The McSparklesons are BACK and they are CRUISIN! COMPLETE 10/4

[karajeboo]

It's really starting to come together. The clothes are now folded and going into the suitcase tonight. That would be MY clothes. Ally's were packed last week and Jeff is on his own. He will toss everything together the night before we leave and then the day we leave, he will call me 12 times from work to ask me to "grab this" and "grab that." And I will not so subtly remind him that THIS is why I pack weeks ahead of time!!! So I can gradually add things when I think of them.

Silly men.....

I took a camera class last week to finally learn to use the camera I got for my birthday last summer. I got a Nikon D5000 because I really wanted a GOOD camera, instead of the little point and shoot that served me so well through all our trips to WDW. I loved the pocket size, but decided I also wanted the good quality photo taker.......

But I can't remember a dang thing from my college photography class! And of course that was 25 years ago way back when, when they actually put this stuff called "film" into a camera. And you had to go to a store to get it "developed." Then you tied your bonnet real tight and hopped into the wagon and asked Trigger to take you home...... Or something like that.

Anyway, because my oh so observant husband bought me a zoom lens for Christmas - the same zoom lens I already had for my camera...... he told me to return it and get whatever I wanted. And I decided on one on one classes to really learn how to use this stupid thing.

So I took the class. And walked out of there feeling prettty good about my skeels........ I think I even heard someone call "hey Ansel" as I left the store.

Then today I went to take pics of my FE gifts and I have no clue what I am doing!!!! Ladies and Gentlemen, Ansel Adams has left the building...... I was able to make one adjustment to the settings, so that $100/hour class was well worth it for me to be able to change the ISO!!!! OK, so let's not tell Jeff that I really don't know any more than I did when I walked into the class. I think I will play with the camera, and consult my notes, as Jeff is driving to Florida next week. Nothing like waiting til the last minute!!!

Oy vey!

Speaking of FE gifts, I am almost done!!!

Jeff walked into my office on Friday (I work from home) after a week in Vegas and looked at the pile of FE components and said, "What the he11 is that?" When I told him, he looked me dead in the eye and said, "YOU are carrying it on the ship."

Oh, my sweet, sensitive husband......

So now that we are inside TWO WEEKS, it's time to seriously kick it into high gear. And I'm still wondering if I can drop 20 lbs by the time we leave?

 

[JaxJags08]

I don't miss the HUGE water moccasin I had in my driveway one night.....

You had those there? I guess you would if there is any body of water around. We were actually looking at houses in what I think was your old 'hood. But we need to sell ours first and that appears to be not happening right now in this market. I'll have to pm you with some questions if you don't mind

I'm going to have to read up about FE's before we book a cruise. I have no idea what they are

 

[CRdisMom]

heck yes you can carry all of that on the ship...my car made it here with all of my junk. Lord only knows if I will make it over the mtns on the way home. hee-hee. Glad that you got your stuff packed. that is always my nightmare.

 

[karajeboo]

You had those there? I guess you would if there is any body of water around. We were actually looking at houses in what I think was your old 'hood. But we need to sell ours first and that appears to be not happening right now in this market. I'll have to pm you with some questions if you don't mind


I'm going to have to read up about FE's before we book a cruise. I
have no idea what they are

Absolutely PM me! If it is my old hood I would recommend to anyone!!! We loved it there and are stopping to eat lunch at the clubhouse with all our old friends when we pass thru after the cruise. Great people, great amenities, and now really great prices!!! We all still miss it a lot.

In fact we are also going back in May to play in a golf tourney at our old club. Seems we need to cut the cord but instead we keep finding excuses to go back....

 

[karajeboo]

And yes, we had water mocassins too! Rattlesnakes, mocassins, and just about any other snake you can think of! There was a 7 foot rattlesnake living on the #7 fairway. I was terrified every time I played that hole!!!!

And did I mention the lizards, skinks, frogs, spiders (they grow em BIG in Florida!!!!)????? Oh, yeah, that's another TR/blog on here.....

 

[karajeboo]

It's the little things that freak me out. Like my old neighbors from Florida calling to tell me they are passing through town next week and would like to stop in for a night! Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE them and miss them terribly. I'd love to have them any time..... except the week we are leaving for our cruise!!!

