any November 15th eastern 7 ngt cruisers out there?

[SINK]

We thought about doing the photo along with the autograph book as well. But, since we've the Disney's blue autograph book, it was hard to put photo in it. So, we dumped the idea. We have also thought about the index card/photo album approach, but were and still bit reluctant to use non-disney material for the character to autograph.

Funny, before I thought what a "stupid" gimmick for Disney to get characters to autograph, but now both DW and I are big fans. We have our own autograph books. That's why we are big fans of doing character meals, since all the character will rotate to every table to have their pictures taken (we don't have to wait in line like Japanese tourist, and/or feel embrassed about taking the characters time away from the kids). Sometimes we pretend that the autograph books are for our kids so we would not feel bad (we don't have any kids, yet).

Oh, 49% gay, yes, I used to buy plenty of TY beanie babies (for DW of course), which are currently resting in storage bins. Now, I replaced them with Disney plush. Furthermore, when DW and I travel to Paris, I would buy a few of purses/bags from LV for DW. Don't get me wrong, I don't like shopping, but just like to keep up with the trends (and it's good talking topic). Unfortunately, I don't dress fashionablely anymore, therefore, can't reach over the 50% mark.

[nedleycan]

I am the biggest planner I know. Yet, you guys out-do me! I plan all the time, right now I am planning for our "no kids" vacation next year. But, I don't do a binder (I do a folder) and I don't scrapbook after the trip (mainly because my job keeps me so busy that any extra time is either with the kids, or doing work).
I can't wait to meet all of your too.
I too am an early waker. Partly because our kids are. Even if they were to go to sleep at 10:00 p.m. (normal bedtime is 7:30) they would still be up before 7:00 a.m. This is a real problem when we want to stay up late. I am hoping that they fall asleep at the club this year (didn't last year!) so that we can stay out late. Plus, we aren't big "late night people" so we prefer to get up early and enjoy the beautiful Carribean day!
I can't believe we are almost 50 days until cruise time! Remember when we all celebrated that there were 100 days to go! We have come so far...

[lbgraves]

Since William was terrified of Santa last year, I'm not counting on the characters for them but we will plan to attend the breakfast on the Magic. I definantly want to do a Character Breakfast on a future trip with them though at the MK. I am going to get the kids autograph books when we get to DT Disney our first afternoon in Orlando. I am going to scan them for the autograph book so that I can print them out on whatever paper I choose. It will give me onel ess thing to worry about too. I am considering doing pillowcases for the kids, but again that is another thing to carry around with us all the time.

That sounds like a great time with Jasmine & Alladin. My kids need to be a bit older to know all the characters I guess. We don't have that movie but they know all the recent ones. They love Buzz & Woody so I can't wait for them to see the ASMovie & our room in the Toy Story suite. :)

[nedleycan]

Cam would love that! I have never heard of it!
We are not huge Disney fans (sorry guys!) We don't dislike Disney, just don't really get into it. So our kids only know the current movies like Toy Story and Monster's Inc. They haven't seen any of the others. I keep on meaning to get Lion King, Mulan and Beauty & the Beast, but keep forgetting. My daughter knows all the princesses (mainly from our trip last year).
BUT, my son would freak out if we stayed in a Toy Story Suite. You are soooo lucky!
The characters are so tame, that I am sure your kids will not be scared. I thought my son might be (same Santa experience) but he wasn't at all. He would run right up to them and usually hit them (his way of saying "you're cool"... haha).

[lbgraves]

Linda, the hotel looks so cool!!! They have 5 wings...TS, 101 Dalmations, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, and The Love Bug. The decor of the room is from that movie. There are HUGE characters all around the hotel. The brochure the TA showed us cinched it for us. :)

Kaitlyn is learning all the princesses. I am hoping that will help her get excited when she sees them. :) She got a few princess things for her birthday from friends and LOVES them.

I love to scrapbook but don't get the chance very much. I have an album for our trip and will be going to a store in Morehead City to stock up on Mickey paper & such so that it will be easier for me to get started after the holidays.

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - we stayed in the AS Music before and I walked over to the Toy Story wing and boy those characters in the courtyard are huge! I tried to take a reasonable picture, and couldn't get it all in! You'll have a blast at the AS. My DD did not sit on Santa's lap until she was 5, but she had no problems with a character meal when she was 4! Who knows, William might surprize you!
Like Linda said, you folks are the ultimate planners. My DH thinks I'm absolutely obsessed with planning our trips, but I have nothing on you guys! Usually everyone is relying on me to get them all set up and know where everything is, but looks like I"ll be turning to you guys!!
I'm having a hard time believing we're down to almost 50 days! So much to do in so little time. Atleast we got through both kids birthdays over the past 2 weeks!
Can you believe I got a notice today to show up for Jury duty on October 14! It says I have to be prepared to show up every day for a minimum of a week! Yikes. Hey Linda - you ever done Jury duty here in Canada? I'm not looking forward to it...I'm hoping that they'll find me "unsuitable" to sit on a trial...I'll figure out something...think if I show up in Mickey Ears they'd consider me insane and send me on my way!? Jo

[lbgraves]

Jo, I hope JD is painless for you. Now I have another thing to worry about!!! Gosh, what would we do if they put us on JD when we are going to be on the cruise???

[nedleycan]

Jo-Anne, no I have never been on JD or been asked to attend the first meeting. But, I know lots of people who have been notified, and only one that has ever had to go on a jury. Her's was horrible. It lasted a long time and it was a terrible murder with years of abuse (sorry, sad story to tell). She was the Foreperson (is that a word?) Anyway, usually something happens that makes you not have to serve. Explain that you are a mother of 2 young children and that your husband works a lot and you don't know how you could properly serve... and wear the ears for sure! haha

Did any of you just watch The Bachelor with Bob? Those girls are insane! Lots of action this season! Do you think it will be on during the Disney Cruise? The timing seems perfect for it to be the finale... uh oh!

[lbgraves]

IDK about the Bachelor but I will be taping Survivor. This one has been hysterical so far. What happened with the ambulance? Was it one of the girls? The others were so upset by it.

[nedleycan]

I think one girl had a panic attack... either that or two of them had a fist fight! haha All the girls are nuts!

[mkauffman]

Ok, I was out of the office yesterday (had to work in Philadelphia....my not-so-favorite city) and I feel like I've missed something!!! You guys are a hoot.:p

I thought I was the resident travel agent, but every one of you has me beat by miles! I'm so proud of you all. I just figured out that's why we all get along so well...we're all anal! Every one of us! Could make for very interesting conversations on board!

We stayed at the AS Movies, in the Toy Story section, and it was the BEST ever!! Last year we stayed at Caribbean Beach and didn't like it as well. I guess we're just kids at heart. We all said we would pay less and go back to ASM! We lucked out and got assigned the Toy Story section, but if we did it again I would definitely request that section. It was close to the food court and just tons of fun! There's nothing like seeing Buzz or Woody tower over your whole hotel!

I'm so behind....I've never seen a single episode of Survivor, Bachelor, Bachelorette, Queer Eye....nothing! Oh my goodness, I really have got to get with the times! Tuesday night I wanted to catch Whoopie and I never got home from our soccer game until almost 10:00! That's how most of my nights are (that's why I NEED this vacation!).

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

Hi all,

I was just scanning the threads and saw one about the Golden Eagle Catamaran excursion. I forget who was thinking of doing this (Michelle, Lisa, Linda, Joanne...). You may want to check it out. It has some first hand accounts. Sounds like a lot of fun!

[mkauffman]

We're doing the Golden Eagle. I had read someone's first-hand account online and it sounds like a blast. Check out this link:

http://richym1.tripod.com/july_10.htm

Anyway.....her story is why we decided to book it. I love finding stuff like that!

Hey all....we're in the 40s now!!! Yippee!!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

I was cleaning out in the garage today & found the plush ship. :) Got the butterflies brewing! LOL! Can't believe we are under the 50 day mark now!!!

Michelle, we got the nametags today. Thanks so much!!! They look great!!! I found some of the magnetic paper today. Now I can start trying to make up something for William's birthday to put on the board.

[kimszath]

Hey y'all! Sorry I've been off the boards for TOO long. Just wanted to pass along that when I was chatting with a Disney rep the other day (was canceling my WDW-to-port transfer), she mentioned that she had taken the cruise and went on the Butterfly Farm excursion. I'm sure she was whispering when she said so (they aren't supposed to turn you off to Disney stuff, right?), but she said to take a taxi, pay the regular entrance fee, and then catch a cab over to town afterwards for shopping. Seems she found it way overpriced, you only get to spend about 45 minutes at the Butterfly Farm (plus one free beverage), then they take you to some little out-of-the-way tourist shopping where most folks leave empty-handed, and then to a soda stand. It doesn't really take you near the REAL shopping district--no bargains or really nice stuff. I had reserved this excursion, but will be canceling it this week. Anybody have a different experience with this excursion? I'm kinda limited as to what I can take my 4-year-old to. Also, turns out the St. Thomas leg of our journey won't be pulling up at the usually dock near the big mall--we're docking over at Charlotte Amalie and being tendered ashore. Found this out when my Disney Rep had to research why the Paradise Point Tramway was sold out... turns out it isn't really sold out--they just wanted to be absolutely certain that folks understood that transportation to and from the tramway in a taxi are at your own expense (this place was walking distance from the usual docking area near the mall). If everyone had already heard this, I missed it!

Have a great weekend!

[lbgraves]

Well that stinks!!! :( Guess that we wont be seeing anything in St Thomas. 2 kids & 2 strollers just sounds like too much to deal with to have to tender. :( Guess we will just have to stay onboard the Magic & "suffer". ;) Thanks for the information though!

Kim do you know about the nametags Michelle designed for us or the meets on the ship? We have so far planned a meet on Sunday 11-12 at the Topsider area near the kid's pool, the ladies are having High Tea at Palo on Sunday afternoon, and we have sworn to walk deck 4 in the morning. ;) Well, most of us have anyway. Good to have you back in the group!

[SINK]

Oh well, those were definitely some bad news. However, one thing to mention that cruising itineraries are never 100%. We might be re-routed around due to bad weather. DW and I always keep an open mind. Life is too short worrying about missing a port/excursion. We don't really mind being couped up on the Magic and not going on shore. There are a lot of things to do on the ship, or just plain relax. There's always next time (and a great excuse to do it again).

[mcampbell_22]

OK, Crazy Planning Woman (aka Mary) has started to pack. I've got a checklist for each day of the cruise (day and night wear).

Wanted to double check if anyone has gotten any changes to the dinner theme schedule. My notes have it as Sat - Casual; Sun - Formal; Mon - Casual; Tues - Tropical; Wed - Casual; Thurs - Semi formal; Fri - Casual. I'm trying to separate outfits into bags for each particular day to make it easy for the kids and would like to label things for them.

Also, I have a very wild tropical dress. Anyone else going "Hawaiin crazy" as my DD calls it? Do people tend to dress more conservatively on this night or a little wild?

Thanks for the info on St. Thomas. We had intended to do the Tram but now I'll have to reassess our plans taking into consideration we may have to taxi places.

Now where's my binder...

[Jo-Anne]

Ugh about the tendering at St. Thomas - I have a real tendency to motion sickness and I hear the tenders can be quite rocky!? Anyone know how long the tender ride is? Anyone have experience with tendering?? Does this mean that we'll be dropped off right downtown and won't have to do the $5.00 water taxi? As for tropical night, DH and I will most likely be rather conservative, but will try to find something wilder for kids! Right now I have a flowery dark red and black sun dress...will assess as we get closer! The corner of my room that I plunk down "cruise stuff" is getting larger...anyone remember how intense the caribbean sun is in Nov? WOndering how many variations of suntan lotion to take....30, 45, 50 SPF! Don't think I'll start packing yet, but will am going to start trying outfits on to make sure I can account for every night!!

[SINK]

I usually wear dorky, "Hawaiian shirt" and dockers, while DW wears matching "Hawaiian" dress for tropical nights and casual dining in Parrot Cary. I thought about finding a grass shirt for DW and myself.

However, all my Hawaiian wear got wipe-out as result of a recent bulgary (break-in of my rental car) while in Orlando back in July. My company lap top, my beloved digital camera (I have also brought along the operating manuel), our families WDW hopper tickets, and most importantly all my Disney pin collection (with carrying case) were also part of the thief's price. The most unfortunately part about all this is that I don't have homeowner's insurance back then (I got it now). Oh well.

I think the water taxi's are at St. Marteen and not at St. Thomas.

[Jo-Anne]

Steve - you're probably right about the water taxi thing...I have a hard time keeping the two islands straight...which beach is where etc! So sorry to hear about the theft..that's a ton of good stuff they took - any hope of getting any of it back? I hear there are a lot of cheap Tropical shirts, skirts etc. on St. Marteen which is the stop on the day of the Tropical party. Might just keep my eyes peeled for something a little more "wild" than my subdued red and black flower thingy! Jo

[kimszath]

Lisa & Jo-Anne,
I'm pretty sure that the tendering at Charlotte Amalie puts you right there at downtown where there's plenty to do... shopping is very good in that area (I honeymooned there in 1994, and we spent more time walking around the shopping area there in town than we did over at the mall--prices about the same). The Disney rep said the tendering is very quick, so nobody should have time get sick. My hubby, who is not fond of smaller boats, isn't concerned at all. I think alot of folks would have taken the taxi into town--better restaurants, if you're eating "off the boat." The taxi over to the mall shouldn't be too expensive.

Thanks fo the update on the DIS get-together. I did get my wonderful nametags from Michelle, and am planning to attend! Will plan on Topsider's around 11 AM on Sunday. Who's making the Palo brunch ressies? I'd love to go with you all!

One more ting--I bought a gorgeous dress this evening at Dillard's, probably for formal night! I bougt it intentionally just a bit snug, ensuring I'll stick with my diet and execise so it'll fit perfectly! I did make sure I could zip it up all the way, and could get by with it now (no breathing) if I didn't lose another pound. Hmmm... better make a beauty shop appt for formal night morning!

More soon....
(Hey, how long does it take the DIS Wish mistress to update the "poundage" thingies? I sent her a note early last week...)

[mkauffman]

Kim, thanks for the update on the tendering. I've never tendered in so I didn't know what to expect and I was a little concerned. I'm not sure what we're doing in St. Thomas. That's probably going to be our shopping day. Maybe we'll go to St. John, I'm not sure.

11:00 Topsiders and High Tea at Palo on Sunday. Sounds good. I hope I can keep this all straight. We are exactly 6 weeks from sailing this coming Saturday. I just watched the video again with DS. He says he can't possibly wait 6 weeks!:) I have to play the responsible adult and say "of course you can wait six weeks, it's not THAT long!"....when secretly I'm thinking that I'm not sure I can wait 6 weeks, either!:p

You all are very welcome for the name tags. If anyone would like and didn't get, just let me know. I now have a box full of them!

Michelle

[Jo-Anne]

Michelle - I think I have the right nametags as someone (sorry, short memory) sent them to me on line. I just printed them out and now have to find a plastic thingy to insert them into! Thanks for taking the time to design them. We'll be at Topsiders at 11:00 on Sunday and I'll be doing the tea on Sunday at 3:30 and hopefully doing the "power" walks in the mornings to burn off all the Bahama Mammas! We're so busy over the next 6 weeks that I'm hoping time will just fly and before you know it, it will be Nov 15!

[mkauffman]

Jo, you should be able to find name tag holders in any office supply store. Let me know if you don't have any luck.

We're also very busy over the next 6 weeks and I'm sure this trip will come before we know it! After all, the time up until now has really flown by.....I can't even remember where the summer went!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

I love coming home on Sunday nights from the cottage and reading all the posts!

I am very happy about the change of docking in St. Thomas. The mall area has nothing there and you have to take a cab to get anywhere. The Charlotte Amalie area is great! Tendering is no problem at all. It is usually really quick and don't worry about the motion. Plus, if you are going to St. John, I think Charlotte Amalie is more convenient too. It is all good news, believe me!
I am doing the reservations for Tea, Kim. When the date gets closer, I will get a final count from everyone.
DH will wear a hawaiian shirt (not a crazy one, a Tommy Bahama conservative one). I will wear a sun dress, but not sure which one yet. DD will also wear a sun dress, and haven't found a shirt for DS yet... hope to find something soon!
Jo-Anne, you can get the name tag holders at Business Depot or Grand & Toy.

[lbgraves]

Gosh! I checked in this morning because I couldn't believe that noone else had posted all weekend. Somehow I stopped getting emails.

IMO 7 days on the Magic would be a perfect vacation to me. We aren't big shoppers or beach goers so missing a port doesn't really bother me too much. We aren't booking excursions so I'm not really pressed to get somewhere by a certain date.

