a fellow double dipper - love it so far!

[LuvtheEars]

So.....how'd the shopping trip go? Did you get your F/E yet? :)

Ya! Did it arrive yet? :dance3:

I think my FE is still in production......Tiffany just got a Wii Fit so I have to cut her some slack ;)

:rotfl2: You know me well! I had to take a day or two off because I'm sore from all the Yoga. :rotfl: Very addicting toy! I highly recommend this! :thumbsup2



Creamsicle Margarita recipe
Ingredients
1 1/4 oz gold tequila
3 oz orange juice
1 oz sweet and sour mix
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
6 oz crushed ice

Mixing instructions
Blend all ingredients until slushy. Serve in a margarita glass.

Yum! Thank you! This one is going in the book! :drinking1

Tiffany

[zweihund]

Erica, lovin' the TR! BTW, I used to live in Casselberry 100 years ago, at the Summit Apartments on 436, about 1/2 mile down from the I-4 exit to
Altamonte Springs. They're probably not there anymore. Princess Aurora (now 40 y.o.!) went to Red Bug Elementary School for grades 1-2.

We're now on the other side of Orlando in Kissimmee (see profile note at left), closer to Celebration.

Keep the TR entries coming!

Queen Colleen

Wow, small world! We're a little closer to the Winter Springs side but we travel down 436 quite a bit to get to our second favorite restaurant: Seasons 52!

What is our first favorite? Palo, naturally ;)

Just watchin out for ya!!! :goodvibes

:hug:

popcorn:: Ah a fellow double dipper - love it so far!

Thanks! I'm about to head over to yours to subscribe myself! I'm so glad a few of us are doing TR's - it will be so fun to read everyone else's take on the cruise. popcorn::

Ya! Did it arrive yet? :dance3:

Tiffany

It did, it did! We love it! You are a talented lady, for sure. :thumbsup2 Thanks again!

[zweihund]

Now that I finally have a free moment, I can fill you in on the new stuff! Well, you may recall that last weekend I had a surprise day off, and was trying to figure out how I could trick Lionel into coming with me to Burlington. Apparently, the trick is to remind him how close it is to Five Guys Burgers and Fries (http://www.fiveguys.com/), because he was in the car before I finished my sentence.

Five Guys, if you have not had the pleasure, is an awesome little burger and fry joint that has peanut shells all over the floor and usually has a line out the door. It is cheap, cheap CHEAP and good, good GOOD. If you are a veggie girl like me, the grilled cheese is to die for. In fact, the only thing that would have made me happier would be if they made milkshakes. Cherry coke suffices, in a pinch.

There we were at Burlington, me browsing every brown suit in his size and him dreaming of cheap burgers, when he stumbled into a sales rack of rather attractive Ralph Lauren sport coats. What can I say; my man has expensive taste. Why did I bring him again? Oh yeah, to try things on. Well, it was about the same price as most of the suits we were considering and much more versatile, so I gave in and we got it. Plus a new shirt. And a snazzy tie.

Ladies, when your man walks out of the fitting room and you can't stop running your hands up and down his arms because he looks so good? Consider the budget blown. :upsidedow I'm a sucker for a man in a suit.

So, we have something else crossed off of the list! Semi-formal night is covered. Woohoo! We went across the street and celebrated with the best fries on the planet.

Remember the formal dress I found in my closet? Well, Lionel was originally Mr. Skeptical about it. But then I tried it on, and he started drooling. So I think it's a hit! :rotfl: Of course, looking at all of the drab, black dresses (and variations thereof) in my closet got me thinking.......maybe I need a semi-formal dress that is any other color.

Have you been dress shopping lately? I think I hate it more than bathing suit shopping. Seriously. All I could find were gaudy colors, unflattering cuts and mother-of-the-bride dresses. Here I am in my early 30's, stuck between floor-length pink frills and a sparkly cream suit. Great. I even went to the Alfred Angelo store, a place I have not been since I started planning our wedding a few years ago. I felt so out of place. All these girls were there with their best friends or their mothers, and I was scouring the racks trying to find something I didn't hate.

Sometimes there is nothing left to do but give up and log on to ebay.

And, there I found it! A ruby, strapless, tea length, A-line chiffon number for TEN MEASLEY DOLLARS. Cha-ching! It arrived today, and while I love it, it is an eeeeeeeensy bit hard to zip. I'm sure it will be fine by cruise time, because Lionel and I are in full swing operation: exercise our butts off. And if not? A wrap is capable of hiding many sins.

I have a wrap.

Score.

Guess what else came in the mail?

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000bd942

Tiffany is awesome. :woohoo:

Not too many things left on the list now:

get Lionel one or two more ties, because he needs an update
shop for my Secret Mickey
door sign!
order "Double Dip Delight" logo shirts from CafePress
one (or two or three) more read through the Passporter, as a refresher......what? Doesn't everyone do this?


I also may be going back to ebay to see if there are any more cute, cheap dresses, but shhhhhhhh it's a surprise

Happy Weekend! We sail next month! Yes, I know it is just barely August and we leave at the tail end of September but somehow it makes it seem so much closer.

[anewmac]

Ladies, when your man walks out of the fitting room and you can't stop running your hands up and down his arms because he looks so good? Consider the budget blown. :upsidedow I'm a sucker for a man in a suit.

Remember the formal dress I found in my closet? Well, Lionel was originally Mr. Skeptical about it. But then I tried it on, and he started drooling. So I think it's a hit! :rotfl: Of course, looking at all of the drab, black dresses (and variations thereof) in my closet got me thinking.......maybe I need a semi-formal dress that is any other color.

Have you been dress shopping lately? I think I hate it more than bathing suit shopping. Seriously. All I could find were gaudy colors, unflattering cuts and mother-of-the-bride dresses. Here I am in my early 30's, stuck between floor-length pink frills and a sparkly cream suit. Great. I even went to the Alfred Angelo store, a place I have not been since I started planning our wedding a few years ago. I felt so out of place. All these girls were there with their best friends or their mothers, and I was scouring the racks trying to find something I didn't hate.