And yesterday my cleaning lady called to say she can't clean this week. So I got the bug today and scubbed down the kitchen, and vacuumed and cleaned all the downstairs floors in the living areas. Tomorrow I will get all the bedrooms, and I am going to beg Jeff to get all the bathrooms for me. That way I will just need to touch up before they come next week.

And with three small children, they don't expect a perfectly kept house, which is a very good thing!!!!

Later today I am meeting CRDISMOM for lunch/dinner in downtown. She's visiting outside Atlanta and is brave enough to drive up for the afternoon - I can't wait!!!!!

Still have a couples baby shower for friends/neighbors this weekend, and with temps in the 80's this weekend, I'm sure we'll try to get some golf in, too! Well, I know Jeff will, and hopefully I can, too.

After that, it is the final stage. Defcon Four. The Final Countdown. Ba da ba ba, ba da ba ba ba...... You KNOW you are singing it now!!!! And you will be for the rest of the day! And then you'll say, "Curse you Kara!"

Laundry is going, the floors are clean (don't you just LOVE your house right after you clean your floors?). I mean, the rest of the house can be trashed, but when the floors are clean and shiny, I'm so happy........

Until later. And don't forget.......

It's the final countdown...... BWAHAHAHAHAHA.... you're singing again!!!!!

 

[karajeboo]

Oh, and as I was driving Ally to school today, we were talking again about the name we should use for our welcome announcement. Ally is still dead set against anything but our real name.

She has lost her sparkle........

So THEN, I told her that everyone claps when we walk in.

Ally: "huh uh...."
Kara: "sure they do, they clap and cheer and whoop and holler. I think I will blow kisses to them and tell them I love them all."
Ally: "I'm not going."



She is going through such a phase, always afraid we will embarass her in some way. And so far I really haven't even done that. But something tells me that the times, they are a changin....... (you can sing that too, ya know! ).

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Kara, how could Ally possibly think YOU would embarrass her?

I know you had a great lunch already! Kudos for getting your cleaning done. You are making me nervous with that "final countdown" stuff! I have SO much to do for my cruise, and I am SO busy, except for next week - I will get in to gear then.

 

[karajeboo]

We are down to crunch time..... We leave ONE WEEK from today!!!!

Last night during dinner, I was again talking about being announced as the McSparklesons, and I showed Jeff my blowing kisses wave for when we walk in, as Ally sits at the dinner table like ...... Jeff got up from the table and said, "I've got a great idea...... when they announce our family's name, let's do this....."

And of course, he gave the requisite..... "SUPERSTAHHHHHHH!!!"

I'm not sure but I think Ally may have actually shed a tear or two......

Now I'm beginning to wonder if we should have just saved the money from the cruise for her therapy later on......

 

[lshaw6]

So, do you think you'll get many pictures of Ally on this trip where she doesn't look like she wants to crawl underneath a rock? I can't wait to hear what you guys do when you are announced...as whoever! You have the booze packed up and ready to go??

 

[karajeboo]

So, do you think you'll get many pictures of Ally on this trip where she doesn't look like she wants to crawl underneath a rock? I can't wait to hear what you guys do when you are announced...as whoever! You have the booze packed up and ready to go??

Is the booze packed..... oh you silly silly girl!!!! I think that was packed before I packed any underwear!!!! In fact, I KNOW it was packed first!!!!

The last loads of laundry are being done today so we can get it all packed up. I will still throw in a couple loads on Thursday just so I don't have it waiting for me when I get home, but the suitcases should be locked and loaded by then.....

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

subbing I can't wait to hear how the trip goes. Our first cruise and of course it is disney is this OCT, yeah!!

 

[karajeboo]

subbing I can't wait to hear how the trip goes. Our first cruise and of course it is disney is this OCT, yeah!!

I'm not going to kid you, I'm getting nervous...... The first two days are sea days, what if I don't like it???? It's not like I can ask them to let me off.... Well, I guess I could ASK but don't think it will get me anywhere..... except maybe my own padded room.....

 

[karajeboo]

We are beyond crunch time. We are locked and loaded!!! Again, not really loaded yet, but definitely locked!!!!

I did the last of the laundry today and sealed up my suitcase. Just need to toss in toiletries Friday morning and that is it!!!! So we have two soldiers in the hall, plus Ally's backpack, camera bag, and my day bag....... Ugh. It just doesn't matter what I do, there is no way to consolidate. The laptop has to be carried on. Plus the camera bag. Plus my day bag with swim suits, medication, sunscreen, etc. Plus Ally's backpack with her suit, camera, autograph book. Plus the rolling duffel with the liquor and wine!!!!! That is FIVE carry ons!!!! REally????? This is nuts!!!!

