May 18, 2013 MAGIC EBTA - Who is with us?

[MandyGirl]

Thanks for all the good vibes. Had my neck scan today and it was fairly good news. Have got a thyroglossal cyst, so as I understand it, basically a lump filled with fluid. May have to have surgery to remove it, but won't find out for a while. However, I am over the moon its not something more serious, so I will take the surgery if necessary!

How AWESOME is that!!!!! Yay! I know when you've had the bad news before, as long as it's not the C word involved it can feel like you are walking on water. So elated for you!!

 

[MandyGirl]

They haven't responded yet? To me, no response means yes, Bon voyage!!

Yep!

 

[belle2011]

So my little sister has caved in and has decided she will be joining us on this cruise. She will also be brining the newest member of our family, Clara, born 1/14. Her DH will be staying behind, so my DH will be the lone adult male. Two guys (DH and 10 yr nephew) and seven girls! They are slightly out numbered. Looks like we will be getting 3 cabins. We are not officially booked yet but we are 99% comitted so I will be sending PMs. We would like to do the FE for all three cabins and will give to every cabin. Since there was interest, I will "be in charge" of the running club. Let me know if it can be added to the website. I can write a description in a bit. Since my sister is now withe her kids, I will let her deal with traveling with them. Any advice for her? It is their first cruise and she will have a 4 month old and a 3 year old. Getting excited!

The new big sister with our newest cruiser, Clara!

They're so cute

 

[MandyGirl]

Our school has always been very good about it. In 2007, my eldest DD missed the first 8 days of school for WBTA. The school was great, they just did not officially register her until the her first day back for attendance purposes. I expect them to do something similar for the my younger two. We also have a culturally diverse student body so it's not unheard of for kids to leave school for a month or more to go back to visit their home country.

I have heard about that happening --- our worst case scenario is to withdraw and homeschool, then re-enroll over the summer. Just have to show proof of homeschool curriculum IF you are asked. I have never heard of anyone being asked, and know many who homeschool. But I have seen people withdraw from school, homeschool during vacation, then re-enroll upon returning. Then the school doesn't take the hit for absences, which is basically tied into accountability ratings (ie school funding).

The last district I taught in was also very diverse - over 55 languages represented but only 10,000 students in the district. It was not uncommon at all for me to have a student go home for a month. One went with her dad for a job reassignment to China for three months and they have always been US citizens. In this society today, it is such a global society, but unfortunately many of our school districts are still operating as if it is 1955... if you move, it's just down the street, not across the world. I'd always tell my students to have fun, keep in touch with me via email, and keep up on my webpage so you know what concepts we are covering that you will still need to know on the end of year test given by the state. Never an issue. Life comes first. And that was high school level math - thank goodness for all the online resources there are these days!

 

[Kirbo]

I have heard about that happening --- our worst case scenario is to withdraw and homeschool, then re-enroll over the summer. Just have to show proof of homeschool curriculum IF you are asked. I have never heard of anyone being asked, and know many who homeschool. But I have seen people withdraw from school, homeschool during vacation, then re-enroll upon returning. Then the school doesn't take the hit for absences, which is basically tied into accountability ratings (ie school funding).

The last district I taught in was also very diverse - over 55 languages represented but only 10,000 students in the district. It was not uncommon at all for me to have a student go home for a month. One went with her dad for a job reassignment to China for three months and they have always been US citizens. In this society today, it is such a global society, but unfortunately many of our school districts are still operating as if it is 1955... if you move, it's just down the street, not across the world. I'd always tell my students to have fun, keep in touch with me via email, and keep up on my webpage so you know what concepts we are covering that you will still need to know on the end of year test given by the state. Never an issue. Life comes first. And that was high school level math - thank goodness for all the online resources there are these days!

You make me miss where I grew up! I lived in a very diverse area. Now we live in a very NOT diverse area. It's a great place and we love it, but I sometimes worry that I'm doing my kids a disservice by living with so much homogeny. But then again, if we lived in a diverse city I'd find something else to worry about

I think we have two languages here, English and Spanish.

 

[padalyn]

any tips how to spot the fakes? Other than posted from Hong Kong

I suggest you check out a website (pinpics.com) this site is kid safe as well. There are boards associated with it that will explain a lot to you.

There are many ways to tell the fakes, rough edges, incorrect colors, duplicates of LE's in the batch. As someone earlier stated, if they are dirt cheap - most likely fakes. When you purchase, every pin should be on a card or from a person you know. Look into a local pin trading club or organization. There are many! This is an expensive hobby, but one that is a lot of fun and a very social thing.

I have to do that as well. Kindergarten is not required here in our state, so technically we don't have to be there, but we tested into a dual language program..... so I will be emphasizing the Spain portion of our trip. It's a form of espanol, right??? Heck, I'm a certified principal myself and it still scares me having to do this.

ummm - Barcelona is technically in Catalonia. The primary language is NOT Spanish (which is Castilian by the way, and according to the Spanish the pureest form of Spanish). Most folks in Barcelona speak all three languages (English being the third). It is most interesting to take a tour and hear it in three languages!!