And, there I found it! A ruby, strapless, tea length, A-line chiffon number for TEN MEASLEY DOLLARS. Cha-ching! It arrived today, and while I love it, it is an eeeeeeeensy bit hard to zip. I'm sure it will be fine by cruise time, because Lionel and I are in full swing operation: exercise our butts off. And if not? A wrap is capable of hiding many sins.

I have a wrap.

Guess what else came in the mail?


Tiffany is awesome. :woohoo:

I also may be going back to ebay to see if there are any more cute, cheap dresses, but shhhhhhhh it's a surprise

Happy Weekend! We sail next month! Yes, I know it is just barely August and we leave at the tail end of September but somehow it makes it seem so much closer.

WOOHOO on the clothes for Lionel.

Your dress was a STEAL I cant wait to see it.. HMM might have to check out ebay also.. Didnt even think of it!

I agree Tiffany is awesome! I :love: HER lol

Im with you too, we sail next month.. WOOHOO!!! :woohoo: :dance3:

[alleluia5]

I love your fish extender - you will see in my PTR that I am just a mess over this FE thing...so share the secret please :cool2:

Sigh - you are the organizer I can only strive to be....my "things remaining" would take me a few posts to list :sad2: oh well back to planning :goodvibes

[Hedy]

Glad to hear the report on five guys...there's one going down the road.

[zweihund]

WOOHOO on the clothes for Lionel.

Your dress was a STEAL I cant wait to see it.. HMM might have to check out ebay also.. Didnt even think of it!

I agree Tiffany is awesome! I :love: HER lol

Im with you too, we sail next month.. WOOHOO!!! :woohoo: :dance3:

I looked for bridesmaid dresses......apparently people only wear them once and then sell them on ebay! :rotfl: as long as you are willing to sort through all of the scary ones (slits up to the *censored*, super poofy, and GOLD LAME) you can find a bargain!

I love your fish extender - you will see in my PTR that I am just a mess over this FE thing...so share the secret please :cool2:

Sigh - you are the organizer I can only strive to be....my "things remaining" would take me a few posts to list :sad2: oh well back to planning :goodvibes

The secret?
(sing this to the Mouseketeer's Club theme)

T-I-F!

(I'll see her real soon)

F-A-N-Y!

(Why? Because she is a sewing goddess!)

FISH EXTENDER QUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!

:thumbsup2

[zweihund]

Ok, I think it might be time for an intervention.

"Overplanning again?" you might ask. "Husband getting tired of trying on ties?" you may venture. "Constantly changing excursion times?" you may even suggest.

Nope. I have an entirely different problem.

Hello, my name is Erica and I am an ebay addict.

It all started fairly innocently. I listed a few scrapbook items that I was not using, to get a little extra sending money for formal wear. Then I thought, "why not look for a formal dress?" And then, when I found one for ten dollars, a monster was born inside me.

Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot stop dress shopping. "But Erica," you might say, "you already have a formal dress AND you just found the ultimate semi-formal dress, so what more do you need?"

This is not about needs, my friends. This is about a bargain.

I don't know. Something inside of me wants to replace some of my older, somewhat boring (and black) dresses with something new and exciting. These ones? Not only are they cheap, but the come with matching wraps. How awesome is that? This is not about having too many dresses in the closet, oh no; this is about BRANCHING OUT. Yes. So I keep telling myself, anyhow.

If you don't hear from me in the next week, you know where to find me.

Oh, also? I got Lionel two new ties and a tropical shirt. But those are from Kohls. Come to think of it, why didn't I look for THOSE on ebay?

[videoman]

We also have a 5 guys in our town and just can't stay away!!!!!!!!

charlie:woohoo:

[Tink rules]

Ok, I think it might be time for an intervention.

"Overplanning again?" you might ask. "Husband getting tired of trying on ties?" you may venture. "Constantly changing excursion times?" you may even suggest.

Nope. I have an entirely different problem.

Hello, my name is Erica and I am an ebay addict.

It all started fairly innocently. I listed a few scrapbook items that I was not using, to get a little extra sending money for formal wear. Then I thought, "why not look for a formal dress?" And then, when I found one for ten dollars, a monster was born inside me.

Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot stop dress shopping. "But Erica," you might say, "you already have a formal dress AND you just found the ultimate semi-formal dress, so what more do you need?"

This is not about needs, my friends. This is about a bargain.

I don't know. Something inside of me wants to replace some of my older, somewhat boring (and black) dresses with something new and exciting. These ones? Not only are they cheap, but the come with matching wraps. How awesome is that? This is not about having too many dresses in the closet, oh no; this is about BRANCHING OUT. Yes. So I keep telling myself, anyhow.

If you don't hear from me in the next week, you know where to find me.

Oh, also? I got Lionel two new ties and a tropical shirt. But those are from Kohls. Come to think of it, why didn't I look for THOSE on ebay?

Erica...

We had a very nice woman on our cruise (the PC repo) (Hi V!!!) who also has, shall we say a love affair with Ebay... Finally we found the fool proof way to get her off of ebay...

We instructed her to instantly hit the red X in the upper right hand corner of the screen... Sort of like Pavlov's dog... See Ebay...hit the X... (of course you have to try not to drool at the same time after hearing the bell...:rolleyes1 )

Works every time!!! :rotfl:

[nenner1]

Shame on you Erica for making me spend my morning (when I should be sleeping) perusing ebay for dresses, tuxes, suits and such.

:sad2:

Hit X!

[zweihund]

But there's a sage green Mori Lee for $15! I can't hit X until tomorrow evening when it ends :rolleyes1

[chepic]

Ok, I think it might be time for an intervention.

"Overplanning again?" you might ask. "Husband getting tired of trying on ties?" you may venture. "Constantly changing excursion times?" you may even suggest.

Nope. I have an entirely different problem.

Hello, my name is Erica and I am an ebay addict.