I'm probably more stressed about DD's PTing right now. She will do everything for DH. When he is gone, she doesn't even want to get on the thing. :( I try to be as calm & encouraging with her as possible but I am ready to just give up & let DH handle it when he is home. We have told her she can meet the princesses & other characters more if she does this & she gets all excited. More PD please!!!!

[mcampbell_22]

Good morning everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend.

I spent some time last night making my packing list for the trip. I (psycho anal planner that I am) have a spreadsheet checklist broken down by day and by person with items needed for day and night. I'm planning on putting the kids outfits into ziplocs to make it easy for them to get ready by themselves for each day. They like that independent feeling.

The one problem I encountered was when I tried on my "tropical" dress. It is WAY to big. I look like I'm wearing a mumu. It needs to be taken in alot. My try to do this myself (I'm a pretty good sew-er (spelled it this way otherwise it says I'm a pretty good sewer!! LOL) but DH's tux pants need to be taken up so I may just have the tailor do it. I suppose I could always look for another dress (Hmmm, a valid reason to go shopping...)

Off to get the kids ready for school. I'm also headed into Boston to get a blood test to see if I'm a match to donate a kidney to my brother's son! Poor kid is only 25 and started feeling tired a few months ago. Went in to get his blood tested (thought he might be anemic) and they told him he was in TOTAL kidney failure! He spends 6 days a week for 6 hours a day on dialysis. Luckily we are a big family and there are 6 of us that have matching blood types and are being tested. 3 of his siblings are most likely going to match so I and DH may not have to cross the decision bridge. I can understand his POV but it I am the decision between life and death for my nephew, how can I say no?

Have a good day all. Talk to you soon.

[Jo-Anne]

Gosh Mary, I really hope someone is a perfect match for your nephew! I'm sitting at desk right now in office saying a quick prayer. Good news about the dress looking like a mumu tho, if you know what I mean. I'm getting really "depressed" about all the talk about weight loss and I can't muster up one ounce of will power right now! Just kidding....I'm happy with myself and have a wonderful family, so the weight loss for me will have to wait until a better time in the future!
Lisa - hang in there with the PTing. I think it might be a good idea to hand over the reins to DH...do you have a quiet weekend coming up where the only thing your DH focuses on is PT? Well, off to do some work! Take Care everyone. Jo

[mkauffman]

Lisa, I know how frustrating the PTing can be, but really, hang in there. One day she'll just go and that will be it. It really will seem like it happened overnight. Even kids have their own schedule for things and when she's completely ready, she'll just do it. Maybe you should just let DH handle it. Maybe she knows you're the pushover:) . It's funny how kids "know" that stuff.

Mary, I'm sending a lot of quick prayers and pixie dust your way. This is a decision that must come from your heart and like you said, maybe you won't even be forced to make it. I've always wondered what I would do if this ever happened to me, but in the end, I know exactly what I would do. My family would do it in a heartbeat for me and I would do the same for them.

Jo, don't fret at all about the weight loss. That, too, happens in it's own time. When you're really ready from the inside out, it happens. In the meantime, we're going to have the vacation of our lives!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

Mary, I hope everything works out for the best. Your nephew must be so scared!
I think I better get shopping to get some new clothes. I would love a really pretty tropical dress.

[mkauffman]

Linda.....I just saw your signature. Is it new? I hadn't noticed it before. How sweet!!:D I feel the same way! This trip just seems so much better because I have so many new people to meet.

I just noticed (can you believe it) that we're in the 40s now!! Is there a 40s dance that we can do?? Maybe we should save any new dances for one of the deck parties.:p

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

I just did it last night... thanks for noticing!

Boy, the next 40 or so days are going to go sooooo quickly! Yeah!

[mcampbell_22]

Just back from the blood test. Hopefully we'll have an answer back in a few weeks. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts.

It's been a tough year for my brother and his kids. Almost a year ago his wife of 30 years started to transpose some numbers and was getting a bit confused. Went to see the doctor and they discovered she had 5 brain tumors and the cancer had already spread to other parts of her body. Gave her less than 6 months. She only lived another 6 weeks. Now to have this tragedy happen to his son! It seems that they can't catch a break and everything is already at the terminal level upon initial diagnosis.

We have high hopes though. Big family, lots and lots of potential donors and nephew is otherwise young and healthy. On top of all this my brother has also been diagnosed with Minears (sp?) disease which results in deafness. No cure! Thank goodness we have each other and we all live very near (5 next door to each other) so it's easy to lend a hand and support.

Thanks again.

[sherry]

I would like to add my thoughts and prayers for your family.

[JulieGS]

Mary --

I just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers as well. Wow, all that heartache puts things in perspective, doesn't it? Hang in there. We look forward to helping you relax and forget about your family worries during the cruise...

Julie

[mcampbell_22]

Thanks for all your heartfelt thoughts and prayers. It's greatly appreciated!

It is actually a good feeling to have things "started." The whole process is very time consuming so it's great to finally have things off and running. Once a match is found and they are contacted and agree to go ahead, there are 3 months of tests (both medical and psychological) to make sure the donor is healthy enough, has no underlying conditions and it also gives them time to make sure the decision is the right one for them. The healing time after surgery is roughly 2 months so you also have to be ready for that (financially too). All things to consider but in my eyes it's a no-brainer. He's family and helping out family is just the right thing to do whether its helping someone move or donating a kidney. That's not to say I'm not scared. Of course I am, I have two small kids to think about but I know I would find it very hard to live with myself if I was his one chance and didn't do it.

Who knows, I may not even be the one. When I got the blood taken today and was on my way back down the elevator I felt wet on my arm. Looked down and my arm was covered in blood that soaked through my jacket. Vein hadn't closed up right. Maybe its a sign that I may not be the right one. Anyway it sure was messy! Leave it to me to bleed all over the place and not even realize it!

Back to happy thoughts! Started setting aside items to pack. The pile in the corner of the bedroom is getting bigger. Later this week I'll go up in the attic and bring down some suitcases to start putting items in. Just a reminder for everyone to pick up sunscreen on clearance when you can. It'll be gone before you know it and who wants to pay big $$ for it on the cruise. I'd rather spend it on a cocktail or bingo!

Speaking of bingo. Maybe this is something we could all plan on doing together some night. Really get the place jumping and maybe some of us could even walk away with some prizes!

Ok, enough of my chatter for now. Have a great night everyone and thanks again for the well wishes.

[nedleycan]

I think that is what my dad has. He has ringing in his ears (not all the time)... but it doesn't necessarily mean that he will go deaf. In fact, he doesn't think this will happen at all. So, there may be hope for your brother too.

[mcampbell_22]

Linda,

Glad it's better knews for your dad. My bro already had hearing loss and was wearing hearing aids so the Minears is just the thing that's putting him over the top in terms of hearing loss. The docs told him to modify his diet to help retard the disease but it's hard to totally stop all sodium intake as well as caffeine. Right now he has a lot of trouble with certain tones and pitches. But at least he can still hear some. It's tough for him in the doc visits for his son when he really wants to hear all the information. We do pretty good taking notes so he feels like he got it all.

[mkauffman]

:( For some reason, I'm not getting notified of new posts by email anymore.

Anyway, Mary it sounds like your family has had enough bad news. You really need this vacation! I'm hoping the next 6 weeks goes especially quick for you!

I wasn't quite ready to put my summer stuff on the back-burner, but it's COLD here now, so I guess it's time! Today is the last day of September, it's not supposed to be this cold yet and needless to say, I HATE IT! This will be my excuse to get the suitcases out this weekend and get stuff washed up and packed away. We have a soccer game on Saturday so I don't know how much I'll get done. Maybe I'll get to Wal-Mart and find some sunscreen on sale. What a great feeling to be buying sunscreen when everyone else is buying gloves and hats!:)

Mary, keep that bingo idea in your thoughts. Maybe we can discuss that at our Sunday morning meeting or Palo brunch. Sounds like fun (don't discuss it around my mom, though...bingo is her life!).

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

I thought that I did something wrong since I stopped getting them on Friday night. Must be the board because I'm not getting any emails from DIS posts now. ???

Anyhow, we are going to BG & a family wedding this weekend so I will wait until next week to switch out our clothes. DS's are in the closet already so I just hve to move them around. DD's are under the bed so that is pretty easy too. Mine are the problem lugging everything out of the garage. I wish we had a bigger closet!!! Are you guys packing some warmer stuff too? I haven't checkd any sites for weather history for the Caribean in November. Also, are the fashion "rules" in effect on a cruise ship...ie white shoes after labor day? I have a couple warm weather outfits that really only go with my white sandles or shoes.

[mkauffman]

Lisa, I'm not sure what the "rules" are, but I'm planning to take my white sandals. I have certain outfits that I'm wearing them with. I'm quite sure someone on this board will tell me that I'm not wearing appropriate dining room attire because of my white sandals :p . Oh well....I live to be daring!

I just checked out the averages and St. John's average in November is 86F for a high and 74F for a low. St. Thomas average is 88F and 75F, respectively. That should give you a pretty good idea. I say....break out the shorts and white sandals!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[sherry]

I just bought white sandals for dinner on clearance. After I bought them, I was wondering the same thing about the time of year. Decided I was going to wear them no matter what tradition says! They are very comfy.

[Jo-Anne]

Here's another white sandal person! I'm going to try to get away with wearing them with formal and semi formal outfits. I really want to try to pack light. I'm even thinking of trying to book Palo on the formal or semi formal night so I wear the same outfit to Palo and then to either semi or formal night! We'll see! When the documents arrive, will we know then what our dinner rotation is? I'm trying to figure out which night to book Palo. Jo

[nedleycan]

You will not know your rotation until you get on the ship. You do not get your rotation with your documents. But, with the age of your kids, you will probably get APL (Animators, Parrot, Lumiere). I have calculated every possible rotation and what nights would be best for Palo. This is also based on the menus at each restaurant, and the special menus that occur so many nights. Wednesday or Thursday seem to work best for us, based on the foods we really like (we actually will eat anything... the most exotic the better!) Also, Lobster is on Sunday night, so I don't want to miss that! yummy!
White sandals are fine. Everyone had them last year. The temperatures should be hot and lovely! You can wear whatever you normally wear in the summer.

[mkauffman]

Let me be the first to say..........we're going on vacation NEXT MONTH!!! Boy, it seemed like we'd never be able to say that.:tongue:

Jo, I have a goal of packing light, too. The guys are re-wearing some of their pants with different shirts and believe it or not, I'm trying to only take two or three pairs of shoes (not including my sneakers). Am I the only one that has a hard time narrowing down my shoes??:D I feel like only certain shoes match certain outfits. DH will have a fit if I take a bunch of shoes.

Linda, you're going to have a great Sunday....meeting us 11-12, High Tea and Lobster! There's no way it gets better than that!

Sherry, clearance sandals are the best kind!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[Jo-Anne]

So exciting that We're into October!! Linda - I've been doing the same thing with the dinner menus and Palo! So assuming we get APL, I think we'd do best going to Palo on either Monday or Tues night. Thinking that on the Mon sea day we wouldn't be so rushed around dinner time, and I'm not all that fussed about the Tropicalifragisomethingorother menu. We're going to see the other family we are travelling with this weekend and I'm going to hand them the menus for Mon & Tues nights and say...which one do you like the least and then that's the night I'll book Palo. Good thing my friends actually want me to do this type of planning!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

Yup, just looked at my list, and Monday is a good day too. The reason I don't want to go Tuesday is because it is casual wear, and I don't want to dress up for Formal, Semi-formal and Palo... too many dressy clothes.

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by nedleycan
... too many dressy clothes.

Agreed!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Gosh! :eek: Am I the only one looking forward to dressing up? LOL! I hve a new dress for every night...of course they were all fantastic deals & this is a chance for me to wear them all. :) We aren't even going to Palo. I hemed up the pants of William's suit. Can't wait to see him all decked out this weekend at the wedding! He will look sharp on the ship too. Not sure how many pairs of shoes I will end up taking...whatever I need. The socks will get stuffed in them. ;)

[nedleycan]

I am probably thinking more about Hubby than myself. He looks so nice in some nice pants and a raw silk-type sport shirt. I think he looks so handsome and clean and dressy (in my opinion). He will bring a suit for the formal nights, but our style is more resort casual, but always clean and proper. One thing that kinda bugs me about Disney (that a lot of other cruise lines have given up on, and most workplaces have too) is that they think that by putting someone in a suit, they are more presentable. I think that a well put together person looks good no matter what they wear (within reason).
I am looking forward to the nights that we can be comfortable and be ourselves. DH and I both work in very corporate type worlds, but we haven't worn a suit in years... I just think it is funny that Disney still considers this to be the desired dress.
Don't flame me! We are both still looking forward to a couple of dressy nights, just not too many! : )

[lbgraves]

You know, your post made me realize that I am probably looking forward to dressing up because I usually wear jeans or shorts except for Church on Sunday. I don't get that many chances to wear a dress. That's what is great about vacations. Everyone can do what makes them happy. :)

[nedleycan]

We will happily dress up for the formal nights and will look respectful on the non-formal nights! That is what Disney asks for, and we will follow out of respect.
I remember last year when we all dressed up for formal night and even DS wore a tie, it was so much fun! It felt very special. I just hope DS will wear the tie again this year! Things have changed... if it isn't "cool" he won't wear it. Anyone know if they sell SpiderMan ties?

[Jo-Anne]

I'm sure there are spiderman ties out there! My DS wants a Rescue Hero tie! We have one of those basic clip on ties that came with a vest and formal pants that he'll wear for formal night and its easy to come up with a nice dress for Katie, but like Linda, both DH and I are in corporate worlds but our offices went business casual years ago. I think I've extended my life expectancy by not having to wrestle with pantyhose every morning! Even to church I wear dress pants. So we'll dress up and look good, but there will be no long gowns or beads on me!! :), but there will be tons of other folks dressed to the nines, and Lisa, I can't wait to see all your wonderful outfits and you can privately tell me about the deals!!;) Jo

[mkauffman]

DH is in the construction business, so he NEVER dresses up! Funerals and weddings are pushing it. I work in the computer business and we also went casual years ago. A lot of days I'm crawling around on the floor working on PCs and I wouldn't dare wear anything decent! Linda, I whole-heartedly agree that putting someone in a suit does not make them more presentable. It's all in your attitude and demeanor (sp?). If you're sitting beside me at dinner and you make me laugh and feel comfortable, I don't give a hoot what you're wearing (within reason, of course!).

Lisa, you are going to look beautiful in your "dressy" clothes. I'll probably envy what you have on. Myself, I don't even know if I'd know how to put pantyhose on anymore.:D

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

Here I am saying that I don't want to dress up much, but there is a good chance that I will be able to use a friend of mine's beautiful strapless black velvet floor-length gown. She lent it to me last year for our cruise, but since our Magic cruise was cancelled, and we ended up on the Wonder, I didn't need it (Wonder is much more casual). I am going to ask her for it again.

SO... after all this ranting of mine (hope it didn't sound like ranting, cause it wasn't) I will be joining Lisa as the "Belles of the Ball"!

Linda

[SINK]

Although what you wear does not reflect who you are, but, outfits does make a person look fantastic (in the case of good looking people, they look more beautiful than ever with the right clothes/hairdo/makeup if necessar). Or else, why would women put on make-up?

I'm not trying to start a debate, so please no flaming here. If I offend anyone, I apologize up front.

[nedleycan]

We are all friends here just having a discussion. No offense taken! : )

So, it is getting closer and closer! This weekend I will be bringing our summer clothes home from the cottage. I will wash them and put them into "the pile". That will be so much fun!

I know you ladies were talking about doing Bingo some day, that sounds great! I didn't do it last time, mainly because the 4 day Wonder just isn't long enough to do everything. I am really looking forward to having the time to do things like that.

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by SINK
Or else, why would women put on make-up?

Good point!:teeth: I have my "little black dress", as I like to call it. We'll all just be lovely, won't we? I'm still so excited I can hardly stand it. It's actually fun to know what you all are wearing. Our tropical clothes are not really big-bold-bright. They're more subdued.

I guess bingo is best on one of our at sea days, right?

I've really got to get off my duff and get to the tanning bed a few times.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents (that's all I have - the rest is being socked away for the cruise!) on the dressing up chat. We are all planning to dress up every chance we get. I have a floor length gown with sparkle beading (it even has a "minnie" LOL train) and DH is wearing a tux on formal night.

Although I'm a SAHM, I'm a "dress" person. I prefer to wear dresses more often than not. Maybe it's the not having a waistband to restrict me part that I like! Thus I have a lot of dresses to wear for all nights and days (once again I prefer sundresses over shorts). My big dilemma is do I wear nylons. I don't ususally in the warmer weather but I'm wondering how cool it will be at night and during dinner. Suppose I'll just pack a few new packages and make the decision on board.