Just a little info about Barcelona for you. Please - no flaming...

FYI:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324731304578189571364889816.html


Cayla

 

[Kirbo]

ummm - Barcelona is technically in Catalonia. The primary language is NOT Spanish (which is Castilian by the way, and according to the Spanish the pureest form of Spanish). Most folks in Barcelona speak all three languages (English being the third). It is most interesting to take a tour and hear it in three languages!!

Just a little info about Barcelona for you. Please - no flaming...

FYI:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324731304578189571364889816.html


Cayla

Holy smokes, we were always taught that Castillian is a Spanish dialect and that Barcelona is in Spain. Funny.

 

[padalyn]

Holy smokes, we were always taught that Castillian is a Spanish dialect and that Barcelona is in Spain. Funny.

Barcelona is part of Spain - however, it was annexed years ago by Spain. The country Catalonia is trying for independence and to basically break away from the Spanish rule. Castillian Spanish is the spanish taught in American schools (I have a co-worker who taught it for years) the South American, Mexican, and US versions are the dialects. Spanish comes from Spain...think about it (LOL). Catalan is a language that seems to have no basis - it doesn't sound like Spanish...I understand a little Spanish - can't get a single word of Catalan!

"Catalan (català)

Catalan is a Romance language spoken by about 12 million people. It is the official language of Andorra and an official language, along with Spanish, in Catalonia (Catalunya), Valencia (Comunitat Valenciana) and the Balearic Islands. It is also spoken in parts of Aragon and Murcia, Rousillon (Rosselló) in southern France, and in the Sardinian city of Alghero (l'Alguer)

The language of Valencia is known as Valencian, which some Valencians argue is a separate language. Most linguists view it as a variety of Catalan.

Catalan appeared as a distinct language during the 10th and 11th centuries. During the 12th century, Catalan began to appear in writing in scientific, philosophical, financial, religious, legal, literary and historical documents. At that time, Latin and Provençal were the preferred languages for literary and philosophical texts.

After the War of the Spanish Succession (1705-1715), Philip V abolished all the government institutions then existing in Catalonia and implemented Spanish laws. Catalan went through various periods of prohibition and even of repression.

In the 19th century, a period of economic, cultural and national recovery began, known as the Renaixença (Renaissance). Catalan was reborn as the language of literary culture through the Jocs Florals (Floral Games - a poetry contest) and through distinguished figures such as Jacint Verdaguer, Narcís Oller and Àngel Guimerà.

The Renaixença raised awareness of the lack of unity in the use of the language (there was no model for a common written language) and of the need to draw up rules on spelling. The founding of the Institut d'Estudis Catalans (Institute of Catalan Studies) in 1907 led to the language being codified through the publication of Normes ortogràfiques (Spelling Rules) in 1913, the Diccionari ortogràfic (Spelling Dictionary) in 1917, and the Gramàtica catalana (Catalan Grammar) by Pompeu Fabra in 1918.

During the first 30 years of the 20th century, Catalonia went through a period of political fervour, culminating in the recovery of a degree of political power in the Generalitat (the Government of Catalonia) during the 1930s. During the Second Republic (1931-1939), Catalan was restored to its official language status, which it had lost in the 18th century.

However, this promising future was checked by the Civil War and its consequences. The use of Catalan in public was forbidden and the language retreated into the home.

Ever since the restoration of democratic institutions, there has been a process to re-establish the use of Catalan. It is now a co-official language, along with Spanish, in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, and is widely used an everyday language throughout Catalonia, Valencia, Andorrra and the Balearic Islands. Catalan is used as a medium of instruction in many schools, it is also used extensively in the media and in government." http://www.omniglot.com/writing/catalan.htm

 

[Kirbo]

Ok, I feel much better. Barcelona is in Spain and Spanish is one of the official languages. I was getting worried

I was taught Castillian Spanish in school . I don't remember much, though, so I'll be useless.

 

[Tink1987]

be careful of eBay LOTS of fakes out there....

Yes there is

As long as you look at a sellers rep though, you will find that a few specialise in Disney pins so generally you can know who you can trust. I get some mystery packs specifically for trading this way but as Cayla says you do need to be careful

 

[Tink1987]

OK, folks.....I have contacted DCL in regards to a Private Tasting Class. After posting the poll both here and on FB, the majority (by a large number, BTW) of people wanted a Private Mixology class. (this was 75% of the people who voted). The next most popular was champagne tasting, but since Val is handling a Champagne Girls get-together (I think), then Mixology it is.....

I know a few of the rules will be this:
1) Will need to know the first/last name of each person participating, along with your cabin number. Remember, you MUST be 21 or over, and DCL will check this against your registration info.

2) The cost of the mixology will be charged to your cabin, and there will be no refunds once I submit the final list (this won't happen until about 2 weeks before cruise time.) As soon as I know how much per person, I will let you know, but generally it's no more than the non-private classes (last year that was $20/person).

3) There will be a MAXIMUM of 50 people - and this will be NO EXCEPTIONS! If we go over this number, I will add additional people to a waiting list in case someone cancels.