It all started fairly innocently. I listed a few scrapbook items that I was not using, to get a little extra sending money for formal wear. Then I thought, "why not look for a formal dress?" And then, when I found one for ten dollars, a monster was born inside me.

Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot stop dress shopping. "But Erica," you might say, "you already have a formal dress AND you just found the ultimate semi-formal dress, so what more do you need?"

This is not about needs, my friends. This is about a bargain.

I don't know. Something inside of me wants to replace some of my older, somewhat boring (and black) dresses with something new and exciting. These ones? Not only are they cheap, but the come with matching wraps. How awesome is that? This is not about having too many dresses in the closet, oh no; this is about BRANCHING OUT. Yes. So I keep telling myself, anyhow.

If you don't hear from me in the next week, you know where to find me.

Oh, also? I got Lionel two new ties and a tropical shirt. But those are from Kohls. Come to think of it, why didn't I look for THOSE on ebay?

The e-bay bug is BAD!!! I had to banish it from my computer....not really....I started buying all sorts of Disney things...like pins to trade (much cheaper than buying one at the park just to trade with a CM for the one they had but you can't buy!!!!) I was able to find all sorts of games from my childhood....like Stay Alive.....just bad!!!! :scared1:

cheryl

[zweihund]

Well, the good/bad news is I haven't managed to find another dress on ebay that I couldn't live without. The sage green Mori Lee sold for $51, which is no doubt a good deal, but seemed like millions of dollars compared to the one I snagged for $10 (plus $9 shipping). Plus......I don't really NEED another dress. I just WANT one.

Still trolling ebay, nonetheless. I am nothing if not persistent.

Yesterday I found myself in the Target One Spot picking up everything I could hold for my Secret Mickey. Sadly, by the time I made it to the register the perpetually uncertain side of my personality kicked in and I was questioning everything in my hands. In the end, all I bought was a measly little gift bag. Granted, I have NOTHING to put in said gift bag yet, but I guess it's a start. I have some ideas. Soon I will put them down on paper. Maybe if it is in LIST FORM, my brain will comprehend it better......

I ask you this, dearest internets:

Why do I seem to be having so much trouble spending any money on this cruise? Have I not read the title? Is there not a lump in my savings account which I have been floating extra cash into for the past 18 months for this specific purpose? Was I that scarred by my budget cruise?

In short, what the heck is wrong with me????? HELP!!!!!!

Someone slap me, quick! Make me go buy something! :eek:

[anewmac]

Someone slap me, quick! Make me go buy something! :eek:

:hug: (closest smiley to a slap LMAO) Maybe your being frugal cuz the rest of us are spending like we won the lotto or something LMAO.

[podsnel]

I really think you are still in cheapo mode from the last one- get overit, GIRL!!! Spend spend spend! Now now now! If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Live it up!!! It's what you've been waiting for!!! Spending guilt is for suckers and accountants (of which I am married to one, so I know...)!:rotfl: Sorry- just my 2cents-;)

[Tink rules]

I told you ages ago... it's the :angel: and the :furious:

Think carefully as you knock one of them off the shoulder... YOU'D RATHER BOOK ANOTHER MASSAGE ON BOARD OR HAVE ANOTHER DOD THAN SPEND IT ON SHORE!!!

(did I whisper that in your ear???) :rotfl:

[Tink rules]

Oh and just remember... you're only going for 7 days... I did the 15 nights and so overpacked that I have things that came home with TAGS still on them!!! ;)

[zweihund]

Well, after spending the morning trolling ebay, I bid on two more dresses for formal night. My thought is, while I do currently have a dress that would work well for formal night, I do not own an actual GOWN. If I can get a nice evening gown, I can use my "formal night" dress for Palo. You may recall, I already bought my semi-formal dress. On ebay. For ten bucks.

I think I know why I can't spend my money. It's because I know there are so many deals to be had out there! It's hard to drop $200 on a dress when I know if I am patient, and drink lots of coffee, I can find the same thing for less than $50. Sure, I might end up with carpal tunnel in both wrists, but then I can fashion myself a splint to wear on the cruise so I can hold my DOTD's without pain.

The auctions end in four hours. I will let you know the outcome, and post pictures of any successes. Wish me luck!

[anc22]

Good luck :thumbsup2

[Tink rules]

Nice reasoning... I didn't pay retail for ANYTHING!!!

Oh and Erica... might I suggest one thing... I ordered a small cooler from LL bean - kept it in my cooler box all week and they filled it with ice...kept my water cold and any thing else I put in there... :goodvibes The small size worked wonders... VERY well made and I use it each day here at home so I justified it... over and over!!! :dance3: :dance3:

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=54231&sc1=Search&feat=sr

[zweihund]

Ok, here's what happened:

I bid on two dresses because I wasn't sure which one I liked better. Then, Lionel and I went out to run a few errands. When we got home, I realized I had been outbid on one, but had won the other. At first, my heart sank......in the few hours we had been gone, I had become slightly more attached to ONE of the two. I thought I had been outbid on that one. But then? I clicked on it and realized it was the other way around!

Sweet.

Ok, here they are:

Semi-formal: (which is actually strapless, but being held up by the hanger thingies.....is there an official name for hanger thingies?)

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000bekg0

And, the formal: (the only bad thing about this one is I will need to have it altered.....time for a trip to Grandma's house!)

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000bfzf5

I almost forgot that I have a shipment coming from Old Navy as well of some end-of-summer sale stuff, which is generally wearable in Florida year-round (with the exception of Winter, which usually lasts about 4-5 days). It should be arriving early this week, with luck. Hopefully all of this stuff fits! If not, I guess it's back to ebay. Though I think Lionel is about to ban me.

[Tink rules]

& how much of the budget did we blow on these???

They are VERY nice!!!

You will outdress everyone!!! :goodvibes

Did you get the tux for Lionel?

[podsnel]

Beautiful dresses!!! Thanks for sharing your shopping!

[zweihund]

& how much of the budget did we blow on these???