Think I've got the shoes thing down to 2 dressy, 1 sandal, 1 sneaker. Now DH's shoes, although he's only taking 2 other pair, they're so much bigger than mine! Take up way too much room that I could be using for more ME stuff!

Overall we are all really looking forward to the dressing up part because we so rarely get to do it in "real" life. It's part of what's going to make this special for us.

[SINK]

Have you guys heard comedians while cruising, pointing out that the stateroom attendants seems to hid in the closet and cruisers packing their suitcase? Furthermore, comedians would comment on that there are ladies out there who would use a bedroom as a holding bin for all the stuff they are planning to bring (the war-room). Well, DW would point at me when comedians were making these remarks. Yes, I do use our guest bedroom to "layout" my gear weeks prior to our cruise. I use more suitcase space than DW. Typically, I would bring a tux, one dark suite and one tan (all custom made, since I'm very short and round, off-the-rack just don't do it for me). Furthermore, ladies, about the shoes, I would bring shoes for the gym, the tux, dark suit, tan suit (maybe two), and my favorite river-walk (sandals). That's five pairs of men's footwear which is equilivent to 15 pairs of women's in weight.

Furthermore, I would bring more clothes than DW. Due to the Caribbean weather, I would need about three shirts per day (one for the morning/afternoon, one for late evenings (I will change after dinner and show on formal/semi-formal nights), and one for bed.

[nedleycan]

I wouldn't bring nylons. I was never cold last year (although some people say they got cold in the dining rooms, I never did). We go to the Carribean at least once a year, and I have never brought nor needed nylons.
But, if you are a person who gets cold easily, you may want to throw a pair in.
Shoes: Fancy silver shoes, black sandals (can wear these with many dresses), running shoes, sport sandals.

[mkauffman]

I'm not taking them either, Linda. I wear trouser socks all winter long and I'm pretty sure they won't look to hot with my little black dress!:D That's why I need to get to the tanning bed. I guess if nothing else I can do the new spray on tan that everyone is doing. That seems silly.

The shoes....oh the shoes! I still haven't narrowed that down yet. You guys haven't gotten your docs yet, have you? I saw someone post that they got theirs and they're going the week before us.


Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

No doc here yet but I did receive a computer generated phone call from Delta alerting me to a change in our flight from Atlanta to Orlando (Michelle? Lisa? can't remember whose on it with us). It only changed by 5 minutes or so but for a moment there my heart stopped. We already had to totally redo our flights after Delta cancelled all the nonstops from Boston to Orlando earlier this year. Whew!

Taking the advice on the nylons. Don't need one more thing to "restrict" me on this cruise. Although if we don't do our walks I may end up needing something to hold me all in! LOL

OT a bit. What's everyone's kids dressing up as for Halloween. Devon is either going to be a ballerina or Snow White. She keeps switching back and forth. Luckily we have both costumes because she loves to dress up. Conor I think has settled on a mummy. I am now tearing up old sheets, tea staining them to look old and will wrap and sew them around an old white sweatsuit. Think I may be able to wrap them around a full-face knit ski mask so he has his head covered with easy on and off. Why oh why can't I just buy costumes? Nah, that's just not me!

Now, where's that "To Do" list....

[mkauffman]

It's me, it's me, Mary! I'll be meeting you in Atlanta. Won't it be funny if we pass on the plane. I just cannot wait (have I already said that?). When did you get your phone call from Delta? We booked through Orbitz and they usually send us email notices of changes. I'll have to check it out to see what changed. I just hope it's not a later arrival.

Your kids sound like they're going to be so cute for Halloween! My kids have pretty much outgrown Halloween already (Josh a long time ago and Garrett just this year). He may put something simple just to get the candy! You know how kids are.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

We will have a Spider-Man and a Hula Girl. The Spider-Man costume I bought a couple of weeks ago at Toys R Us. Meghan wants to make the Hula costume, by tearing a garbage bag (her idea). Hopefully it works, as she really wants to do this. Then we will buy a lai (sp?) and a flower for her hair, etc.
No docs yet. I think we got them 5 weeks before last time... so they should be here soon!

[Jo-Anne]

Katie is going to be Ariel - I bought the costume 75% off at Dis Store last year. However, it's usually cold on Halloween night, so she usually wears her costume over top of sweatpants and coat, but this Ariel costume is a little snug..not sure what our back up plan will be! Michael will either be a lion or Woody from Toy Story. He wants to wear Lion costume that he wore last year, but of course Mom would prefer the Woody costume....my guess is he'll be a lion. Woody will have to wait til next year! No documents here yet, but I do know we got of the wait list for dinner so we do have early seating. However, our friends TA didn't get them on the wait list on original reservation, so they are still on late but have just asked to get wait listed...so still unsure when we're eating...we'll switch back to late if they can't get early. I was off work today since my babysitter had a family matter to take care of and I had every intention of doing some clothes sorting, but the day just seemed to slip by with doing laundry, going to Costco (bought a really big hockey bag on wheels that would be a great "suitcase"), shuttling kids to and from school. I'll need to get focused over next few weeks!! Jo

[mcampbell_22]

Michelle, i got the call from Delta yesterday around 4 pm. The flight changes are departing Atlanta at 10:19 am (was 10:10) and arriving in Orlando at 11:45 am (was 11:36). Only a 9 minute difference thank goodness. This was the first call we've received. Never got a call when they cancelled all our original flights and moved us to ones that made us miss the boat!

Jo-Anne, I know what you mean about the day slipping by. I did manage to get the grocery shopping done today (alone!) and some laundry but the kids airconditioners didn't make it into storage, the Halloween decorations aren't out yet (kids are after me about this) and cat's litter box didn't get cleaned. The last is DH's job but he's been working 4 am to 7-8 pm every day so I can't really nag him about that!

Everyone's in bed (DH too, poor tired man) so I'm going to make a cup of tea and read the newspaper in silence. AHHH, Calgon (you know the rest)...

[nedleycan]

You are too funny Mary! I have been so busy at work (working late 2 days this week, plus the usual 8 - 10 p.m. working from home) that last night for the first time in months... I took a bath with scented bath stuff at 11:00 at night! That is when I finally finished working. It felt so good! I am looking forward to the vacation, as I have been busier than ever, and there are a few projects coming up that are due November 14th (just in time) that will keep me working and busy and stressed until the vacation... Calgon!!!!

[lbgraves]

For our little trip to VA this weekend. ;) We are surprising the kids by going to Busch Gardens Friday then heading up to the family wedding. We will probably stop by on the way home Sunday. I just feel better in nylons so I always take them. My shoes fit better somehow. Now about the makeup...I honestly don't remember the last time I wore any. I just don't have time for the stuff but now I will have to remember to take it out for the trip since I will be dressing up & hopefully getting some great family pictures taken. :)

You guys ahve a great weekend & I will catch up with everyone when we get home. I have been getting a ton of clothes ready to list on Ebay next week. There is a pile of toys int he garage that need to get on there early this year due to the cruise. I want everything out of here before we leave.

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, have a great weekend. You got me thinking about makeup. Yikes I've never worn much and since I've been home with the kids I can count on my hands the number of times I've worn it in the past 5 years!

I'll have to get some tips from Devon. This 5 year old can put on makeup (she curls her lashes, does eyeshadow, blush, lipstick) better than anyone I've seen! This freaks DH out. He sees his littlel girl in a few more years with a line of boys panting after her. (She already has one little boy in Kindergarten who is in LOVE with her!). I better practice so I don't end up looking like Jack Nicholson as the Joker in Batman or worse Tammy Faye Baker!!! LOL

Started to put some things in a suitcase and realized that DH has to go to Michigan on Sunday for a business trip and needs it. Don't suppose he could take a brown paper bag??...

[Jo-Anne]

Mary - my Dad, a pretty low maintenence guy, travelled to Africa & China with all his toiletries, pills etc. in a plastic grocery bag, so think your hubby should have no problems brown bagging it!! When Dad retired, one of his co-workers presented him with a new grocery bag to travel with!! I tried on both my dresses last night for formal and semi nights and will need to get to the tailor to have some alterations...another thing added to list! Have a good day everyone! Jo

[mkauffman]

Does anyone know where they sell mesh bags for us to put our dirty clothes in? I'd like to have one or two to stick our clothes in throughout the week (the boys tend to just let them where they fall, if you know what I mean).

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but is there a "clothesline" installed in the shower...one that you can stretch over to the other side of the tub and hook it in? I remember this from somewhere that we've stayed over the last couple of years, and I'm thinking it was on the cruise. Anyone know for sure?

Mary, I got those Delta changes a few months ago from Orbitz. Thank goodness, I can't handle any major changes right now. I had the nightmare again last night where I remembered that I forgot to bring our birth certificates and we were already at the airport. I've been having that dream a couple times a week!:faint:

Cool new smilies...are they new or have I lost my mind again?

:grouphug:

Michelle

[nedleycan]

Yes, there is a retractable clothes line in the shower. It isn't very long (since the shower is short) but it will hold the family's bathingsuits.

[JulieGS]

All this talk of fancy clothes and makeup.... with my little one, I consider myself dressed up if what I'm wearing doesn't have spit up or snot or baby food on it! LOL! I do have some really fancy duds and I'm looking forward to wearing them again on the cruise... now if only I were tan or in shape! :eek: I'm planning on renting a tux for DH (any excuse) and even contemplating buying tuxes for the boys on eBay. As for makeup... well, it was our 10th wedding anniversary on September 25, and I had my makeup done professionally... for the first time since my wedding ten years ago. The makeup girl was just shocked by that information, but then again she was gorgeous, twenty-something, and kept using expressions I'd never heard of during the whole session, which made me feel really old. (Example: "Your kids must be really geeked about the cruise!!") All that, and I didn't even take a picture. Just didn't occur to me. Oh, well. I got my eyebrows and lip waxed, anyway, and to me that's a much better use of DH's money. :teeth: (He refers to all those services as me being "detailed".)

Julie

P.S. Don't worry, I'll be detailed again before we cruise. I wouldn't want to scare all of you! :p

[SINK]

LOL. You ladies are a blast. I have so much fun reading all the posts here (the fun ones).

Only 6 more weeks. Boy, time flies. Weeks go by so quickly. I'm not sure if I can get all my work done prior to cruise (my annual bonus, which is 20% of my annual salary [2.4 months of pay or 5.2 bi-weekly paychecks], depends on projects that requires efforts beyond normal day to day operations, darn).

[mkauffman]

Julie, even without makeup you can't be as scarey as I am first thing in the morning! Are you taking the 20-something girl along on the cruise to detail you or are you going to detail yourself?:crazy:

Only 6 more weeks! Yeah! Tomorrow I start my 2 pound a week weight loss goal. I would love to have 12 down by cruise time. That's a lofty goal and I know it, but a girl can dream!:tilt:

Still waiting for that call from the TA.....:boat:

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

Well it took me most of the day but I've transferred our summer clothes to storage and have put the fall/winter stuff into the closets. I now have a "mountain" of clothes piled in the corner of the bedroom waiting to be sorted and packed for the cruise.

Where oh where did the weekend go?....

[nedleycan]

We are closing up the cottage in 2 weeks, so I brought home all of our summer clothes. I am really looking forward to sort the "Disney Cruise" clothes from the "see if it fits next summer" clothes. Can't wait!

So, I lost another 2 lbs. YEAH! Another 2 lbs. and I am ready for the Magic and the wonderful food. I just bought 2 new pairs of jeans and they are 1 size down! I also went from 1 notch on the belt to 3 notches on the belt. I am so happy that I did this. I am happy with my weight now, but feel that I need the extra 2 lbs. for when I go off of low-carb, no sugar (I am sure that I will gain a little bit).

Shopping list: new bathingsuit (because I usually buy a new one before my Carribean vacations), one pair of shorts (may have to wait for my Nov. 2-6 Vegas trip to find shorts), new white t-shirt, ask friend at work if she will lend me her beautiful long velvet gown, tropical dress for me and DD (for tropical night!). Better get shopping soon I guess!

The make-up thing is a daily thing for me, since I work full-time and my clients wouldn't really like to see me without make-up. But, I don't wear lipstick (hate the feeling) so my special "dress-up" nights include lipstick and perfume!

All "detailing" has been carefully planned and will occur on the Thursday before the cruise.

[mkauffman]

Mary, it seems like I always have a mountain of clothes. I haven't figured out how to part with the stuff that I haven't worn in months or years....but there's always "what if I need it".

Linda...congrats on the weight loss! It's a great feelng, isn't it? You are now my motivation...thanks for sharing! I meant to get back on track this weekend, but I was so busy I found myself eating bad stuff at the wrong times, if that makes sense. It's so depressing...especially since we cruise in LESS THAN 6 WEEKS! Ok, tomorrow is it. I'm buckling down.::yes::

Saturday is Garrett's birthday and I'm so not ready. Then Sunday we're going to Gettysburg with DH's family. Another weekend of running around like a crazy woman. Josh has three soccer games this week. When, oh when, to get it all done?

It sure is nice to watch that countdown timer count down!:sunny:

Michelle

[kimszath]

Wow. Have spent the past 30 minutes catching up on all your posts! Sorry, Mary. Hope you get good news. I've been dealing with a family emergency of my own. My dear Mom, who is scheduled to cruise with us, had quite a scare last week... landed her in ICU for a couple of days, and she finally went home today. Long story short--she had a "mini-stroke." After nearly a week of tests, MRA's, CAT scans, and constant monitoring, they couldn't find anything (thank GOD) and sent her home with medication to hopefully prevent it from happening again. I think it was "somebody's" way of getting her attention, and maybe making her take care of herself a little better now that the trip is approaching. Of course her health comes first, but we were relieved that her Doctor said nothing about NOT going on the cruise. That would have probably given her the big one, as much as she's looking forward to it! Thanks for letting me vent. I've been so stressed about this all week.

Now... where can I find a Tropical dress and and shirts for hubby/child/Mom online??? You guys crack me up with the dish about the makeup... I wear it everyday... HAVE to, since I work with nothing but men. In this career field, you just about have to go out of your way to look feminine so that nobody lumps you in with the butch crowd (alot of female officers look alot like the men...) I like to look like a girl when I get off work! :-)

Can't wait to meet you all! 36 more days until I get on the plane!!! Oh, and make that 14.5 pounds below... working hard, but my little ribbon hasn't caught up! :sunny:

[mkauffman]

Kim, you were scaring me there for a minute! I know how much you're looking forward to taking your mom along! I'll be saying a little prayer every day that this really was just a wake-up call for her! I talk about this with my girlfriend all the time.....getting older really stinks!

On a brighter note, congrats on the 14.5 pounds! You deserve a new ribbon! As for the online shopping, www.hilohatties.com has some really nice tropical wear. Some of the prices aren't so bad, either.

You were cracking me up with the butch comment. We just watched the USA vs. Germany World Cup game and I swear if I wouldn't have known better, all of the German women looked like men! I'm not kidding. I was a little confused for a minute. I saw your picture...you're definitely feminine looking, don't worry!

Michelle

[nedleycan]

All of my clients are men, and I feel the same way as you Kim. Since I work in the automotive industry I can choose to act like a man (them) or act like a woman (myself). Although I don't wear pink suits (I don't think my clients would like that, plus it isn't me) I always do the make-up and hair thing. I think they appreciate the woman's point-of-view.

So, Cam was off school on Friday with a fever, and he still has a slight fever and is very congested. DH stayed home on Friday with him, so it is my turn today. Good timing, as I am so busy and have a large proposal to write, and when I am working from home I usually get more work done. But poor little guy, he is fasinated by his "funny voice".

[mkauffman]

We're in the 30s now!!

I get that queasy feeling in my stomach just thinking about how close we are!:goodvibes

I was talking to some people in my group today about what we're wearing to the airport. Silly, huh? We're not taking any coats along!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Gosh the weekend was long. We had fun but I have been catching up. I am trying to load the stuff that I prepared last week to Ebay but their listing system is not working now & another one that I signed up for is taking so long. :( :( :( I really wanted to ahve these things end this Saturday so that I could get them all out of here before we leave on 11/10. I need to list all my toys once I figure this stuff out. Well, it is keeping my mind off the cruise. :( I only keep up with this thread now. No time for the rest of the stuff going on. This weekend was nice. I can't wait until our trip!!!

[Jo-Anne]

I'm finding it hard to believe too...I remember when we were over 100! I've still got Jury Duty to get through and a business trip to Cincinnati and then I'll be able to totally focus on getting ready! I took my dresses in for alteration yesterday and DH took pants in to be hemmed, so we are getting slowly into the mindset. Told DH that our group is meeting up on Sunday morning and that all family would be going (as I thought he might balk!!), but he actually showed interest in learning more about who this DIS group is, so I showed him the photos & data from Alex's site (Steve & Kim (others?), we need your photo!). He was also asking about what the spouses do! To tell you the truth, I wasn't following this thread too thoroughly early on, so maybe this was discussed, but if you don't mind sharing, what do your spouses do? My DH is Dave and he is an Industrial Engineer by trade and is currently working in Robotic & ID Equipment Sales. In the past he has done IE work for Nestle, Molson and Nabisco.