I know there will be a couple more, but I'll post those along with these again.

Here is a link to the sign-up sheet. Please only sign up if you really plan so that people who do want to participate can do so:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVrLW4tcGJYUEtoTUxGaDlCZTgzTmc6MQ#gid=0

If anyone has any questions, please PM me as I don't always get time to read thru all of these threads and don't want to miss something. If you are unable to PM, you can e-mail me at supermom66762 @ gmail.com (you'll have to remove the spaces )

Beverly

Thanks so much for sorting this Beverly, have just signed me and DB up now.

Now, what other drinking activities/classes can I organise??

 

[Tink1987]

Also - now officially doing the PIF dance!

Congratulations

 

[Tink1987]

I'm dancing with you . I also PIF on our Med cruise

Whoop

 

[Tink1987]

Off the phone with Disney and have paid both cabins in full for the EBTA!!!!

Guess I'll totally officially join the cruise now

I have yearly blood work in the morning, so no celebratory meal or beverage today, but will tomorrow!!!

 

[Tink1987]

So my little sister has caved in and has decided she will be joining us on this cruise. She will also be brining the newest member of our family, Clara, born 1/14. Her DH will be staying behind, so my DH will be the lone adult male. Two guys (DH and 10 yr nephew) and seven girls! They are slightly out numbered. Looks like we will be getting 3 cabins. We are not officially booked yet but we are 99% comitted so I will be sending PMs. We would like to do the FE for all three cabins and will give to every cabin. Since there was interest, I will "be in charge" of the running club. Let me know if it can be added to the website. I can write a description in a bit. Since my sister is now withe her kids, I will let her deal with traveling with them. Any advice for her? It is their first cruise and she will have a 4 month old and a 3 year old. Getting excited!

The new big sister with our newest cruiser, Clara!

Awww huge congratulations! That photo is too cute

 

[twopeasonepod]

They haven't responded yet? To me, no response means yes, Bon voyage!!

Our school has always been very good about it. In 2007, my eldest DD missed the first 8 days of school for WBTA. The school was great, they just did not officially register her until the her first day back for attendance purposes. I expect them to do something similar for the my younger two. We also have a culturally diverse student body so it's not unheard of for kids to leave school for a month or more to go back to visit their home country.

HAHAHA, yup! Usually only two of the four teachers respond anyway. One for each class. They always encourage the boys to do a journal and draw pictures and write about what we are doing and whatever else they are studying that they find on the trip. At Thanksgiving, it was rocks haha.

 

[Tink1987]

On the collectors board there is a great thread about pin collecting. Tells you everything to look out for, and also has a list of ebay sellers that are good and not so good. In general, the bags of pins you buy like 25/50 etc in a bag for dirt cheap are fakes/scrappers.

I use a seller on ebay who is great, and also does free international postage which is perfect for me in England. I tend to buy the set packs of 7, so things like the cupcake set, or starwars set. I normally get these for around $9.99. Have had no scrappers or fakes to my knowledge, they all come in the correct packaging with the actual price still on the back.

Thanks for all the good vibes. Had my neck scan today and it was fairly good news. Have got a thyroglossal cyst, so as I understand it, basically a lump filled with fluid. May have to have surgery to remove it, but won't find out for a while. However, I am over the moon its not something more serious, so I will take the surgery if necessary!

Really glad to read your scan went as well as it could do today! At least your mind was put at rest regarding the holiday hopefully?

Can you please PM me the name of that seller on ebay? Just not sure if you are allowed to say it on the boards....thanks so much

 

[Tink1987]

Right it is time for Collette's stupid question of the day. Yet again, I think I already know the answer but I am one of those annoying people who have to be sat down and told, no you can't do that before I give up.

You know at WDW/DL you have the art stores and they have the artists/drawer's (is that a word?!) in there who draw you the picture you request and can personalise it with names and dates etc?

Do you get that on the cruise? I am guessing Disney don't pay for someone like that to sit on board for a cruise like this to make only minimal sales?

Thanks as always, you lovely, wonderful people

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks for all the good vibes. Had my neck scan today and it was fairly good news. Have got a thyroglossal cyst, so as I understand it, basically a lump filled with fluid. May have to have surgery to remove it, but won't find out for a while. However, I am over the moon its not something more serious, so I will take the surgery if necessary!

That's great news!

 

[Kirbo]

Right it is time for Collette's stupid question of the day. Yet again, I think I already know the answer but I am one of those annoying people who have to be sat down and told, no you can't do that before I give up.

You know at WDW/DL you have the art stores and they have the artists/drawer's (is that a word?!) in there who draw you the picture you request and can personalise it with names and dates etc?

Do you get that on the cruise? I am guessing Disney don't pay for someone like that to sit on board for a cruise like this to make only minimal sales?

Thanks as always, you lovely, wonderful people

The only two cruises I've been on were DCL in the Mexican Riviera and they did not have those. But I love the idea! Someone who has been on more cruises than I have might chime in with different information. I hope they have different info as I'd totally get one of those done!