They are VERY nice!!!

You will outdress everyone!!! :goodvibes

Did you get the tux for Lionel?

That last dress set me back about sixteen bucks. Once you go ebay, you never go back :rotfl:

Lionel actually has a very nice black pinstripe suit that will be great for formal night, but we did get him a sportcoat for semi-formal and Palo. Though he might just wear the suit again to Palo. Who knows?

Beautiful dresses!!! Thanks for sharing your shopping!

Thanks! I just hope it fits.......:scared:

[TotallyAngelic]

amazing bargains - I feel a bit of an ebay session coming on after seeing your lovely dresses! We are cruising in Octber and I have formals and semi formals to buy for myself and 2 DDs - looks like Ebay is the place to go!

[Mozart]

Erica:

Please pass the following instructions on to Lionel. I think they will be of great use to him in the near future:

Open your computer's control panel, then select internet options. Click on the tab that says content. In the box that says "Content Advisor" click on enable.

Once the new box has opened, click on the tab that says "Approved Sites." There will be a box which says "Allow this Web site" In that box, type www.ebay.com, then click on the button which says Never on the right hand side.

Close the boxes and then tell Erica that someone must have hacked into ebay and shut down the website.

Worked like a charm for me.

[Tink rules]

Well, not since you told her how to do it!!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Besides... I didn't know Lionel had a problem with Ebay.... :rolleyes:

[MAGICFOR2]

Just checking in Erica - I was so busy since vacation - I see you are busy SHOPPING!!!! :thumbsup2 Love the dresses! I am anxiously awaiting your cruise so I can sail with you. We are starting to get excited for our Mexico vacation - talking about excursions with Ryan yesterday. I am looking forward to relaxing on the beach, although I will miss Alex choosing my wine and brushing away my crumbs at dinner. :rolleyes1

[anc22]

I have been trying to follow your lead with Ebay, but have not had the same luck :confused3 I can't seem to find the same bargains and I am really afraid of buying things without trying them on first (control issues much :rolleyes1 )

[zweihund]

Erica:

Please pass the following instructions on to Lionel. I think they will be of great use to him in the near future:

Open your computer's control panel, then select internet options. Click on the tab that says content. In the box that says "Content Advisor" click on enable.

Once the new box has opened, click on the tab that says "Approved Sites." There will be a box which says "Allow this Web site" In that box, type www.ebay.com, then click on the button which says Never on the right hand side.

Close the boxes and then tell Erica that someone must have hacked into ebay and shut down the website.

Worked like a charm for me.

Believe me......he was THIS close!

Well, not since you told her how to do it!!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Besides... I didn't know Lionel had a problem with Ebay.... :rolleyes:

I got my last purchase in before he threatened to take the computer away from me. That was AFTER I ordered some new stuff on Old Navy dot com :rolleyes1
More on that later....

Just checking in Erica - I was so busy since vacation - I see you are busy SHOPPING!!!! :thumbsup2 Love the dresses! I am anxiously awaiting your cruise so I can sail with you. We are starting to get excited for our Mexico vacation - talking about excursions with Ryan yesterday. I am looking forward to relaxing on the beach, although I will miss Alex choosing my wine and brushing away my crumbs at dinner. :rolleyes1

Tammy! When is your Mexican getaway?
I am SO putting a magnetic sign on 6080 in your honor. "DIS Party Cabin!"

I have been trying to follow your lead with Ebay, but have not had the same luck :confused3 I can't seem to find the same bargains and I am really afraid of buying things without trying them on first (control issues much :rolleyes1 )

Well, I did try on a few things before I started shopping online to get an idea of what SHAPE would be ok. Plus, bridesmaid dresses are pretty forgiving, unless they have poofy sleeves and are electric blue, that is. But keep looking! At the very least, it may just need to be altered a little bit, and if you only pay $20 then it's still a huge bargain.

Good luck! Then again, there's always Macy's on Labor Day weekend! I got a black Ralph Lauren dress there a few years ago for something like $30 on super mega clearance. It was originally about $200!

[zweihund]

You may not believe this, but I managed to do some non-ebay shopping last week. It's true! Pinky swear.

Well, my little bag from Old Navy online arrived yesterday, and I am not the proud owner of two new pairs of capris (I'm not a huge fan of shorts on me), a little khaki skirt and a new tank top. Not necessarily JUST for the cruise, but they will do nicely!

Oh, and all of that cost me $54, including shipping.
Yes, I am a master shopper. Bow down to me.

[nenner1]

You may not believe this, but I managed to do some non-ebay shopping last week. It's true! Pinky swear.

Well, my little bag from Old Navy online arrived yesterday, and I am not the proud owner of two new pairs of capris (I'm not a huge fan of shorts on me), a little khaki skirt and a new tank top. Not necessarily JUST for the cruise, but they will do nicely!

Oh, and all of that cost me $54, including shipping.
Yes, I am a master shopper. Bow down to me.

:worship:

;) Awww Erica you should have waited a couple of weeks..
Old Navy always has a HUGE clearance of all their summer/early fall merchandise a couple of weeks after school starts (time to make room for the winter stuff....especially down here in FLORIDA...kwim?)
But then again in a few weeks we will be practically on the boat!
So much to do...so little time:rolleyes1

[silversae]

I have been trying to follow your lead with Ebay, but have not had the same luck :confused3 I can't seem to find the same bargains and I am really afraid of buying things without trying them on first (control issues much :rolleyes1 )

I'm the SAME way...so i'm sure you're not the only one! :)

[zweihund]

I mistakingly thought this might be a good weekend to start working on my Secret Mickey gifts. You know, I was running early to meet someone on Friday so I popped over to Target and suddenly had a million great ideas! I'm telling you, if you can't get inspired at "Tar-jhay" then there is no hope for you. Especially when everything is on sale.
Target: second only to IKEA. Might even be a distant third if Orlando every decides to host The Container Store.