[nedleycan]

Wow, it really is close. I still haven't done any of my "cruise wear" shopping, just some fall clothing shopping... I better get going!
My kids talk about the cruise every single day now (and sometimes I am not even the one starting the conversation!) For all of you who have never gone on the cruise, your kids will be hooked... good luck! haha

[nedleycan]

My husband Brian went to school for Mechanical Engineering and more recently got his MBA. He works in the e-commerce/IT/software/manufacturing industry as VP Sales and Marketing for an up-start here in Toronto.
More about him: He loves skiing, mountain biking, SCUBA diving and cars. I am fortunate that he is not a TV sports watcher. He loves CSI, West Wing. Hates reality shows (we clash here) and canned laughter on sitcoms. He is 6 feet tall and just lost 10 lbs. (same diet as me) and is now 170 lbs. (lowest he has been since our wedding 13 years ago). He is quiet and we are more into fine wine and good food than partying and staying up late.

Wow, what a Bio!

[lbgraves]

Mike is an aerospace engineer working on the development of the V22 Osprey. He has been at this office with the civil service since we moved to NC in November 1994. WOW! It has been a long time!!! He was with the F14 program in A before this for a few years. He is now the lead systems engineer so he pretty much knows & works on all aspects of the aircraft and has been overseeing the inspections. His travel schedule pretty much stinks. He just found out that he has to go to TX tomorrow for a week...messing up our plans to go to the local festival this weekend & also leaving me to handle Kaitlyn at William's soccer game solo on Saturday. :rolleyes: This happens quite often but we have been telling his supervisor all year that he can forget about him going anywhere or doing anything in November. That 3 weeks is going to be the first time we haven't taken the office cell phone or even laptop with us. :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc We all really need this time to reconnect.

[nedleycan]

Too many engineers! We should have checked this out earlier! haha
I assume by the end of the week, they will have redesigned the ship!

[lbgraves]

LOL! The DHs will have more to talk about than they think. :)

[SINK]

To make matters worst. I'm a tax accountant while DW is a full time college student (nope, she's not a co-ed, but went back to school after years of being a flight attendant straight from high school).

My hobbies are planning vacations, and playing with excel spreadsheets. DW likes to do everything new and is very big on keeping ties with the family. Remarkable.

Imagine, in exactly six weeks, we will be having a blast on St. Marteen.

[mcampbell_22]

Kim, so sorry to hear about your mom. Glad to know that it wasn't too serious. I'm very familiar with strokes (my mom had a bad one when I was @10 yrs old) and one of my sisters just had a bad one a year ago. Sis recovered with only minor losses. My best advice is to heed the "wake up" call and make whatever changes (lifestyle, diet etc) that the doc says are necessary. Also at the first signs of stroke, seek medical attention immediately. This is the most important thing. The most effective treatment needs to be administered within in first 3 hours.

Now for the happy stuff. Contrary to my best intentions, the "pile" is still in the corner of the bedroom. Hoping to start packing it in the next day or two. Hair appt set for Saturday. Eye doctor appt set for next week (need more contacts) and halloween costumes under control.

The Campbell family bio: Brian and I met in college lo these 20 years ago and wil be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary on the cruise (as well as Conor's 7th birthday). Brian was an accountant but changed gears and careers a few years ago and went back into trucking. Now drives a truck for a national LTL carrier. I worked for a land conservation non-profit until 5 years ago when Devon was born and I became a SAHM.

DH loves cars, motorcyles (basically all men toys), mountain biking, weight training and football. My interests include gardening, reading, cooking (eating!), decorating/crafting (a must for any mom with young kids!) and bargain hunting (flea market/yard sale junkie!).

We both are looking forward to meeting you all in person and getting "personal." Can't believe how quickly time is passing. I keep checking the mailbox in eager anticipation of receiving the cruise docs. Nothing today Boo Hoo!

Oh well, maybe tomorrow...

:(

[nedleycan]

The docs will be coming soon! Probably in the next week! Yeah! That is when it all seems real. I think it is time to watch the cruise video again... hey, maybe now!

[mkauffman]

No docs here, either! I just sent the TA an email yesterday and was bugging him (although he always says I'm not bugging him but I know he HAS to say that!:D ) . He's trying to tell me that the docs won't come until about two weeks out and I know from my last cruise that we got them about a month out. We worked with a different TA at that time, but I wouldn't think that would make a difference.

Our BIO: DH is in the construction biz.....has been since graduation from high school. His dad was in the business and I guess he just followed suit. He's done everything from road/bridge work to buildings and now his biggest job is basically managing other people. I work in my company's IT department...tech support. Josh is 15 and Garrett will be 9 on Saturday. I'd say we're fairly normal people.::yes::

We're having a minor heat wave in Central PA today and tomorrow. We went from freezing our *** off at last week's soccer games to wearing short sleeves again. I think this is our "Indian Summer" and by next week we'll be freezing again.

Oh, and Garrett and I just watched the cruise video again last week.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Well, we should do quite well with plans on the Magic with all the guys working together. We have the engineers to analyze & plan, the builder to implement the changes, the accountants to take care of the finances, and the driver / captain to take us where we want to go. (A ship can't be that much more than one of those big rigs, right? ;) ):teeth:

[sherry]

Hi,
My dh is a customer relations liason with Honda. I am a home daycare provider. My children are almost 17 and 21. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary, so the kids stay home this time. Also waiting for the docs to arrive. Have a good Wednesday:wave:

[mkauffman]

We could take over the whole ship!:eek:

I've always admired truck drivers (except when they pass me in a rain/snow storm and I can't see anything!). I have trouble backing up my Explorer....I can't even imagine what a big truck would be like! My dad drove truck (he'll be with us, too) when I was little and all I remember is him being away from home all the time. Mary, I sympathize. Is Brian home every night?

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by sherry
My dh is a customer relations liason with Honda.

So, we can assume that you drive a Honda? :D

I am a home daycare provider.

God Bless You! You've probably got the toughest job of us all!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[sherry]

Thank you so much Michelle. Right now it is 8:55 and my first guest is just getting here, I was pretending I was off!!!Lol In less than 6 weeks :Pinkbounc I will be. I do drive a Honda CRV, it is my third. I was the first one in the area to have one (dh didn't work there then). It was leased, I then went to a Civic Si, which was my sporty one, it was a lot of fun, but not much room. I went back to a used CRV, wasn't real happy with color and performance. I had the opportunity to get the one I have now, which I absolutely love. I am the only one in the family who drives a Honda!!

[mkauffman]

Your first guest.......isn't that cute! You're running a hotel for little people.:tongue:

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[sherry]

I really enjoy what I do, but I am glad they "check out" at night.:sunny:

[mkauffman]

It's kind of like when grandparents say they're happy to ship the kids back home!:boat:

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

You guys always bring a smile to my face! LOL

Michelle, DH used to be gone all week and home for weekends. Since kids were born he stopped that and now drives local so he's home every night. Still has long days 4 am to 8-9 pm sometimes but at least he's home. When he was OTR (over the road) I would worry so much I called him constantly on the cell phone, especially in the winter. Hated that!

Busy morning. Where'd the time go. Off to make DD's lunch and have it ready when she gets off the bus.

[nedleycan]

It was also so hot here! I guess it was about 80 degrees and sunny today. Should be similar tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. Yeah! And it is our Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, so it should be really nice!
We definitely got our docs 1 month before last time (if not 5 weeks!)

[lbgraves]

I'm glad someone is having good weather because it stinks here. :( It has rained all day & that's all that is in the forcast thru next Tuesday. Oh well, I have alot to do inside. I went thru the toys I bought to Ebay in the attic & garage today. I also went thru the kid's stash & decided to get rid of some of that too. There is still a bunch left, so don't worry about them being neglected. ;) I found something big in the attic that I had forgotten all about. Hopefully over the next two weeks I will be shipping alot of this out of here. :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: I would love to come home to a house with more room & air. LOL! DH will be very happy about it too.

No docs today. It's bound to be soon!!!:hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

[mkauffman]

Lisa, good luck with the "cleaning out". I sure could do a lot of that around here! I get in moods where I just start throwing stuff away and that's not necessarily always a good thing. I just can't stand all the "stuff" that we have laying around.

Who's going to be the first one of us doing the document dance? I'll be SO jealous!:teeth:

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Michelle, Most of this stuff I bought for the purpose of selling on Ebay this season. The only problem is that stuff goes clearance in January & February so it sits & waits for a while. :rolleyes: This is good in a way because it is helping me from getting too excited about the cruise. My over planning side is itching to get out and I really didn't plan on charting our time at WDW. ;)

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, I may have missed this discussion. Do you sell on Ebay? If yes, what do you sell and what's your id. Love to check out your items. I just started doing this a few months ago and it's going pretty well for me. I'm socking it all away in my PayPal account so we can use this card on the cruise to pay for everything. Kids keep checking to make sure I've sold enough to do the dolphin swim! LOL the greedy little so and so's.

Weather here on the south shore of MA was a beauty today. Next few days are supposed to be in the high 70s. Woo Hoo. Perfect. Now we just have to pray for the Curse of the Bambino to be lifted and the Red Sox take it all the way to the World Series! A dream, miracle etc... maybe but we always remain hopeful. I'm really a big football fan but you can't help but jump on this bandwagon. Now if only my Patriots would get it together. I'd love another Superbowl. (Conor was in Nick Jr. magazine last summer with Patriots kicker Adam Viniarteri. Boy is he a cutie!).

Still haven't tackled my "packing pile" yet. The weather's been too nice to be indoors. Spent the afternoon making chalk drawings with the kids all over the driveway. Good, clean (well maybe not clean) fun with no tv, controllers or cords! Just like when I was a kid...oh I remember those long ago days fondly. Playing with just sticks and dirt LOL! I freaked the kids out recently telling them about the things we had and didn't have as kids. Black & white tv with no remotes (had to turn a knob!), no cable or kid channels, records and turntables, no cordless phones, no electric car windows, forget computer and video games we didn't have home computers, no microwave, heck we had two bedrooms and one bath for a family of 12!

Enough of my rambling... have a good night all.

[lbgraves]

Mary, Yes I sell on Ebay. I took almost a year break though because of side trips & missing the good selling times. I mainly sell the kid's clothes. That allows me to get money to buy them more! :) I deal hunt so when I find something popular at 75-90% off I buy one for us & one or two to Ebay. That helps cover the cost of the one for us. I did more of it this year than last so there is alot to go thru. I am still trying to decide just how many trains the kids "need" to have in their collection. LOL!

I have to chuckle at your memories. :) I remember us getting our first microwave. It was HUGE! LOL! My parents always said that they wouldn't cook in "one of those" then dad got one for Christmas. We got the first video game too. Pong. Remember that? It was just a paddle & dot for a ball that you hit back & forth. Boy we thought we were something with that. LOL! The computer was something that was impossible to consider putting in a home because it took up way too much room. Yes, things sure have changed!

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, we'll have to compare Ebay notes on the cruise! I love the hunt for a bargain too and wish I had started this ebay thing sooner. Love it when I hit Kohls just right and end up getting clothes, toys etc for pennies! I sell mostly clothes but have started branching out into collectibles, toys etc. I've learned quite a bit in the past few months of selling. It can be very lucrative but it's deceiving how much time it can take up of your day, week etc. At least it allows me to earn a good amount while still staying home to be with the kids with the flexibility to handle all the extra curricular activities.

My biggest problem now is stopping DH from using my account to bid on things! He sees my big PayPal balance and acts like it's free money! I'm starting to worry as he's been looking a motorcycles recently. Personally I think he's starting his midlife crisis! LOL!

[alexturner74]

Originally posted by nedleycan
Too many engineers! We should have checked this out earlier! haha
I assume by the end of the week, they will have redesigned the ship!

I'm an Engineer too! Aerospace Engineering...

[lbgraves]

Alex!!! How are things going for you guys? Is Jessica enjoying school? Hope everything is great for both of you. Didn't you have an interview?

Mary, I am sending you an email that a seller sent me when she was helping me get started 2 years ago. Hope you can get something from it. There is so much to learn.

[SINK]

Allright all you Ebay sellers, I hope that all the resellers are reporting the profit on Schedule C for their from 1040 (US residents, not sure what form for our brothers/sisters up north). Fortunately, I'm not a G man, so I could care less whether you are reporting or not. On the contrary, my job is the minimize the tax liability (with substantial authority of course). But, we do love the IRS, without them, we would be out of a job.

[JulieGS]

Hi everyone!

We got our docs yesterday. We booked through Diners Club (used up all our points, woo hoo!) and our TA there overnighted them to us. So.... I'm dancin', but I'm not really sure what I'm doin'. :bounce: I haven't even looked at them much yet (except to check for an upgrade, no such luck), but there seems like a lot to fill out. Any advice? There's still so much to do... I'm a perenial procrastinator, so I'm planning on ignoring everything until November, at which point I'll panic. :hyper:

Anyway, I'm a freelance writer/editor and a SAHM, and guess what? My husband is an engineer! Well, he was. His degree is in electrical engineering, but he works as a senior manager for Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) now, bossing people around.

Julie

P.S. Lisa, I have some things that I'd like to sell on Ebay, too... could you pass the email along to me as well? I could use all the help I can get! When I meet you and Mary, I'd love to hear your tips about selling.

[lbgraves]

SINK, Trust me! Most of the stuff that I sell is at a loss from what I paid for it. :) I look at it as recycling kids clothing. I hate the thought of a yard sale. Getting up that early to have people pester you about taking .10 for a Gymboree dress. Forget it!

[nedleycan]

Yes, there is a lot to fill out. But, if you don't do it now, you will be one of the unhappy people filling them out at the port, as more and more people go past them into the line. I too am a procrastinator... but I will do my forms as soon as I get them.... did I say "JULIE, LUCKY YOU!" On our last Disney Cruise, I was the first person on DIS that got my documents... hmmmm... where are they?

[imgoingtodisney]

still waiting for 11/8 docs from DVC

[nedleycan]

Wow, you don't have yours yet either?
How are you doing? Are DH and DS looking forward to the cruise?

[Jo-Anne]

No Documents here yet either...Julie - is there a lot of informational stuff that comes with it or just forms? Thanks for everyone's bios, it sounds like we'll all have a grand time! Lisa can you also pass me that email as my sister wants to get on line to sell her vintage Barbies. I wanted to share something with you that happened to me last night...I've had a set-back in my quest to get some exercise prior to the cruise! In Sept I joined an Adult Jazz class to get some fitness. It's at the same studio that my DD takes classes. Well, last night our teacher was trying to get we ladies to do our chantees (twirls) faster by whipping our heads around more quickly! So I bravely take on the challenge and I'm spinning down the dance floor and hear the teacher say, "that's right", and then I lose total control! I lost my balance and what feels like slow motion, I start spiraling to the floor. As I try to right myself, I see the wall ahead of me, but can't stop...I crash into the wall with my elbow and then backside (atleast this stopped me!). Next thing I know, my butt has put a big hole in the drywall and everyone is freaking out thinking I've hurt myself as they see tears, but the tears are because I'm laughing so hard and then we all went into one of those laughing fits where we're in tears and can't stop. Well this went on for about 10 minutes, and here I am mortified that I've put this big hole in the drywall and we're all coming up with creative ways to tell the Dance Director what happpened, and I'm thinking about what my DD will thinkwhen she comes to class and see's her Mother's big backside hole in the wall! Well, after all is said and done, I'm not hurt (except my pride!) and we all got a good laugh out of it. Not sure if I"ll owe up for damages, but c'est la vie. I'll keep going to the classes, but guess my formal Jazz Career is kaput!

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, forgot to thank you for the Ebay email. It was a good feeling to read it and realize I was already doing most things the right way.

SINK, with an accountant for a husband and being the anal record keeper that I am I record every bit and more necessary for taxes. This will be my first year filing so I've probably kept more records than is necessary not yet knowing what and what not is needed. It will be funny finally having some income of my own to report (well maybe not after expenses...) after 5 years of being a SAHM. Conor (yes the 7 year old) has been modeling for a number of years (just asked to stop - hated being taken out of school) and he's had to file tax returns, but not me! LOL maybe I should have been asking him for an allowance!

Here's hoping that the docs come in today's mail (fingers crossed).