Jeff, of course, has just started and has packed a couple shirts and 4 pairs of slacks.......

Taking Ally to gymnastics tonight with specific instructions for Jeff to finish packing!!!!!

Still trying to figure how we are getting all our hanging clothes into the garment bag. I have my dresses and Ally's dresses in there, but still waiting for Jeff' suit and sport coat....... I already told him that it's first come, first served, so he might have to fold his suit....

If I don't get another chance, BON VOYAGE!!!! Wait, aren't YOU supposed to wish ME bon voyage????

 

[uscgrl93]

If I don't get another chance, BON VOYAGE!!!! Wait, aren't YOU supposed to wish ME bon voyage????

Bon Voyage!! Can't wait to read your report!

(And hey, SC is a great state! And so close to FL - 6+ hours for us! But then, I've never lived in FL so I can't compare!) Have a great time!

 

[JaxJags08]

Bon voyage!!!! Have a wonderful time! I really can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

Bon Voyage!! Can't wait to read your report!

(And hey, SC is a great state! And so close to FL - 6+ hours for us! But then, I've never lived in FL so I can't compare!) Have a great time!

DITTO! You know you will be beyond excited once you step on board!

 

[podsnel]

TOMORROW!!!!!! It's almost HERE!!!!!!!!!

Don't forget to call me during your ride!!! And great news- Joan wants to come next year!!!

By the way...make sure to hnd your camera to the family in front of you when you board- we all want to see the SUPERSTARS!!!

Oh...poor, poor, Ally!

BON-VOYAGE!!!!!!

 

[lshaw6]

Bon Voyage, McSparkleson's!!!! I hope you have a fantastic trip! Can't wait to hear all about it. Remember, one hand holding onto Ally and the other holding onto that rolling duffle!!! Hope Jeff gets everything packed while you're gone tonight. If he has to fold his suit he'll just have to walk hunched over while he's wearing it so the wrinkles don't show. If you text updates as you are going to Florida and when you arrive at the ship don't forget me!

Have a fabulous time!!!

 

[karajeboo]

TOMORROW!!!!!! It's almost HERE!!!!!!!!!

Don't forget to call me during your ride!!! And great news- Joan wants to come next year!!!

By the way...make sure to hnd your camera to the family in front of you when you board- we all want to see the SUPERSTARS!!!

Oh...poor, poor, Ally!

BON-VOYAGE!!!!!!

Yeah, Joanie!!!!! So book it for 3? Just an inside stateroom - the el cheapo? I'll call you tomorrow.

And poor poor Ally my behind. That child is the luckiest child EVAH! After all, her parents are SUPERSTAAAAAHHHHSSSS! And sometimes, when I get nervous, I put my fingers here, and then I smell em.......

Bon Voyage, McSparkleson's!!!! I hope you have a fantastic trip! Can't wait to hear all about it. Remember, one hand holding onto Ally and the other holding onto that rolling duffle!!! Hope Jeff gets everything packed while you're gone tonight. If he has to fold his suit he'll just have to walk hunched over while he's wearing it so the wrinkles don't show. If you text updates as you are going to Florida and when you arrive at the ship don't forget me!

Have a fabulous time!!!

Somebody obviously doe NOT have their priorities set...... I will have BOTH hands on.... THE ROLLING DUFFEL!!!!! Besides, Ally can walk on two feet, but the duffel could roll away and we cannot have that, now can we????

DITTO! You know you will be beyond excited once you step on board!

I will, I will!!!! I am beyond excited right now!!! But we still have an 8 hour drive ahead of us.... ugh.....

Bon voyage!!!! Have a wonderful time! I really can't wait to hear all about it!

Bon Voyage!! Can't wait to read your report!

(And hey, SC is a great state! And so close to FL - 6+ hours for us! But then, I've never lived in FL so I can't compare!) Have a great time!

Thank you Dahlings!!!! (I've always wanted to say that!). Imagine me blowing kisses right now..... and then straight to the "superstaaaahhh" lunge!!!! Oh, yeah, they won't know what hit em when the McSparklesons embark. Look at me sounding all oceanic........