Anywho, I had plans. BIG plans. But then? I got called in to my as-needed job. On the one hand, I made enough today to pay for another massage if I so choose, but on the other hand I have things to do! Gifts to make! Lists to write and check twice!

Ebay to troll.
:rolleyes1
What?

Then I got home, and turned on the news, where I discovered there is a storm of the cyclonic variety heading straight toward our home. You think pre-cruise Erica is anal retentive? You should have seen her checking the batteries and turning on all of the flashlights and making a non-perishable grocery list a few hours ago, because her husband sure got a kick out of it. Never mind the fact that the power lines are underground and that this neighborhood only lost power for a few hours back in the horrible season of 2004......we must have enough water to fill the garage.

Also? We needed some Pop Tarts. Pop Tarts are a must-have hurricane staple. They go right next to the spray cheese and the triscuits. There is something oh-so-satisfying about eating a cold, frosted pastry and writing your name in cheese product by flashlight light as you battle the mosquitos in the balmy hours of the Florida evening after a big storm. It just feels right.

Here's hoping we don't end up in the northeast quadrant. I'm not exactly sure what a northeast quadrant is, but the weatherman insists that it is VERY BAD. Apparenty, the southwest quadrant is the way to go if you are going to be in the path of a hurricane. Personally, I am for no quadrants at all, but then we might miss the excitement of lowly weather reporters standing out on the beach in yellow rain slickers holding their hoods down and saying things like "authorities are saying no one should be outside right now!" and "oh my, that tree looks like it is heading right towar- AAAAAAAAAAAA!"

By all accounts, I am now 100% certain the storm will pass us by because we are so prepared. So if one of you winds up with a 12-pack of Pop Tarts in your fish extender, you'll know who your Secret Mickey was. :upsidedow

[CrazyZeus1]

Oh,,, pick us, pick us! DH & DS love pop tarts & they only get them on vacation!! Maybe we should move to Florida, you know, so we can get the requisite hurricane food too!

Being serious though--hope you guys are safe & there's nothing to worry about. I'll keep watching & praying for you guys :)

[tinkerbell34]

Then I got home, and turned on the news, where I discovered there is a storm of the cyclonic variety heading straight toward our home. You think pre-cruise Erica is anal retentive? You should have seen her checking the batteries and turning on all of the flashlights and making a non-perishable grocery list a few hours ago, because her husband sure got a kick out of it. Never mind the fact that the power lines are underground and that this neighborhood only lost power for a few hours back in the horrible season of 2004......we must have enough water to fill the garage.

Also? We needed some Pop Tarts. Pop Tarts are a must-have hurricane staple. They go right next to the spray cheese and the triscuits. There is something oh-so-satisfying about eating a cold, frosted pastry and writing your name in cheese product by flashlight light as you battle the mosquitos in the balmy hours of the Florida evening after a big storm. It just feels right.

Here's hoping we don't end up in the northeast quadrant. I'm not exactly sure what a northeast quadrant is, but the weatherman insists that it is VERY BAD. Apparenty, the southwest quadrant is the way to go if you are going to be in the path of a hurricane. Personally, I am for no quadrants at all, but then we might miss the excitement of lowly weather reporters standing out on the beach in yellow rain slickers holding their hoods down and saying things like "authorities are saying no one should be outside right now!" and "oh my, that tree looks like it is heading right towar- AAAAAAAAAAAA!"

By all accounts, I am now 100% certain the storm will pass us by because we are so prepared. So if one of you winds up with a 12-pack of Pop Tarts in your fish extender, you'll know who your Secret Mickey was. :upsidedow

:lmao: That was a GREAT overview! We are right in the middle of the "cone" of where it is predicted to come ashore here on the westcoast. I am debating whether or not to put up the hurricane shutters but my boys are a bit concernened and think of the shutters as a "force field" so I might just put them up so they feel safe. On the other hand picture Laurel and Hardy trying to put up shutters and that would be me trying to get them on the windows without cutting myself, cutting someone or something else, and not dropping them on my foot. :) Today I steam cleaned the carpet so when we lose power and it gets hot it won't smell like stale dog in the house. Don't forget to add the alcohol, sunscreen, and bug repellent to your list of items and I'll pray for you to stay safe!:)

[LuvtheEars]

Here's hoping we don't end up in the northeast quadrant. I'm not exactly sure what a northeast quadrant is, but the weatherman insists that it is VERY BAD. Apparenty, the southwest quadrant is the way to go if you are going to be in the path of a hurricane. Personally, I am for no quadrants at all, but then we might miss the excitement of lowly weather reporters standing out on the beach in yellow rain slickers holding their hoods down and saying things like "authorities are saying no one should be outside right now!" and "oh my, that tree looks like it is heading right towar- AAAAAAAAAAAA!"

:rotfl2: They do this on the NC coast too! It's that "Kid's don't try this, I'm a professional" kind of thinking! :confused:

By all accounts, I am now 100% certain the storm will pass us by because we are so prepared. So if one of you winds up with a 12-pack of Pop Tarts in your fish extender, you'll know who your Secret Mickey was. :upsidedow

I never thought of Pop Tarts as Hurricane food :laughing: But they make great camping food! My kids love them too! You might just have to share the 12 pack around the ship! :lmao:

Stay safe and be sure to bat that storm somewhere other than north towards NC! - Although we can use some rain!

Tiffany

[anewmac]

hope your all safe Erica. I told E about our friends over in FL when he was watching the news about it. He gave me a look like who the heck do we know in FL. Then went one of those "DIS" friends huh. (he even did the quote things with his hand when he said DIS). MEN they just dont get it! LOL

[zweihund]

Oh,,, pick us, pick us! DH & DS love pop tarts & they only get them on vacation!! Maybe we should move to Florida, you know, so we can get the requisite hurricane food too!