[mkauffman]

Julie.......I envy you. Last year when we cruised I didn't know enough to be excited when we got that call for documents (and I had just gotten my tonsils taken out, so I wasn't much in the mood for celebrating). This year I'm hanging by the phone waiting for the TA to call! It's crazy. Anyway, congrats on being the first one of us to get them. As Linda said, fill them out now. It will be a big load off your mind. From what I remember most of it is pretty standard stuff that you'll breeze through.

Jo, your story was hysterical. Thanks for the laugh! See, my theory is correct.........exercise really is evil!;)

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[SINK]

Sorry for the income tax remarks. I was just joking. I guess there are at least two things a person should not joke about, Death and Taxes (Meet Joe Black).

[nedleycan]

Jo-Anne, hope your butt is okay! Ouch... that would really hurt. Can't wait until your daughter sees the hole. haha

It is so exciting that our docs should be coming in the next week! Yeah!

[lbgraves]

SINK, I don't think anyone was upset about your comments. :) It made me chuckle.

Hope that you aren't sore today, Jo. That doesn't sound like it felt great.

[mkauffman]

Not upset here! Isn't the word "tax" supposed to make you cringe? ;) I can't be too bitter...I paid off this cruise with my income tax return!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

Jo Anne you gave me my laugh out loud of the day. Believe me I'm laughing with you not at you. I have my own "roller blading" mishap that still makes me cringe (not to mention sit funny - I chipped my tailbone!)

SINK, no offense taken to tax comments. In fact, you better watch out or I may end up picking your brain on the trip! LOL

Got some disappointing news from TA today. She didn't reserve our dolphin excursion early enough and they're sold out. Will put our names on wait list on the ship but not counting on it. Anyone have any experience with this type of thing. Is there a chance a spot will open up or should be move on to something else?

[kimszath]

Hey everybody! Saw the document discussion! My Mom got hers on Saturday (she's in Florida--they're mailing them from Florida) and we got ours on Monday. I did a quick peek--betting I'll be the one filling out everything for all of us. Might as well get started, right? I'm SO excited! My DS has been marking off the days on his little calendar--33 days until we catch the plane for DW and then the cruise! YEA!!!!!

Thanks to everyone for the kind words about Mom--she's home from the hospital and doing just fine, thank God. Wake-up call for sure! She's taking better care of herself, though my brother and his family are still taking advantage of her. Well, they say you have to lay down before someone can walk on you. I'm just trying to stay positive. She's thrilled that nobody even mentioned her NOT going on the cruise. She's already stacking stuff in a corner, gettting ready!

Still have some shopping to do! I'm afraid to buy anything while I'm still dropping pounds on the diet. Guess I should make sure that anything I buy in the last week isn't tight.... ;-) I WILL WORK OUT EVERY DAY ON BOARD THE MAGIC!!! (Does walking to and from the dining room count???)

Love the new smilies!!!! :Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

Just booked Brian's St. Maarten 12-metre regatta. I didn't know whether he would get in or not, but there was still room! I will be spending the morning with the kids at the beach while he is sailing. Anyone want to join? I really like the beach just at the port in St. Maarten. I am looking forward to relaxing, having a Pina Colada (a breakfast drink! haha) and watching the kids build a sandcastle.
Glad that your mom is in good spirits Kim!
BTW Kim: you know how much Cam loves airplanes and spaceships... the other day he said "Mommy, if I go to lots of school, I can be whatever I want to be." Obviously his teachers have been saving this. Then he said "so I can fly a plane then go to space."... you are truly going to be his hero Kim!

[SINK]

Something unrelated to this thread, just some Friday humor. I know I will be flamed, but please be kind. The humor was through an email I've received.

Romance Math:

Smart Man + Smart Woman = Romance
Smart Man + Dumb Woman = Affair
Dumb Man + Smart Woman = Marriage
Dumb Man + Dumb Woman = Pregnancy

[kimszath]

Thanks, Linda! I'll have to spend some time talking airplanes with Cam. My son, Luke, isn't so impressed any more. :o <--supposed to be a yawn... Gotta love kids!

Well, I hope our bad luck runs in threes... let's see.. Mom was in hospital (thanks for kind words, Linda!), then Mike got a speeding ticket the other day (hadn't gotten one in 20 years). He's fine, but was the middle car in a 5-car pile-up today in Texas. He NEEDS this vacation!!! Guess our Explorer will need some work, though. Just hope they don't total it. It's a 1994, and has never had the first problem. I'm hoping it has another 80,000 miles on it (passed 120,000 a few months ago). Oh well. At least I know he won't be cruisin' for chicks on his business trip! Just me and Luke for a week... lonely already. (Actually, don't tell anybody... I kinda like having some time with Luke!!!):bounce:

Going on eBay tonight to find some luggage... tonydana reminded me today! :wave:

[Jo-Anne]

Kim - I'm so glad to hear your Mom is doing well and it's great for her to have a cruise to look forward to...sounds like you'll all need it!! Good to hear DH wasn't hurt as well! Still no documents here in Toronto. But on a good note, the weather has been beautiful the last few days....24 degress (that's about 76 farenheit!) and expected to continue a few more days. This is our Thanksgiving weekend in Canada, and I have so much to be thankful for....wonderful family, good friends, health, and the Disney Cruise! I feel very blessed and fortunate to be where I'm at in life, and when I read about all the suffering going on in the world and just hearing about little Nate and now April on another thread, it humbles me and makes me put in perspective any problems I may think I have. I've been downstairs cooking turnip and getting the bread ready for the stuffing. We're going to have friends and family over tomorrow for Turkey dinner and then we're going to take the kids to Niagara Falls for Sunday & Monday. Everyone have a great weekend! Jo

[lbgraves]

No docs yet here in NC. :( Glad that your Mom is home & doing well again Kim!!! :) I am a single mom for the next week too. Hoping that the kids take it easy on me. I am hoping this is DH's last trip before the cruise.

[lbgraves]

Forgot to mention, anyone who wants the Ebay info, please pm or email me. I will be glad to send it out to you. :)

[Tonydana]

Hi Everyone!!!

Forgive me, as I have not been to this board in ages.. We are leaving on the 14th to stay at the Hyatt for the night then will be on the cruise with all of you.. Is everyone planning on meeting up then on the ship??

Also, has anyone booked any excursions?? We are thinking of doing the tour on St. Maarten.. We will be bringing our 15 mos old too.. Does anyone know if you can use a car seat on the bus??

Thanks so much for the info.. See you all soon.. Hope I get to meet up with you guys..

Dana :Pinkbounc

[sherry]

Hi Dana, Welcome aboard :wave2: . I am not completely sure what has been planned, just wanted to say hello, I'm sure someone will fill you in.

[lbgraves]

Welcome, Dana! You can email your information to Alex listed on the first page or so of this thread so that you can access the website that he has made up for us. Everyone's picture is there too.

Right now we have a DIS meet with families Sunday at 11-12, high tea at Palo with the ladies Sunday afternoon, and walks on Deck 9 I think it is in the morning.

Michelle made us some great nametags and can send you a file to print up your own if you can access it. She has printed them up for those of us who couldn't. Thanks again, Michelle!!!

Some of us are doing excursions & some are not. There is alot of posting about them over the last batch of pages.

[lbgraves]

So I've had a little time on my hands lately and have made a little web site dedicated to our cruise. Check it out...

11/15/03 Cruise

If you would like to be added to the list of cruisers, please email the following information to me (as much as you're willing to tell), and I'll send you the password to access the list.

Names
Ages
Relation (DW, DS, etc...)
City, State
Last Disney Cruise
Special Occasion?
Deck or Stateroom #
Dinner Seating
Email
DIS User ID
Picture

This was posted by alex.

[Tonydana]

:Pinkbounc :bounce:
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.. I e-mailed Alex all of our info.. Have not done the picture though, not sure where to send that.. I would love to do the nametags too.. Could someone let me know where to go to get those too...

Sounds great on meeting up.. Cannot wait to meet everyone.. Sounds like it will be alot of fun!!!!

Dana :)

[mcampbell_22]

Dana - welcome. We're from MA too. South shore. Our flight is first thing Sat morning so we won't see you on the flight down. My DD Devon loves babies so she'll most likely try to "mother" your little one!

A round of applause please. I have packed about 3/4 of our luggage. All that's left are the things that really have to wait until a few night before (undies, docs, some toiletries etc.) The "mountain" in the corner of the bedroom is gone and has now been replaced by two large suitcases, and 4 small carryons.

Now all I need are my doc to make me happy. No mail here on Monday, so hopefully on Tuesday (fingers, toes crossed)!

[imgoingtodisney]

sorry for barging in again - Have you DVCers seen your docs yet? Im still in waiting

[Tonydana]

we are not dvc members, but we got our documents on thursday, they were at the travel agent's office on wednesday though!!!!

about the high tea.. is it to late to include me?? hubby will take stephen for awhile.. sounds like fun and what do we wear??

i forgot who said their daughter would mother stephen.. sorry.. but no problem here.. he just loves kids... sounds like there will be alot of kids on board with all of us.. should be a good time.. can't wait...

thanks again guys for the welcome..

dana :)

[mkauffman]

Great to have you onboard :boat: Dana. I have the name badge file and I'd be more than happy to send it to you if you can print them yourself. Just send me your personal email address. If you can't print them, I'd be happy to print them for you and mail them. Either way, let me know. I almost think I'm looking forward to meeting you all just as much as the cruise itself. What a great group of people we have! Is it correct to call us "friends" even though we've never met. :teeth: My husband is sure I've lost my mind!

Garrett's birthday was Saturday and the weekend was SO busy. Mary, I want to be you! I would love to have my packing almost done. There is literally no time to do it. We have had an incredible week here weather-wise and the kids are wearing their shorts again. I'm sure that won't last long. I'm just enoying it while we have it.

No docs yet. The TA emailed me on Friday and said they haven't come yet. I'm getting so anxious about that. I just wish they'd come already. Mary, no USPS today but I believe UPS and FedEx are still running.......so maybe there's still a chance???

Kim, what's the news with the Explorer? I'm so glad to hear that everything else in your life is ok (Mike and your mom).

I think it's Linda that's making the high tea ressies. Is that right, Linda?

Michelle:sunny:

[Tonydana]

hello everyone.. here is a little info about my family.. :) can't wait to meet all of you in person..

Hubby - Tony (33)
Me - Dana (32)
DS - Stephen (15 mos at the cruise)

me, i'm a sahm, have been since stephen was born in august of last year.. i used to be a legal secretary and do the whole office thing, now i just stay home and i also am a consultant with creative memories on the side..

hubby, well, up until last october he worked construction for his fathers business since he was 16.. but, now he is a full time firefighter/paramedic - his dream job.. he has worked so hard these past 4 years with school, etc. to make it to this point.. half of the reason we have not been on vaca in so long :)

stephen - just a wonderful little boy, wait til you see him, he looks just like his daddy.. learning to walk now and just enjoying everyday..

tony and i have been married 10 years, had our anniversary in sept.. another reason for the cruise.. have really been together 16 years though - high school sweethearts..

we live in a small town in mass where we both grew up.. other than that - that's about all i can think of.. of course this is quite long - sorry.. :) you will soon learn i love to talk..

dana :)

[mkauffman]

Dana, thanks for the bio! It's great to know a little about you. Our families are almost identical. My Tony is 33 and I'm 32. He has been working in some type of construction all of his life and the love of his life is............soccer! You thought I was going to say me, right?? ;) We've also been married 10 years and we've known each other forever (dated before my first marriage....boy, that's a long story!). Anyway, now I really can't wait to meet you!

Anyone who might know........are we supposed to "dress up" for high tea on Sunday? Just wondering what you all are wearing.

Michelle:sunny: (it's still sunny and warm here in Central PA)

[lbgraves]

I am planning to wear a light tea length dress to high tea. A little dressy but not flashy or anything. I want to dress up a bit since it will be my only chance to see Palo this trip.

The thought of packing just overwhelms me. We are suppose to be gone 3 weeks. :rolleyes:
1 day driving to FL
1 day with family
3 days at WDW/Sea World at AS Movie
7 days on Magic :bounce:
BIL's wedding the day we return on Magic. :crazy:
7 days with family thru Thanksgiving
1 day driving home.
There is no way that I will be able to keep it to one bag & one carry on each. Of course I am thinking that the jeans & cooler weather things that we will use the week after our cruise can stay in a suitcase at SIL's house while we are enjoying the warmer climate. I am thinking that we will need 6 suitcases & garment bag & carryons. I can get the kids to use their backpacks for their stuff & help out a bit. We don't have 6 pieces of luggage though!!! :yo-yo: I will probably have to ask a friend to borrow one or two???

This week is suppose to be gift wrapping. I will start pulling out clothes for the cruise next week. I will have to wait another week or two before I put anything away for our time in FL since we are already starting to wear it. I am going to be prepared to tip the porters because there is no way that we will be able to handle 4 bags w/ carryons & the kids. I am realizing that we will just have to rent strollers at WDW & SW along with on the ship. I should be able to slide the small umbrella one that I picked up last year under the back seat to use if we go out with family so I don't have to keep running after Kaitlyn.

This is so exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mkauffman]

Lisa, how's hubby getting off work for 3 weeks?? I envy you! The only time I was ever off that long was when I was on maternity leave. Love your icon after BIL's wedding! You'll be glad when that's over.

I seriously have to think about what I'm wearing for high tea. Hmmm....

Dana, your name badges are on the way...as soon as mail resumes tomorrow!

Michelle:sunny:

[Jo-Anne]

Hi Dana - welcome aboard! Mary - a round of applause and total shock from me that someone is almost packed! I'm feeling like Lisa - a little overwhelmed about the amount of luggage I'm thinking we're going to have to carry! We were hoping to get away with two large rolling bags, a suit bag and the kids carryons, but I think that might be optimistic! For high tea, I'm thinking about probably nice capri's or a sun dress. I tested my sea legs today with a trip on the Maid of the Mist to the bottom of Niagara Falls! I truly thought the rockiness of the waves and whirlpools at bottom of falls would get me a bit motion sick, but nothing other than a good soaking from all the spray! Jo

[JulieGS]

Hi all!

Dana, I'm so glad you got back in touch with the group... I saw your first post way back when and was excited that there was another couple with a really young child that we'd know. Our DS will turn 1 while we're on the cruise. Almost everyone thinks we're crazy for going on this trip while he's so young... and sometimes I wonder if they're right! He's walking all over and is into everything. We're hoping to use Flounders several times, but if his separation anxiety makes that impossible, oh well. We're already resigned to not going ashore much, if at all. What are your thoughts on Flounders? Maybe Leif and Stephen can be buddies. We can introduce them at the Hyatt! I'm not sure now who else will be there, but maybe we could get together for breakfast on the 15th... how are you getting to the ship? (BTW, we celebrated our 10th anniversary in September, too. Was it on the 25th? :D )

Mary, I cannot BELIEVE you are almost packed. What a slacker I am. I don't even know where to start. As for tea wear, again, no idea. Probably a sun dress. Is anyone else planning to rent a tux for DH? I have that info in the cruise docs.

Julie

[lbgraves]

Michelle, Please don't envy me...you might get what you wish for. DH's work schedule is extremely hectic, demanding, and last minute as far as his travel goes. Ever since the last plane crashed in 12/00 it has been even more stressful. I was home alone for almost a month with a newborn & 2 year old only seeing DH sleeping in the bed when I got up to feed DD in the middle of the night. I do not know how he was able to handle what they had to deal with during that initial investigation. He is usually gone 2 weeks a month with never more than a couple days notice if that. When he is in town he works late. If he comes home early he goes upstairs to work more after dinner. If this had been the situation before we had DD, I would have waited at least another year. Being a single mom on & off like this isn't easy.

We have gone on overnight trips on the weekend but not a real vacation in 3 years. DH ALWAYS ends up away on travel on a holiday...except Thanksgiving & Christmas. Like this week, he found out last Wednesday that he was leaving Friday for a week. I have to plan things as if he wont be home, then it is a bonus if he is here. DD is going thru a bad phase with this seperation and it breaks my heart so while Daddy is gone she gets spoiled a little to try to keep her smiling.

We are leaving on Vetren's day I think it is so that is one holiday, Thanksgiving is 2 days so that takes it down to 12 vacation days. I think that he is using one day of family leave time for the wedding travel. Dh always has to take a couple weeks off at the end of the year so he doesn't lose that time. He didn't get to take the 2 1/2 weeks in 2000 because of the investigation and the government approved them being able to keep that time due to the circumstances. I guess that you could say he is finally taking his 2000 vacation time.

Anyhow, this is really why I am looking forward to this time away so much...no cell phone, no laptop, no paperwork!!! Not even BIL's wedding was going to get in our way. Our family deperately needs this time to recharge & destress.

[mcampbell_22]

Hi all,

I am quite proud of myself re: packing. My DH thinks I'm crazy what with my spreadsheet checklist, squeezing the air out of the ziplocs to make them smaller and the kicker for him was today when I took a ride down to our summer cottage to pick up a few beach toys for the kids to bring along (OK, now I know you all are also thinking she's crazy! but I had to go to the cottage anyway to clean out the fridge and shut off the propane).

Julie, DH is going to wear a tux. I was lucky enough to find one at a local consignment shop during their bag sale. Got it all (jacket, pants and cumberbund) for $1! DH says it fits him as if it was tailored for him (he's got a muscular build so it can be hard to find off the rack). Just need to get the slacks hemmed (note to self - add to list of things to do LOL). I just bought a tux shirt off Ebay for $4.99. It should be here any day. Really want to try to pick him up a Disney vest to go with the tux but prices are too rich for my bargain hunting blood.

Regarding "tea" dressing, I will most likely be wearing a dress. I've packed mostly dresses as this is my "style." I'm a dress wearer. I've packed mostly stretchy citi knit style dresses (with exception of more formal ones) because they don't wrinkle. You can scrunch them up and jam them into the suitcase and they come out perfect! My kind of clothes!

Dana and Julie, it was my DD Devon who is the "little mama." You'd better watch out or she'll end up taking over caring for the "babies." She's even managed to "mother" our cat. She will dress up out cat in clothes and carry it around talking baby talk to it. She loves to put it in the doll stroller and put bandaids on it and take care of it! Thank goodness the cat is so understanding!

Michelle, I think it was you who was looking for a pop up hamper. Did you find one? Let me know if you didn't I have an extra (I use them for my Ebay stuff) and can pop it in the mail for you.

Hoping docs arrive tomorrow when mail resumes.

Ok, enough from me. All the rest of you, get packin'! LOL

[lbgraves]

Did you guys see the Live Magic 10/11 thread??? Someone posted that they have been in touch with a person from the lighting crew & they were very busy rehersing durung drydock...for the Golden Mickey's!!!! There is hope that we will see this show!!!!

[SINK]

Originally posted by mcampbell_22
Hi all,



Got it all (jacket, pants and cumberbund) for $1! DH says it fits him as if it was tailored for him (he's got a muscular build so it can be hard to find off the rack). ...I just bought a tux shirt off Ebay for $4.99. .

How do you do it? My socks alone cost me $7 a pair.

[lbgraves]

LOL! You need to stick around with us a little longer, SINK. My formal dress is a J Crew black wool crepe dress. It retailed for $158.00. Cost me $10.00 to have it shipped to my house. :)

[mkauffman]

Ok, Lisa, after all that........I still envy you. Not so much because of your 3 week vacation anymore, but because you're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for! It takes a lot of patience and understanding to get through what you go through on a daily basis. You really do deserve this vacation and I hope it's especially incredible for you and dh! I'm always amazed at other people's stories....it brings me back to reality! Did you ever hear Oprah say "everyone has a story"? It's so true. Gosh, I love meeting new people!

Mary, I did find a packable "hamper" at Wal-Mart. Thank you anyway...that was a very nice offer.

I was really hoping we'd get to see the Golden Mickey's. I couldn't figure out why they didn't get the show ready while in dry dock...they seemed to do everything else. The changes to the ship seem like they're going to be great, though. My son is going to love the new teen dance club.

Michelle:wave2:

[lbgraves]

Gosh, Michelle. Thank you! I'm not always strong...especially if the kids have been ganging up on me. ;) I crumble sometimes. I try to work on stress management. I actually think that life experience made me strong & independant...DH's job just lets me refine my skills. ;) Also, I realize that his job is what lets me realize my dream of staying home with our children. I was a live in nanny for a little over a year for a newborn & 2 yo. That made up my mind in that area.

I am busy packing up my ebay sales in ziplocks. Getting lots of practice for our clothes next week. :)

[nedleycan]

Wow, so many posts this weekend! I love coming home Sunday nights and reading all of the posts. And since this was our Thanksgiving, there was an extra day of posts!
Hi Dana! Welcome. Yes, I am doing the High Tea reservations. I will be getting an exact count of people and your cabin numbers about a week before the cruise (just in case people get upgraded!)
No documents here yet. Hopefully it will be tomorrow.
I plan on wearing a sundress to tea.
I bought 3 new tank tops this weekend at a Columbia Outdoor wear store. Got them at 50% off, and they are really nice! Can't wait to wear them on the cruise.
Now, all I need to buy is a new bathing suit and maybe a dress. I will buy the bathing suit here, and hopefully a dress in Las Vegas at the beginning of November.
Haven't started packing or "piling" yet. I will probably do that the week before. I am doing lots of planning in my head, it just hasn't gotten out of my head yet!
I have an on-going list (from last year's cruise) with all the strange things (Ziploc bags, Walkie-Talkies, binoculars, etc.) I keep adding to it whenever I think of something.
I still need to get the kid's passports, but I am for sure doing it this week!!!!
I book Brian into the St. Maarten 12 metre regatta. I thought I would miss out, but they still had room. It is supposed to be fantastic. He can't wait.

[JulieGS]

So Michelle, you seem to know alot about the changes on board. What are they? And what is the Golden Mickeys show about? I heard the Disney Dreams show was not to be missed. :confused:
(Or, if all that's too much to type, where do we go to find out? I'm still a newbie on these boards.....)

[nedleycan]

The reason I was so excited about the Golden Mickeys when I heard about it is because it sounds more "up to date". Our kids don't really know a lot of old Disney movies. They know Toy Story, Monsters Inc., etc. I hear that Buzz is in the Golden Mickeys... Cam would love it!
We saw the first 10 minutes of Disney Dreams on the last cruise and found it to be very slow and a bit boring (sorry to all the Disney Dreams fans out there!) We actually left after 10 minutes. The kids may have like it (they were at an activity in the club at the time). I am sure my daughter would have liked it. Cam liked Who Wants to be... He loved all the clapping and cheering. And, we saw someone win the 7-night cruise, so that was great!
Let's cross our fingers that Golden Mickeys is going to be on!

[mkauffman]

Hopefully this article will take you to the right place:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-ent-goldenmickeys.htm

It sounds like an incredible show. I really hope a miracle happens and it's on the ship when we cruise.:boat:

Everything I know about the other changes on the ship I've read from the "Live from the 10/11 thread". It sounds live everyone loves the new coffee bar...I think it's called the Cove??? I especially wish I could get some new information on the teen dance area.

Thanks everyone for sharing what you're wearing to tea. I'm sure I have a sundress (or two) that I could wear.....unless I find something on clearance between now and then.

Now Linda, go, run, get those passports!

Michelle:sunny:

[Tonydana]

::MickeyMo Wow, so many posts in just one day.. I guess I better start checking back sooner... I cannot believe it is so close, way too excited here... Sunday will be dh's next day off so we plan on doing the "piling" of all of our clothes for the cruise then.. Other than that, I am the famous list maker.. I have no idea what I will wear for tea, do you think a pants suit would be ok?? I think the dress I have might be a bit too dressy and I don't really have a sun dress..

Julie, are you staying at the Hyatt, if so when are you getting in.. We are taking Tiffany Town Car to the port to get there sooner, rather than wait for the bus.. This is the first time I am using them, so hopefully it all works out..

Went and had Stephen (ds) picture taken today.. Just in his halloween costume, but it came out so cute.. I am a big bargain shopper and only got it taken cause I had a free coupon.. Definately worth the trip...

Well, talk to you all soon..

Dana :)

[mkauffman]

Dana, I would think that a pantsuit would be perfectly acceptable to wear to tea. It's an afternoon thing so I'm sure they don't expect you to be as dressed up as you would for an evening dinner (at least this is what I'm hoping!).

The weather went sharply downhill today. Yuck is all I can say!

Michelle:scratchin

[nedleycan]

Okay! Went to the passport office today. Spent 2.5 hours in line and then was told the kid's pictures were not good enough. Background not white enough, eyes too blurry, faces too small. I now need to get the photos re-done. Apparently our passports are going digital, and the quality of the photo matters more than before.
Good News is that I don't have to stand in line again. I get to go directly to the front of the line. Bad News, have to get photos redone and go back to the passport office.
Oh well, it will get done!
A pantsuit is fine. I don't think it is too dressy for tea, just something neat and clean... like the British! haha
Linda

[lbgraves]

Yes we are a chatty bunch, Dana! LOL! We will probably close down Palo for High Tea. :)

Linda ~ that really stinks!!! :( Hope that the place you got the photos taken redos them for you. At least you didn't put it off any longer.

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by lbgraves
We will probably close down Palo for High Tea.

They have no idea what's coming their way, do they?? :crazy:

Linda ~ that really stinks!!! :( Hope that the place you got the photos taken redos them for you. At least you didn't put it off any longer.

For some silly reason, that just cracks me up (the part about "at least you didn't put it off any longer"). That's something that two best friends would say to each other....one knowing that the other is a procrastinator. Only best friends could get away with that! :grouphug:

We're crazy, aren't we?

Michelle :goodvibes

[imgoingtodisney]

who hasnt seen their docs yet?
Called DVC who called DCL and DCL says they havent all gone out yet for 11/8 - who else is waiting?

[mkauffman]

No docs here (but I'm not a DVC member, either).

[sherry]

No docs here yet, getting impatient!!

Just waiting now for the bad weather to get to me, since Michele has it already.:umbrella:

[nedleycan]

That is very funny! Yes, I am glad I didn't leave it any longer... this was actually really early for me! haha You guys know me too much! haha

No docs today, and hubby worked from home today, and he didn't call me to say they were here... wait, wait, wait.

[alexturner74]

Hey y'all. Just dropping in to say hello! Jessica and I just got back from a long weekend in St. Croix. It was awesome! Some friends of ours got married yesterday on the beach.

Jessica is doing very well in school, but is very busy. She likes it a lot though.

Don't know if I posted it before, but I did get my new position at work. Started a couple of weeks ago and it's been great. Nice to learn something new and challenge the brain...

Every once in a while, I get a little sad that we aren't going on the cruise, but I know we'll be better off for it. It's been a blast reading all of your posts and such. I know y'all will have lots of fun.

I'm hoping for a mid to late 2005 cruise to celebrate Jessica's graduation... Who's coming with us? :D

Alex

[nedleycan]

Next year Brian and I will for sure be going away without the kids, then 2005 with the kids again. Another cruise sounds good, although I think we might go on a ski trip instead. They will be 7 and 8.5 then, which is a good age for a ski trip. But... you never know!

[mcampbell_22]

Alex, so good to hear from you. Glad you got the new position and that you find it challenging and stimulating. With things so busy in your lives, I'm sure that a 2005 cruise will be upon you before you know it.

Still no docs here yet. Big pout. I'm ready to have a miny tantrum: cross my arms, stomp my foot and big pout. "I want my docs!" Anal planner that I am, I NEED my docs!!!

I suppose my bargain hunting today made up for the no docs thing. I mentioned a few days ago about wanting to get a Mickey Mouse vest for DH to wear with his suit or tux, but Ebay's prices were too rich for my blood. Well.... I found one today at a consignment shop I frequent and got the exact one I wanted for $1.98! so physched! Also hit Filene's clearance racks this weekend and picked up two Speedo swim shorts for DH for less than $4 each and a hawaiian shirt for tropical night also for $4!

SINK, stick with us gals and we'll teach you all the bargain shopping tips and tricks. $7 for socks, I think my heart stopped! In my house RETAIL is a 4-letter word! LOL

Guys, don't forget Bingo. We must remember to do this at least once, maybe more. Talk about shutting down Palo's, wait til they get aload of us at Bingo!

[SINK]

Well, it's takes a lot of time and experience to be good at "bargin shopping". I admire people who know their stuff. But, a good bargin hunter would know to compare apples with apples. Not all the items sold at "Marshall" are the same quality as in retail stores (I've heard that designer labels made special items just for "Marshalls".) Even Nordrom's semi-annual sale items are specially brought in (the good stuff are never on sale). That's why I don't shop at the semi-annual sale any longer.

That's why I love stores that will never discount (Louis Vuitton).

[Jo-Anne]

No Docs here yet either! Linda - bad news on the photos. I had the kids ones done at Costco and I worried that they might not make the grade, but had no problems. Good thing you get a "Fastpass" at the Passport office! Quite amazing all the bargain hunters we have on this cruise. I love a good bargain, but in Canada, they don't seem as plentiful as in US....hey Sink, who's this Louie character!!! Ladies, I think one of us needs to buy Sink a pair of Consignment store socks and we'll force him to wear them for an hour!! Just kidding! Well I made it through the first day of Jury Pool without being chosen...three more days! Also folks, wish me luck...tomorrow it's back to jazz class...wonder if "my hole" is still there!! Jo

[nedleycan]

Jo-Anne, good luck at day two of selection... also, good luck at jazz! haha
Watch who you say "my hole" to... haha

I got the photos done at Oakville Place Sears Portrait Studios. They are usually really great! Anyway, we will just go to the top of our street (photo place there) and get this over with.

Louis Vuitton is a designer. We do not have any Louis Vuitton stores here Jo-Anne, but his stuff is sold at some boutiques. I also know that there is a lot of fake Louis out there. My friend just bought a Louis wallet for $25... straight from Bangkok, I am sure! She is very rich and quite a snob. I am sure that she isn't telling everyone how cheap it was.

I am not a bargain shopper, but would be if I had time. I am now at the point where if I don't buy my clothes at a U.S. outlet store (when I am in Vegas or Florida) then I go straight to the mall and pay retail. I guess I feel that working full-time means I can spend more money... at least that is what I tell my husband! haha

[lbgraves]

I have a question about Bingo...is it in a smoking area? If it is, I am going to have to skip it. Just thinking about it is making my poor itchy throat wheezing self choke up. :(

[nedleycan]

I didn't play bingo last time, but did walk by a couple of times. My nose is so sensitive to smoke, I would have noticed. I too would not go if there was smoking. I am sure there wouldn't be smoking for the family bingo, so we could always do that!

[JulieGS]

Dana, we get into Orlando at 7:20p.m. on the 14th, so hopefully we'll be tucked in our room at the Hyatt about 8! We're probably going to do the towncar thing, too.

What's Stephen going to be for Halloween? Leif is going to be (don't laugh) Napoleon. We like to do historical people and dress as a group -- for Anton's first Halloween he went as Julius Caesar and Glen and I were Jupiter and Juno (Roman equivalent of Zeus and Hera). The next year he was a magician and I was his "lovely" assistant -- Glen was forced into the role of disproportionately large white rabbit. Last year he was a hobbit, I was an elf (a very pregnant one) and Glen was a Nazgul. This year Glen and I will be the Duke and Duchess of Wellington (he won't let me be Josephine, that'd be too weird), but we're not sure where Anton fits into the whole Waterloo thing. Maybe William of Orange.

OK, that was way too much information. ::yes:: Does anyone else do fun stuff for All Hallow's Eve?

Julie (who feels guilty every time she looks at her docs, which are just sitting there)

P.S. Count me in for Bingo!

[SINK]

Bingo: Majority of the times, Bingo is held at Rock'n' BarD. During Bingo, smoking is prohibited. However, there would be lingering smell from the smokers there the night before. The final jackpot Bingo is held in the Walt Disney Theatre.

[lbgraves]

That might count me out then. :( I will have to poke my head in there to see how bad it is. Since they changed the venue during drydock things might be different...or they may have it somewhere else now.

It sounds like so much fun to all dress up like that!!! I would love to see pictures of all of you.

[Tonydana]

well good morning everyone, had some horrible weather here last night, all is well now though..

julie - stephen is going to be simba for halloween.. i wanted something easy.. this costume is great - has two zippers up the front and the hood/head is all attached it fits just great - well worth the $25.. and he looks so adorable too.. :)

bingo sounds like fun - i think - i too really don't care for the smoke - i get nasty headaches from it.. i might consider poking my head in too if some of you others might be there.. we are getting close now.. :)

we got our docs last week - you guys must be getting your soon now too.. i know kim got hers last week too.. i think the day before me..

anyways.. see you all soon!!!!

dana

[mkauffman]

I can't pay retail for anything. I was just talking to a girlfriend about that subject. My son (the 15 year old) gets so irritated with me. If it's not on a sale or clearance rack, or at least have the priced marked down, I won't even look at it. There are "sales" all the time and it just seems silly to me to pay full price for something that will most definitely be marked down in just a few days or weeks. I can use the money we save for something else.

Lisa, we played bingo last year but for the life of me I can't remember about the smoking. Maybe that's something you could post on another thread. I'm sure someone must know for sure.

Jo, good luck with your hole!

Alex, I'm so happy to hear that things are going so well for you and Jessica. We were planning a cruise for the end of 2005, also. My oldest will be graduating high school and he wants to cruise for his graduation present. Maybe we should all do this again!:Pinkbounc

Linda, are you going back out for pictures today? Do you have to have passports for travel from Canada?

Very windy today in Central PA! Sherry, are you getting the wind?

Michelle :hyper: (hyper because I don't have any docs yet as Julie stares at hers!)

[sherry]

Weather report......Yes we have the winds, but the temperature is pleasant enough to have a window open.

Still waiting for docs:wave:

[SINK]

Weather here in Los Angeles: Currently 70 F, looking to be in the 80's F by the afternoon. No breeze.

Wishful thinking: the longer it takes DCL to send out the doc's meaning that they are not sure about your cabin assignment (possible upgrades?).

We are booked for a Cat 7, 7624 and a Cat 10, 2079.

[sherry]

I keep checking my dreams unlimited reservation page hoping the same thing! Figuring they would change my cabin number before sending on the docs...........one can always dream.

[mkauffman]

I was only ever in LA once, and that was a trip I won through our local country music station. It was gorgeous weather and I'm so envious, SINK. I wasn't wild about the traffic, though! :crowded:

Sherry, you're right, the temps are pleasant here. Maybe the wind will die down before I leave work. :sunny:

SINK, good theory you have there about possible upgrades. It doesn't hurt to dream, does it??

Good morning, Dana!

Michelle :wave:

[mkauffman]

Oh my gosh...I almost "blew" myself the whole way to Port Canaveral coming back from lunch!! :tilt:

No call from the TA today! :scratchin

Michelle

[nedleycan]

It is beautifully sunny here, but is windy and was very windy this morning... it was very cool!
No docs!
Cam will be spider-man, Meghan will be a hula girl.

[lbgraves]

No, that excuse doesn't fly here! We already got an upgrade from 11 to 8.

[mkauffman]

Who'd you book through, Lisa?

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

We booked thru Quixtote Travel here in town. I just called them & THEY GOT OUR DOCS THIS AFTERNOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc I wish that DH was here!!! I would run down & pick them up...but I will wait impatiently until tomorrow after I drop DS at school. It is right down the street so a trip with both kids without their naps isn't exactly prudent right now. :( Can't wait until 9 am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mkauffman]

Congratulations, Lisa!! I'd find it hard to not put the kids in the car and go!

My TA just told me again today that "docs don't typically come until 10-14 days prior to cruise time". How do I nicely tell him that he's full of *@#%?? :eek:

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

My husband just told me that a courier has been trying to deliver here the past two days... I bet it is them! I will call courier and see if they can redirect to my office!

[imgoingtodisney]

cool - hope its them

(we havent seen ours yet although I have had a sign on our front door for about a week now)

[nedleycan]

They cannot redirect without a waybill number, and the message left did not mention the number. So now I have to wait until tomorrow and get the "notice" from them, call the waybill number in, and they will redirect a couple of days later... I CAN'T STAND IT!!!! haha

[lbgraves]

Well that just plain stinks!!! :(

Michelle, well...maybe when you keep calling him because one of us got our docs he will realize that is a crock of ****! ;) Maybe DCL just keeps them from HIM until 10-14 days? Time to look for a new TA??? LOL! Now I have to find something to keep Kaitlyn busy tomorrow morning so that I will be able to fill them out! :)

[mcampbell_22]

WAAAAAH, I'm soooo jealous! No doc here yet. BOO HOO.

Michelle, you crack me up. I may end up saying the same thing to my TA if they don't come soon. Maybe we should take guesses on who will get their docs LAST! LOL

Lisa, it may be time to drop in one of Kaitlyn's favorite videos and start filling out those docs!

[Tonydana]

:) you guys are way too funny.. we got ours last week, but the only problem is i filled them all out right away and now it is kind of a little let down... i'm playing the waiting game now for the cruise.. although, tonight, right now..well after i finish writing.. we are starting to do stephen's (ds) clothes for the cruise.. talk to all ofyou later.. :)

dana

[nedleycan]

What if the courier package isn't the documents???? What will I do?

I really want to start laying the clothes out, but our cleaning lady will probably put them back away! haha I am going to have to write her a note telling her not to touch "the clothes in the corner"... anyone speak Portugese?

I have separated my dresses, etc. in my closet, so that I know what I have, but I really feel that I need to shop! now! The kids will be at my parents all weekend (we have a wedding to go to Saturday night) so I will have a chance on Saturday afternoon to shop.

[Jo-Anne]

Linda - I really do hope your package is for the documents, but I'll be so upset since there is no action at my house...nobody ringing my doorbell with documents! Also wanted to let you know I really like what you wrote on Nate's thread...he really has impacted so many of us, but you said it so well. Dana, hope you got around to getting Stephen's clothes..I keep telling Katie that "this week" we are going to lay out all her clothes, but still haven't gotten around to it! It was a close call at Jury Pool today. Our panel got called up for a criminal trial that is to last 3-4 days and I was one of the "lucky" ones that got called up infront of the lawyers where they accept or reject people, mainly based on their occupations and "looks". Well when it got to be my turn, I asked to speak to the judge and let her know that I had airline tickets for Sunday. She was so nice and said, No Problem, and excused me from that jury. So I'm back in the jury holding room with 300 of my new closest friends and am hoping that these airline tickets will keep me off a jury! Never thought a business trip would come in so handy! Also survived my jazz class tonight, but my "hole" is still there. I apoligized to the Dance Director and she was very nice about it and said "its only a hole", and I don't have to pay any compensation...yeah, more money for Conk Coolers now....or maybe Bingo instead! Jo

[nedleycan]

Thanks for the kind words, re: Nate Thread! I can't imagine going through what those parents go through. I honestly don't think that we would be strong enough.

Glad that things are going your way with the jury selection. Good luck today! Also, glad to hear that there are no hard feelings regarding your "hole"... haha... I have to laugh everytime I read/write that word... haha

Can't wait to meet all of you. Everyone seems so great and fun!

I am going to start laying out the clothes for sure this weekend, since the kids won't be here.

No, I have not gotten the new photo of the kids yet. Might do it tonight... wouldn't want to rush it! haha Plus, we don't HAVE to have passports for the kids, so in case something happens, I will be fine.

[mkauffman]

Linda, are you SURE you're going to start putting out clothes this weekend?? Maybe you should do the pictures first. :p In the meantime (before you do pictures and clothes) I hope that the courier really does have your documents. He better be wearing protective gear if he doesn't!

Jo, I think maybe the dance director knew that you were cruising in 4 weeks and she didn't have the heart to tell you that you really do owe for that hole. You'll have a bill in the mailbox when you get back! :p

Dana, did you get Stephen's clothes started?

Of course I'm just kidding about all of this because I am the queen of procrastination! I have nothing done, nothing started and I don't know when I will. I just started my odds-n-ends list yesterday for all the little stuff I don't want to forget. That doesn't even include shoes and clothes!

My TA sent me an email this morning and said "I just spoke with the Disney coordinator for your group and she says they're printing your docs right now and I should have them by the end of next week". Do you think maybe he knew I was a little irritated when I told him that everyone else that I talk to on my very same cruise has already gotten their docs!!?!?! I stretched the truth just a little because not all of us have gotten our docs.....but he doesn't need to know that! :crazy:

Lisa, did you go pick up your docs this morning?

Michelle :sunny:

[mkauffman]

Oh my gosh.....that big long post I just did and I forgot to say......


WE'RE IN THE 20's NOW!!!


:bounce: :bounce: We're dancin' the 20's dance!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Can't wait for that sail-away party! :boat:

Michelle

[nedleycan]

Yeah! Michelle's counter says 29 days! Yeah!

Michelle, how can you not believe me! haha I can't do the kid's photos on the weekend since they will be away. But, I promise you I will do them tonight, after swimming class... I think! haha

I am working from home until 10:00 a.m. today... maybe the courier will come!

[nedleycan]

Yeah! I was just about to leave and the doorbell rang. They are here, they are here!!!! No upgrade, but I don't care!

Yours should be coming soon guys! If they made it all the way to Canada, I am sure they will arrive soon to your houses.

Gotta go to work!

[imgoingtodisney]

yahoo!! Im on the phone w/DVC & DCL right now.
Seems they have 3 diff adrs for the 3 of us and dont know where to send the docs! Oh my! this is suppose to just be a remake of last Nov (w/itinerary changes)

[Tonydana]

well, i have all of stephen's outfits together.. not socks and little things yet, but the basics... my question - how warm is it going to be on the cruise.. where i am in massachusetts right now it is only 60 degrees.. so can i be safe in packing all short outfits for him???

also, where do i go to view everyone's pictures??

talk to you soon!!!!

dana :wave2: :wave:

[mkauffman]

YEAH for you Linda! Something tells me that Canadian mail moves faster than American mail (especially when you're waiting for something)!

Michelle :sunny:

[SINK]

Cruise Docs: Maybe DCL felt that it might take longer for their Canadian clients to receive their docs, therefore, DCL process their's first.

I have not received our docs yet. But, since I'm having so much fun on this thread, my focus has been redirected.

[mkauffman]

Dana, I sent you an email.

Ok, SINK, what do you want from us?? In my 32 years I've learned just one thing about men....when you're nice, you want something! ::yes::

Just kidding. Has anyone out there bought SINK a pair of socks from Wal-Mart yet??

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Dana I am sending you a PM with the info for the website. :)

Jo, That's good to hear that you got out of jury duty with plane tickets. I have been worried about getting called since you did & think that cruise documents should do the trick. :)

YES!!! I have the docs in my hand!!! Trying to get them all filled out. The kid's are making me question myself though. Do I leave the minor children/parent spots empty?

[alexturner74]

Dana,

Your info is up on the site...

http://cruise.alexandjessica.com/

Alex

[mkauffman]

Dana, beautiful family!

Lisa, I wish I could help on the docs question. It's been so long since I've filled mine out (last cruise) that I don't remember. The answer to your question on that other thread was pretty funny! :p

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[Tonydana]

wow, what a great site alex has set up.. i went to check out all the pictures, it is great to put a face to the name.. my picture came out horrible.. i just hate my picture being taken.. oh well..

is everyone packing all summer clothes??

talk to you soon..

dana :)

[mkauffman]

Mine will mostly be summer clothes except what we're wearing to and from Orlando. It's always nice to have one long pair of pants because you just never know. I also read a great tip on another thread....don't forget to pack your comfy sweats and shirt! I love my comfy clothes (DH hates them!).

And your picture is not terrible. We all think that about our own pictures!

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

We are bringing summer clothes with probably two long sleeve t-shirts and one or two pairs of pants for the kids (just in case). For my son, they will be the zip-off pants, so that they can be shorts or pants.

[mcampbell_22]

Hi all,

Still docs here yet. I think it's like a watched pot so I'm officially not waiting anymore. Maybe that will do the trick!

SINK, SINK, SINK, we will convert you like the Stepford Wives. You will be turned over the the "bargain" side. Wait until you see what we wear for $7 bucks. I have entire outfits that don't cost that much, even my vintage ones. I love the 50's bombshell type dresses!

I'm packing almost all summer stuff. We'll be traveling from MA also so will be wearing jeans, long sleeves and light jacket. This will also work on those cool nights. I will also pack a pair of comfy sweats too! It's a SAHM's uniform isn't it?!

Well, that's all for me. I had my eye exam today and my pupils are still so dialated it hurts. Of course today was a beautiful and very bright sunny day so it's been even worse.

GO SOX! (Just had to throw that in! LOL)

[SINK]

Red Sox v. Yankees:

I have heard on the radio this morning that there was a dieheart Yankee who posted on AOL boards that he is cheering for the Red Soxs to win because his 78 year father is a dieheart Sox fan and he does think his father is going to make it past this year. He also stated that his love for the Yankees cannot exceed his love for his dad.

Don't get me wrong, I just pay retail for clothing, but for groceries, I'm a huge coupon clipper. How many guys have you heard who clips coupons? When DW and I go to the supermarket, I won't let her buy anything without a coupon.

When we get bored sitting at home on Weekends, we would make a "coupon-run" at our local supermarket. On our "coupon-run", not only would we only buy items that has a coupon, but it must also be on sale as well. At the check-out counter, the clerks always read off how much we've saved (over 50% from time to time, of course, no one would pay full retail on some the grocery items).

[mcampbell_22]

SINK you're a man after my own heart! I love to save at the supermarket. I try very hard to use sales/coupons combined to take at least 40% off the bill. My best one ever was $40 worth of groceries for $10! One of my great thrills is when an item is mismarked because my supermarket gives it to you for free. I try for at least one of these each week.

(Boy after reading what I just typed, I realized what a lame-o I am! LOL I guess my family was right, they've always said I can squeeze a nickle from a penny!)

Oh SINK, today's bargain was a gorgeous authentic Burberrys men's trench coat complete with zip in wool liner for $10 and a Burberrys polo shirt for $1. See, you can find high end stuff at bargain basement prices if you just know where to look!

[Jo-Anne]

WHAH:( no documents at this Canadian's house! Maybe they're moving from West Toronto to East Toronto and I'll get mine tomorrow!! Dana - I like the photo...nice to put your face to a name! Looks like we're almost neighbours..we're 6099 and you're 6066! For those in a cabin higher than category 11, hope you don't mind if I peak in one day so I can see if we'd want to upgrade on future cruises!! We'll be mainly taking summer stuff with one pair of travelling pants for each of us and sweatshirts for nights. Just need to survive one more day on Jury duty and then will be off to Cincinatti. I'm planning my shopping attack prior to the meetings and will be hitting two Kohls, two Targets and one mall. Hope to pick up some bargains! Take Care! Jo

[nedleycan]

We stayed in a cat. 9 (I think... outside, deck 1) last cruise, but this time we will be in cat. 6. Verandah!!!! You are welcome anytime! Actually, you all are! Just bring some wine or champagne with you! I really love you guys! I look forward to your posts, and love the fact that we can tease SINK (actually, we are very similar, as I have no time for bargain shopping, although would enjoy it if I had the time) and congratulate Michelle on her bargains (way to go!). You guys are great!

You made it one more day for selection Jo! Re: documents: I am sure that they will reach East Toronto soon. Maybe it is because we are closer to the Purolator Head Office at the airport.

[kimszath]

I need some more energy, like THESE little guys....
:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

My hubby's been gone a week, and I've been managing myself, my child, and the dog without getting any of us killed or even hurt... I'm SO ready for him to come home (gets home at midnight tonight). The guys in my flying squadron have been really cool about me having Luke in the office with me a few times over the week... even set up the big screen TV with the cartoon network for entertainment. Funny thing was, all the BIG little boys were out there watching SpongeBob with Luke instead of working... They're ALL just little boys at heart, right?

Well, I've gathered the passports and Luke's official birth certificate and filled out all the docs... well, except for a couple of lines. Do we just write NONE for passport number for little ones on the Bahamian Immigration doc? I think I'm done with the rest. Now I've got to figure out what I did with our DW ParkHopper tickets from last year... still have several days left, I think. And I get in FREE this year! Shame we're not staying longer... can get 5-day ParkHoppers for family members for only $99 each! I get a free 5-day, but will only use it for 2... don't get to keep them--have to be used consecutive days, I hear. Sure hope they're buried in my jewelry box.

I can't wait to meet you all! :wave:

[nedleycan]

Now there is a thread about the Norwalk virus being on cruise ships again. Since we were cancelled last year because of this, we are a little more sensitive about it. I am keeping a very positive attitude about it, and cannot even imagine Disney cancelling another cruise this year... but, I must say... it brings back bad memories of last year!

Anyway, we had so much fun last year, even though we didn't get to do the 7-day. I am sorry to be a downer, but people don't realize what it was like to be cancelled 2 days before flying to Florida... but, my cruise is costing 1/2 the price of everyone else's, so the deal was worth it in the end!

Hang in there Kim!

[kimszath]

Don't even THINK like that, Linda! I would be beyond crushed... my child would be inconsolable... But I guess I'd spend a little more time at DisneyWorld... there are worse things to do for a week, I suppose! Where's the thread about the virus??? Which ship? Ours has been in drydock... should have given them a chance to sterilize everything while they worked on the update, right?????

[SINK]

I'm wouldn't mind it DCL canceling the sailing all that much (flame me). I would just hop on another cruise ship. There are so many in Florida during that time.

Royal Caribbean has the Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class Ships, the one with the ice skating rings, kids "beach" areas) sailing out of Port Canaveral on Sundays. Lot better rate than DCL (Balcony rooms go for $899 per person). Last week my cruise travel agent emailed me with their weekly special. The rates offered was incredible (on the sailings that I wanted to sail on in the near future, at around $60 per person per day for inside, $70 for outside, and $90 for balcony). I was telling about just to everyone to take advantage of the offer since I can't.

It's funny how I tried to save for small ticket items, but spend needlessly on luxury items (just got home from a massage session, don't tell DW, she's studying hard at the school's library).

[SINK]

Originally posted by kimszath
Which ship?

Carnival's Holiday.

[lbgraves]

SINK, I am very impressed!!! I am the coupon lady around here. LOL! I love double dollar days & triple coupons! :) WD had them last weekend and I only got to stock up on a few things but paid $20 and saved $130. :) Last year I saved over $8000 in coupons for a family of 4 and paid $1200. This cruise is motivation to keep it up so that we can go next year too...and the year after that & so on. ;)

No more foul mouths around here. That N word isn't allowed! ;) I just keep praying that everything goes well for all of us. I picked up some Bonine this week. I think that I am going to try one this weekend just to make sure that I don't have any side affects from it. I think that they have more on the ship but I might need it at the park since round motion rides make me ill now. :(

DH called an hour ago. He wasn't due home until tomorrow night late. He was getting on a plane in Charlotte and should be home very soon!!! DS was trying to wait up for him but without a nap he didn't make it. :)

[SINK]

Originally posted by lbgraves
I love double dollar days & triple coupons! :)

WD had them last weekend

I picked up some Bonine this week. ... I think that they have more on the ship


"triple coupons" - WOW
"WD" - ?
"Bonine" - DCL don't carry bonine, I believe all they have was Dramamine.

DW uses a prescription patch (it's super expensive, we've paid $35 in co-pay), Transderm SCOP [scopolamine 1.5 mg] good for 72 hours. Fortunately, I don't get seasick (but do get "landsick" after the cruise).

[lbgraves]

Winn Dixie. Harris Teeter doubles every day and last year had triple dollar. I drove 1 1/2 hours for that! Paid 20-30 for 600.00 worth of stuff. Filled 2 big coolers & the back of the explorer, then picked up DH & the kids at Chucky Cheese after 3 hours. :)

Guess I need to pick up more Bonine then to make sure about the sea sickness stuff. I'm not bothered when we are out on the 19 foot boat & that has gotten a little bouncy. I would think the Magic would be more stable that that most of the time?

[Tonydana]

i love couponing too.... makes me actually feel like i am contributing to the house since i am not really working.. wish we had double dollar days around here, i would definately go nuts for that :) worth the drive no matter how far :)

got our nametags yesterday (thank you michelle).. i wore mine around the house, ok,i have officially gone nuts :) even hubby says he will wear his too.. (he better if he knows what is good for him :) )....

i got horrible motion sickness on our 99 cruise, of course we were in hurricane floyd.. i did get a prescription for that patch last week, going to try it soon to see the side effects.. i get horrible motion sickness usually anyways, but hopefully i won't get sick this time.. the co-pay on our insurance was $20...

well, i think that is all for now..i need to find a tropical dress and of course all the stores have winter clothes out now, what am i to do.. i have an outfit, skirt and shirt.. i thought it was kinda cute, not that bad.. hubby says it is horrible and i cannot wear it... ugh...

anyways, talk to you all soon..

dana :)

[mkauffman]

I love all the bargain-shopping stories! I really need to find more time to clip those coupons! Although I don't pay retail for anything, I'm really bad at the coupon clipping. I admit it! We're never home because of the kid's sports schedules and I just don't make the time to clip.....but that's going to change after reading all of your stories!

Linda, I might just be peeking in that cabin. Maybe we could bring something to drink, get a cheese tray from room service and get a little tipsy in your room! I'll be your DH would just love to have a bunch of giddy (more so than we already are) women in his room!

Kim, all men are really just little boys at heart. It's so true. Kim and Lisa, I'm glad to hear that hubbies are home.

SINK, you make coupon runs.......I'm so very proud of you!

Mary, do you know how badly I'm hoping we spot you on the way from Atlanta to Orlando? Will you be wearing your name tag?

Lisa, we took Bonine last time (I don't know if we really needed it, but better safe than sorry) and that's what we'll be taking again this year. It's a once a day, where Dramamine is once every 6-8 hours or something like that. We couldn't give the Bonine to Garrett because he was too young.

The N word gives me a sick feeling in the stomach just thinking about it! I've been trying to ignore that thread. I refuse to believe it could happen again.

Dana, you're welcome for the name tags. I was just going to ask if you got them yet. Do you have a direct flight to Orlando? What airline are you flying? Do you have a Kohl's near you? Have you looked on their clearance racks for tropical wear? (Don't let hubby get to you...we've got your back!)


Michelle :Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

I am sorry that I even mentioned the "N" word. I shouldn't have, as it made for a very negative post.

I am positive it will not happen... I would just die if I didn't get to meet you guys!

So, we have a kid-free weekend! Yeah! We are going out for dinner tonight, then sleeping-in tomorrow, then a wedding to go to on Saturday night. It should be fun... and of course, I will be getting the clothes for the cruise layed out.

[Tonydana]

i have a kohl's near us and have looked there, nothing... ugh... and i don't want to spend a fortune either... i still need to get some black heels for my semi formal dress (mental note, pack nylons.. ) i still don't think the outfit is that bad.. i just may be cheap and wear it.. it will drive hubby crazy though.. :) says it looks like something my grandma would wear - men..

we are flying southwest for the first time and will be leaving from providence, directly to orlando.. did i mention i hate to fly :) so once up and down is fine with me..

i have to share the story on my semi formal dress.. it is really nothing fancy, black tea length, simple, but very nice i think.. well, i wore this dress in june of 97 to a friends wedding and have not worn it since.. not only did i not have any place to wear it, but i gained a "few" pounds.. :) tried it on for the heck of it and it fit :) so excited.. i have really been doing well lately.. i started in june walking twice a day with my neighbor - it is about 7 miles.. we did this every day, but now she is back to work - she is a teacher - so during the week we walk once a day - about 3.5 miles and on weekends and her days off we walk twice.. i have lost about 13 pounds, but the inches really came off.. :) happy happy :) just wish i could have some will power to do my sit ups and get rid of that belly, then my bathing suit would not look so bad...

dana ;)

[mkauffman]

Try kohls.com and jcpenneys.com. Penney's has some great stuff in their online outlet store (Kohl's online clearance is hit and miss). Also, I've read that you can great steals shopping on the islands for tropical wear, so don't sweat it too much. If you don't find anything maybe you can find a great dress for under $10 on the islands!

Linda, don't be sorry. You have every right to be worried about this. I would also die if I didn't get to meet all of you after all this time. :wave2:

Dana, congrats on your weight loss. It's a great thing!

Michelle :wave:

[mcampbell_22]

Dana, "weigh" to go! OK, I am really cracked! Having "been there, done that" I know what an accomplishment it is and how hard it can be. Well done!

Michelle, I'm positive we will meet up in Atlanta. Probably at the gate for boarding. We'll make sure to have our tags on but it seems that wherever we go, people seem to notice DH even in a crowd. He seems to have a presence about him that gets him noticed! Maybe it's from all those years of supervising Teamsters. He's seems very commanding but I can tell you he's a big pushover. Devon can stand nose to nose with him and HE backs down! LOL

Lisa, I just got off the phone with my TA and she was calling DCL with the information to reserve the table. Good food, good friends and cocktails! Heaven!

[Jo-Anne]

Well I survived Jury Pool without having to sit on a trial! Close call again today, but business trip saved me....don't think I could have stood it though as it was a sexual assault case. Thank goodness that is over. I get motion sickness as well and am bringing Bonamine, ginger gravol and sea bands. I hear that the Ship's Doctor's office has Bonamine-like pills outside their door for free if I need more! I'm thinking about starting out with the seabands and ginger gravol since it's a "natural" pill and won't cause drowsiness, but was also thinking about taking a Bonamine atleast the first night before going to bed to get a good nights sleep, as I hear that the first night may be the most rocky as they cross gulf streams? Anyone know if its ok to have a drink or two while on Bonamine? I am not a big drinker by anymeans (can count the number of alcholic drinks I have all year on two hands!), but I'm sure I'll want to kick back and relax with a fancy drink or two throughout the cruise!
Dana - don't listen to any man about how clothes look! I've given up asking my DH how something looks on me as I get the typical shrug and the "it's ok" response. He tends to love me just the way I am, regardless of what I'm wearing. So now, I just dress to please myself! Jo

[lbgraves]

Dana...May sound crazy...but have you checked out your local Good Will Thrift Shop? They don't go seasonal like Salvation Army so you might find something really nice there. I know that I can't find jeans that fit me well in any of our limited choice in retail stores here so I found 7 pairs for $3 each a couple months ago...all name brands!!! :)

Another place to check out online is www.coldwatercreek.com. I haven't seen any codes lately but I picked up 3 dresses for our cruise including the tropical night one there in April. You never know what you will find there in the outlet.

Does anyone want to meet in chat tonight? It's at 9.

[nedleycan]

Jo, we had zero problems with motion last time. And yes, the first night/day are the worst due to crossing the gulf stream. We didn't even notice the boat moving at all. Since I like boating and don't get seasick, I was actually a little disappointed at first, as it felt like we were in a resort, not on the water. Bring the stuff just in case, but I doubt you will need it, unless it is a bad week weatherwise.

I bought a new bathingsuit today! I love it! I still need a tropical dress (I don't have anything!) And, yes, I did not do the kid's photos. There was no time last night after swimming lessons (they were soooo tired). My parents have them this weekend. I will get them on Monday... haha.

Congrats on Jury Duty Jo!

[nedleycan]

Hey guys! I am home for the weekend (pretty well never happens) and just sitting here filling out our cruise documents and thought of you all. Where is everyone? haha

As soon as I am done with the documents, I will be doing the kid's clothes. Wow, look at me! I am accomplishing so much today!

[Tonydana]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :wave2: :wave: i'm here... doing laundry and getting some little things out that i have been thinking of... although i am becoming quite pathetic, i spend my day now checking to see if anyone has posted anything new on here... i can't wait to go..

getting sad though.. we are leaving our 9 yr old golden home and having my family come back and forth to take care of him.. i just hate leaving him alone though.. makes me sad.. he is such a big baby..

ok enough of that.. off to clean.. is everyone still sleeping today??? :) wake up - only 27 more days til we leave :) woo hoo... :)

dana

[Jo-Anne]

I'm here! Just getting Katie ready to go to skating and trying to pack for Cinci tomorrow. I've already been out to grocery store...Loblaws has the Olay Regenerist on for $18.99 plus I have $5.00 off coupon...$13.99 for a regular retail item of $29.99!! Yeah! They also had pumpkins on for $2.00, so picked up two of those. Linda - how was your night "alone"! We still don't have our documents...those lazy courier guys! Anyone book with Dreams Unlimited and have their docs? DH is actually going out to get a couple pair of dressier shorts after he took a quick inventory of what he currently has, thought he'd better buy some shorts without holes! Lisa - I see there is a Coldwater Creek store in Cincinnati, is it worth a look? Good prices? Dana - we're leaving our beloved cat behind and my sister or neighbours will come in to feed and give him some loving. He'll miss us and will probably be ticked off at us when we return for leaving him, but he quickly gets over it! Well got to go...busy Saturyday and then leave for Cinci on Sun noon and will be out of touch until Wed night when I get back! Take Care everyone! Jo

[SINK]

Hiya everybody:

Got woken up by my nieces this morning (got baby sitting duties today). But, I will take a nap after making this post for another hour or so.

The morning walks on the Magic should take place on Deck 4 (wrap around jogging track, 4 times around is 1 mile), since you are not allowed to "jog" on Deck 9 or 10.

Four more weeks!!!!

[SINK]

We've booked through Dreams and we did not get our doc's yet.

[Jo-Anne]

ok, I lied, I haven't left yet!! Just wondering what people's laundry strategies are. We'll be gone 9 days and I'm thinking I"ll have to do a load of basics once during the cruise (Don't think I have 9 pairs of underwear:hyper: ) I've heard the laundry rooms can be very crowded....anyone have laundry room experience!!? ::MinnieMo princess: (DD wanted me to put these in the post!) :cutie:

[nedleycan]

I woke everyone up! haha

Great price Jo! I will check it out. So, I am done both of the kids clothes. They are ready to pack! I am now trying on some of my clothes to see that everything fits okay (I have now lost 12 lbs.!)

Our night alone was great! We went out to dinner at Cafe Tu Tu Tango... anyone ever been there? It is a U.S. chain with locations in Orlando, etc. It was great. Then we watched TV and slept in! I slept in until 8:30! I never get to do this. Just about to take a relaxing bath and get ready for the 2:00 wedding. The reception is on a boat on Lake Ontario... it is going to be freezing at night! Oh well!

[kimszath]

Morning! Wow, you guys sure do start early! Or maybe I'm just starting late.... Anyway, my cool new luggage set arrived yesterday. I was thinking NO WAY are 8 pieces in this one box... How cool was THAT--all 8 pieces, nesting inside each other. I've heard you should pack an empty one inside with all your stuff for carrying back souvenirs... anybody else doing that? I've carried an additional collapsible carry-on before, and USED it, so will probably have to remember to do that this trip. Anyway, figured I'd get out Luke's stuff this weekend--left it hanging with a bag over top of it in his closet since I went cruise-clothes shopping for him about 3 months ago... can't remember exactly what's in there, but I'm sure he'll be better dressed than me and Mike! Poor Mike... back from his business trip, still coughing his head off... goes to see the doctor yesterday... WALKING PNEUMONIA. And a bent Explorer to boot. This was NOT a good trip for him. At least we found out the guy who caused the accident has insurance... that's been a nagging question for a week.

I need a nap. Got in from flightline duties at 3 a.m. And of course when hubby is sick, he's not good for much, including walking the puppy at 7 a.m. I need more sleep!!! Maybe I'll just plug in the Disney cruise video and watch it while I fold the last load of laundry. That should GIVE ME STRENGTH!!!!

Oh, and if anybody needs luggage, I got my new set from luggage-guy.com via eBay. I won the auction Sunday, got an e-mail from them Monday morning that it was already on its way via UPS Ground from New Jersey, and it got here to my one-horse town yesterday. His feedback rating was very high--I'm pleased.

LATER!!!!!:wave2:

[kimszath]

And speaking of laundry... I heard that the laundry rooms aren't so bad... just don't plan on doing laundry on the last at-sea day. That's supposed to be the busiest day for the laundry room. I usually use liquid Tide, but I heard that the best thing to take is those little all-in-one tablets.. not sure the brand. That way you don't have to worry about liquids or powder spilling out in your suitcase. And don't forget dryer sheets! I don't trust them to have Tide and Bounce, so I'm definitely planning ahead for that. And whatever they DO have will probably cost $2 a box. I know that's nothing next to the price of the cruise, but the tablets pack small, and that'll save enough for another Pina Colada! Enough Pina Coladas, and I can do THIS: :Pinkbounc :tongue: :yo-yo:

[Tonydana]

wow, we are all really hopping now.. :) as far as laundry - i am bringing enough clothes for stephen to plan on two outfits a day and some dress clothes.. i don't want to have to do his laundry as i still have to use the dreft for him.. let's just say i tried using our laundry detergent once and ended up with a rash all over him, so i won't be doing that for a little while still...

but anyways, i do plan on doing a load of whites and a load of colored's for tony and i.. i am probably bringing 4-5 days worth of clothes for us and will do laundry half way through.. this is what i have done in the past for us and it works out well.. i will pack my bounce dryer sheets, but did buy a sample pack of whisk laundry tablets at walmart the other day.. they are sealed in plastic and i figure i don't have to worry about carrying my liquid laundry detergent and tony is paranoid about packing powder laundry detergent.. he thinks our bags will get ransacked because they will think we packed something illegal.. worry wart :)

still on a mission to find a tropical dress.. i'm a little worried about waiting til we hit an island.. omg, what if i don't find anything there and nothing fits, yikes.. i'll keep looking here..

kim - glad your luggage came and you are happy with it :)... yipee - time to pack..

well, have a great day everyone.. more later..

dana ;)

[nedleycan]

I am packing enough so that I don't have to do laundry at all! I have never done laundry on a vacation (except when we were on our month-long honeymoon in Africa). I find that it isn't that much luggage, and I would rather not bother, and carry more. Plus, most of our shirts don't go in the dryer (cotton) and there would be too many shirts to hang on the tub line.

Gotta go to the wedding! Bye!

[SINK]

Why do laundry on vacation? However, I did utilize the facility to iron my shirts and pants. The best time to use the laudry is early in the morning. By the way, their dryer don't work that well, it will take twice for it to be near dry (speaking with other ladies when I'm ironing). We typically have more than enough cloths to last us about a week and a half (I have the most luggage compared with the rest of the family, including DW).

We typically do laundry when we get to WDW, it's nice to have our own washer and dryer in our room. DVC would provide one pack of tide detergent during our stay. We have brought plenty of Tide tabs (individually wrapped, and placed in ziplock storage bags, along with Bounce dryer sheets).