Being serious though--hope you guys are safe & there's nothing to worry about. I'll keep watching & praying for you guys :)

You could always buy a box, close up all of the blinds and turn on the weather channel - it'll be just like you're there! :rotfl:

:lmao: That was a GREAT overview! We are right in the middle of the "cone" of where it is predicted to come ashore here on the westcoast. I am debating whether or not to put up the hurricane shutters but my boys are a bit concernened and think of the shutters as a "force field" so I might just put them up so they feel safe. On the other hand picture Laurel and Hardy trying to put up shutters and that would be me trying to get them on the windows without cutting myself, cutting someone or something else, and not dropping them on my foot. :) Today I steam cleaned the carpet so when we lose power and it gets hot it won't smell like stale dog in the house. Don't forget to add the alcohol, sunscreen, and bug repellent to your list of items and I'll pray for you to stay safe!:)

Great idea - I better do a little extra cleaning tomorrow on my day off. Though I do have a pretty healthy stash of febreeze ;)

I never thought of Pop Tarts as Hurricane food :laughing: But they make great camping food! My kids love them too! You might just have to share the 12 pack around the ship! :lmao:

Stay safe and be sure to bat that storm somewhere other than north towards NC! - Although we can use some rain!

Tiffany

I'm voting it takes a turn to the west and fizzles out somewhere in the gulf. THAT would be nice. Unlikely, but nice. :goodvibes

hope your all safe Erica. I told E about our friends over in FL when he was watching the news about it. He gave me a look like who the heck do we know in FL. Then went one of those "DIS" friends huh. (he even did the quote things with his hand when he said DIS). MEN they just dont get it! LOL

:lmao:

[flower91882]

Good luck with the hurricane. We were living in Winter Park when we had those four that one year. 2003? 2004? Somewhere in there. Stay safe!

[zweihund]

Good luck with the hurricane. We were living in Winter Park when we had those four that one year. 2003? 2004? Somewhere in there. Stay safe!

Oh, so you KNOW! We were actually on the Casselberry/Winter Park border that year, on Lake Howell. Winter Park was a disaster! All those old trees....it was so sad.

Tonight we are bringing in all the plants and trash cans and whatever else is not tied down outside. I called my boss and he said "business as usual tomorrow!" Why do I work in a hospital again? :rotfl: Lionel most likely has the day off, or is only doing half a day. I sure hope my place doesn't keep me all the way until 3. I don't want to battle feeder bands the whole way home! :eek:

[MAGICFOR2]

Believe me......he was THIS close!



I got my last purchase in before he threatened to take the computer away from me. That was AFTER I ordered some new stuff on Old Navy dot com :rolleyes1
More on that later....



Tammy! When is your Mexican getaway?
I am SO putting a magnetic sign on 6080 in your honor. "DIS Party Cabin!"



Well, I did try on a few things before I started shopping online to get an idea of what SHAPE would be ok. Plus, bridesmaid dresses are pretty forgiving, unless they have poofy sleeves and are electric blue, that is. But keep looking! At the very least, it may just need to be altered a little bit, and if you only pay $20 then it's still a huge bargain.

Good luck! Then again, there's always Macy's on Labor Day weekend! I got a black Ralph Lauren dress there a few years ago for something like $30 on super mega clearance. It was originally about $200!

Erica! That will be so funny to have that sign there - take a pic for me!

We leave for Mexico Sep 26th, returning Oct 2 - almost the same dates as your cruise. We will be in Puerta Vallarta, so you won't be coming by, but I'll be thinking of you! We booked all inclulsive with air at Dreams for the same money we already had down on the cruise. With all of the job changes, it was best that we go on a budget this time.

Have you checked out Overstock.com? I got a nice dress for formal night and a suit for Jim there really cheap. You really are going to have to be craftier where shopping wiht Lionel around is concerned! We can't have him cramping your style! :rotfl2:

[tinkerbell34]

Oh, so you KNOW! We were actually on the Casselberry/Winter Park border that year, on Lake Howell. Winter Park was a disaster! All those old trees....it was so sad.

Tonight we are bringing in all the plants and trash cans and whatever else is not tied down outside. I called my boss and he said "business as usual tomorrow!" Why do I work in a hospital again? :rotfl: Lionel most likely has the day off, or is only doing half a day. I sure hope my place doesn't keep me all the way until 3. I don't want to battle feeder bands the whole way home! :eek:

Our hospital is on lockdown but I work for a part of the hospital that isn't needed for emergencies so I get to have a hurricane day. :woohoo: I got my hurricane shutters up despite slicing open one of the screens :headache: , getting attacked by a swarm of mosquitos (picture Lilo and Stitch ):laughing: , and trying to climb over spiders :scared: to get them up. I don't suspect we will have any problems from this storm but at least we are prepared. I was wondering how the folks on the Wonder are doing. The lastest news cast is reporting 8 to 10 foot seas around the Miami/ Carribean area.:confused: Stay safe!

[MAGICFOR2]

Stay safe, Florida girls! I didn't realize how strong this storm was - I thought it had been downgraded.

[tinkerbell34]

Stay safe, Florida girls! I didn't realize how strong this storm was - I thought it had been downgraded.

When I went to bed last night they were still expecting it to be a Cat 1 hurricane when it made landfall but that wasn't the case. On my side of the coast (west coast about 60miles north of Naples) we are just getting drippy rain and not even a breeze at the moment. I hope everything is going well on Erica's side of the state!

[flower91882]

Oh, so you KNOW! We were actually on the Casselberry/Winter Park border that year, on Lake Howell. Winter Park was a disaster! All those old trees....it was so sad.


We were actually pretty lucky. We were in the middle of moving from Melbourne to Winter Park/Casselberry. We had two apartments for about a month (the same month as all the hurricanes). When the one came up the east coast, we drove to Winter Park and stayed there. When the one came through Orlando, we took our cars to Melbourne. When we came back to our apartment complex (a nice wooded area), about a third of the cars left there had been crushed by trees!!! It was a astounding!

I remember, right before one of the hurricanes hit, we went out to a restaurant to pick up some take out. Right as we were walking up, the big sign flew off the front of the restaurant. We figured it was time to go home!! Best part is, there were tons of people at the bar just drinkin' beer and watching the weather channel, like the storm was just a news story about somewhere else and not right outside the door! :rotfl:

[zweihund]

Erica! That will be so funny to have that sign there - take a pic for me!

We leave for Mexico Sep 26th, returning Oct 2 - almost the same dates as your cruise. We will be in Puerta Vallarta, so you won't be coming by, but I'll be thinking of you! We booked all inclulsive with air at Dreams for the same money we already had down on the cruise. With all of the job changes, it was best that we go on a budget this time.

Have you checked out Overstock.com? I got a nice dress for formal night and a suit for Jim there really cheap. You really are going to have to be craftier where shopping wiht Lionel around is concerned! We can't have him cramping your style! :rotfl2:

You'll have to let me know how the resort is, Lionel and I were considering looking into a Mexican vacation for next year......we'll be doing a three-day cruise, but I will post more about that later. TEASERS.

And actually Overstock was one of the first places I looked, I just couldn't seem to find something that seemed like "me" - the little red dress I got on evay is TOTALLY me, and the long one (which is eggplant but looks black in the photo) is me stepping out of the box a little bit. I still look on the big O from time to time, but I think we're all set now so I'll keep my check card in my purse ;)

Our hospital is on lockdown but I work for a part of the hospital that isn't needed for emergencies so I get to have a hurricane day. :woohoo: I got my hurricane shutters up despite slicing open one of the screens :headache: , getting attacked by a swarm of mosquitos (picture Lilo and Stitch ):laughing: , and trying to climb over spiders :scared: to get them up. I don't suspect we will have any problems from this storm but at least we are prepared. I was wondering how the folks on the Wonder are doing. The lastest news cast is reporting 8 to 10 foot seas around the Miami/ Carribean area.:confused: Stay safe!

We got sent home today at lunchtime, only to wait and wait and wait......it is JUST NOW starting to push into our area, 6 hours after I came home. :rotfl: Ah well, better safe than sorry. I wonder what it will be like at 6 am tomorrow? It seems like it is just standing still currently.

Stay safe, Florida girls! I didn't realize how strong this storm was - I thought it had been downgraded.

When I went to bed last night they were still expecting it to be a Cat 1 hurricane when it made landfall but that wasn't the case. On my side of the coast (west coast about 60miles north of Naples) we are just getting drippy rain and not even a breeze at the moment. I hope everything is going well on Erica's side of the state!

It's up to 65 mph! Apparently it gathered some momentum over Lake Okechobee. Still a tropical storm though. And now I think it's stuck. Great. FEMA finally declared that we were no longer a flood zone, so hopefully this won't change things! :scared:

We were actually pretty lucky. We were in the middle of moving from Melbourne to Winter Park/Casselberry. We had two apartments for about a month (the same month as all the hurricanes). When the one came up the east coast, we drove to Winter Park and stayed there. When the one came through Orlando, we took our cars to Melbourne. When we came back to our apartment complex (a nice wooded area), about a third of the cars left there had been crushed by trees!!! It was a astounding!

I remember, right before one of the hurricanes hit, we went out to a restaurant to pick up some take out. Right as we were walking up, the big sign flew off the front of the restaurant. We figured it was time to go home!! Best part is, there were tons of people at the bar just drinkin' beer and watching the weather channel, like the storm was just a news story about somewhere else and not right outside the door! :rotfl:

How funny, we were probably right around the corner from one another. We lived at the Harbor, on 436 on that corner by the HUGE Salvation Army store and the Carwash. The complex was directly across from the McDonald's, if you know where that area is. Nice place. Kind of scary during a hurricane when you are on the 3rd floor though :scared: I feel MUCH safer here in the house, with the car tucked away in the garage......

[Disneygrl36]

Hope all is well with the storm situation :umbrella: :goodvibes
I really like your ebay dresses....I'm impressed.
So you have like what 38 day's left.............woo hoo for you.:cool1:

[flower91882]

How funny, we were probably right around the corner from one another. We lived at the Harbor, on 436 on that corner by the HUGE Salvation Army store and the Carwash. The complex was directly across from the McDonald's, if you know where that area is. Nice place. Kind of scary during a hurricane when you are on the 3rd floor though :scared: I feel MUCH safer here in the house, with the car tucked away in the garage......

Yeah, I think I know where that is. Is it by the Walmart? And across from a shopping complex with a dance studio and a little Japanese take out place? I danced at that studio for a while and that was our Favorite restaurant!!! I miss that place so much! We lived in the Bishop Park apartments. Not incredibly nice, but hey, we were grad students. :) The place we went during the hurricane was right next to our complex, it was a German place, not sure if it's still there.

Hope everything remains well!

[zweihund]

Hope all is well with the storm situation :umbrella: :goodvibes
I really like your ebay dresses....I'm impressed.
So you have like what 38 day's left.............woo hoo for you.:cool1:

We survived! And we cruise soon, which is even better :thumbsup2

Yeah, I think I know where that is. Is it by the Walmart? And across from a shopping complex with a dance studio and a little Japanese take out place? I danced at that studio for a while and that was our Favorite restaurant!!! I miss that place so much! We lived in the Bishop Park apartments. Not incredibly nice, but hey, we were grad students. :) The place we went during the hurricane was right next to our complex, it was a German place, not sure if it's still there.

Hope everything remains well!

That's the place! I know where BP is - Lionel teaches at Full Sail, right around the corner. The German place is closed! It was such a landmark, kind of sad......ah well.....

Well, we made it through Fay with little more than a few scattered branches. Lionel and I broke into the pop tarts this morning. What? We figured it was a consolation prize for having moved EVERYTHING in from the perimeter of the porch. And we have a big porch. With many LARGE, HEAVY plants. We're looking at it all now, thinking "eh, it can wait until the weekend, right?" :rotfl:

In other news, I finished my main Secret Mickey gift! Even Lionel thinks it came out great. I still have two things to make, and some possible shopping out at WDW this (or next) weekend. :thumbsup2 But the main part is done!

[MAGICFOR2]

I'm glad you guys came through the storm okay! :thumbsup2 I love the dresses!

I'll be sure to do a TR so you can check out the resort. DS is a little nervous because he picked it, but I told him we have to remember we are in a foreign country and just be happy we're there! It is rated better by TripAdvisor than the #2 Mexican resort on travel channel, so I don't think he needs to worry. He said some friends went on a cruise and Dreams was offered as an excursion.

[zweihund]

I'm glad you guys came through the storm okay! :thumbsup2 I love the dresses!

I'll be sure to do a TR so you can check out the resort. DS is a little nervous because he picked it, but I told him we have to remember we are in a foreign country and just be happy we're there! It is rated better by TripAdvisor than the #2 Mexican resort on travel channel, so I don't think he needs to worry. He said some friends went on a cruise and Dreams was offered as an excursion.

Can't wait to hear about it!

Just over a month until we cruise. I am so ready for this vacation. Every day is a little step closer!

[anewmac]

We survived! And we cruise soon, which is even better :thumbsup2

In other news, I finished my main Secret Mickey gift! Even Lionel thinks it came out great. I still have two things to make, and some possible shopping out at WDW this (or next) weekend. :thumbsup2 But the main part is done!

Glad to hear you guys are ok!

I hope you all take pics of your S/M gifts and share post cruise. I would love to see them all.. plus it gives me ideas for our next cruise then LMAO :rolleyes1

[anc22]

Glad you didn't get too much damage from the storm.

Isn't the Secret Mickey stuff great. I have had so much fun putting all of our F/E and S/M stuff together!

[zweihund]

Glad to hear you guys are ok!

I hope you all take pics of your S/M gifts and share post cruise. I would love to see them all.. plus it gives me ideas for our next cruise then LMAO :rolleyes1

I did take pictures! :rotfl: great minds thin alike......they will get posted in the final TR :thumbsup2

Glad you didn't get too much damage from the storm.

Isn't the Secret Mickey stuff great. I have had so much fun putting all of our F/E and S/M stuff together!

I still have a few little things to get, but for the most part it's done! It was a hoot ;)

[zweihund]

I was hoping by now I could say "I got my cruise documents" like many of my other fellow passengers, but no. The UPS man hates me. I am always the last to get my stuff. Might have something to do with the wasp nest on the front porch which we keep forgetting about since we always come through the garage, hmmm? :rolleyes:

I did, however, get something wonderful in the mail from a dear friend. See, when we originally booked this cruise, Mat and Sarah were not the only couple joining us. You might remember Steve and April from my first TR back in 2006? Sadly, when the housing market and economy took a turn for the worse, they had to cancel out. But not before April had already invested some time and talent into a door sign......

I got a message from her the other night, asking for my address. And a few days later, I got this:

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000bgbp7

How great is that? April, you are awesome. :hug:

I still have a few more things to do before the cruise, the main one of which is to secure a larger stash of ginger chews. Target was OUT today. What kind of crap is that? I mean, I have a little pack of about 12, but I'm fairly certain I'm going to need more than that. Just sayin' :rolleyes1

World Market, here I come!

Other things on the list:


have formal dress altered (should probably do this pretty soon, eh?)
buy *mumble mumble mumble* for last Secret Mickey gift
print door sign (it is done, and new ink has been purchased.....just need to print that sucker up)
read the Passporter again! Time to refresh those tabs


*looks over at her poor, neglected Passporter*
"You and me, kiddo. We're going to the couch."

[anewmac]

awww I LOVE IT. thats a great magnet... great idea! cant wait to see every ones door all dolled up!

Off to check on my dress'es on ebay now... lol

[anc22]

I am soooo jealous of that door sign. So cute :thumbsup2

[Tink rules]

I was hoping by now I could say "I got my cruise documents" like many of my other fellow passengers, but no. The UPS man hates me. I am always the last to get my stuff. Might have something to do with the wasp nest on the front porch which we keep forgetting about since we always come through the garage, hmmm? :rolleyes:



Erica... I told you...you must delegate... Here... He'll wait for the UPS guy... Wasps be darned!!!

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s25/mbelauzon/IMG_0226-1-1.jpg

[zweihund]

Michelle: :rotfl: :thumbsup2

Guess what came today??????

My new blender. 500 watts of power, baby. I made a smoothie within 10 minutes of getting in my front door.

Oh, yeah. My cruise docs came too. ;)

:woohoo:

[Tink rules]

Oh I can beat that!!

I was mixing muffins with the styrofoam still on the Kitchenaid Mixer my mom bought me... (extra fiber I always say...)

Congrats on the Docs... doesn't it feel official now???

[MAGICFOR2]

Michelle: :rotfl: :thumbsup2

Guess what came today??????

My new blender. 500 watts of power, baby. I made a smoothie within 10 minutes of getting in my front door.

Oh, yeah. My cruise docs came too. ;)

:woohoo:


:yay: for the cruise docs!!!! We are both so close - I can't believe its time to do the less than 30 day dance! :dance3:

Oh I can beat that!!

I was mixing muffins with the styrofoam still on the Kitchenaid Mixer my mom bought me... (extra fiber I always say...)

Congrats on the Docs... doesn't it feel official now???

How were the muffins? :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Disneygrl36]

Woo hoo cruise documents........:cool1:

I LOVE :lovestruc the door decorations..........how adorable & what a great friend to send those to you.

Are you celebrating the arrival of your documents appropriately this weekend????? :drinking1 :lmao:

[silversae]

All you complainers about cruise documents need to just chill. :laughing: I got mine last cruise 2 days before i was supposed to leave.

I figure this cruise they'll come after i've left...like the cruise before that one...

[MAGICFOR2]

All you complainers about cruise documents need to just chill. :laughing: I got mine last cruise 2 days before i was supposed to leave.

I figure this cruise they'll come after i've left...like the cruise before that one...

That's so wrong! Don't they deliver mail in Canada?:rotfl2: