~ºoº November 27, 2010- Western Magic! ºoº~

[ukintheus]

Tonya - wishing your mom pixie dust today for her surgery...please let us know how she makes out!

We are all thinking of you!

Tonya - Ditto from me - hope all goes well today.

I hadn't even thought about the scanner issues or any of that other stuff, I guess it is what it is Hopefully I either get a super-cute patter-downer, or I get skipped altogether.

I am trying to contain my excitement and get through this last day at work I hope that everyone has as stress-free of a time as possible getting ready for their trips in the next few days!! Only a few more days and we can all finally just say "HI" in person

Stephanie - what is UP with the meeting? Hope that is all good news for you

 

[DLW8]

My new camera just arrived!!!!

Charging now and I'm reading instructions. Should be doing actual work, but this is WAY more fun.

 

[lisamarch]

I decided to buy the Key West trolley tickets online. Will surprise DH and DS on that day.

Stephanie and Tonya - both of you are in my thoughts. Let us know!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Tonya, hope your mother did well with the surgery!!!! Please let us know how she did!

OK, the 'big' meeting....was a shocker to say the least! Something happened I never in 100 years expected!

A little background:
I work for the US Department of Justice in the National Security Division. I am an intelligence specialist. That's about all I CAN say about what I do. Our "big boss" is the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for National Security. He only answers to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General.

Anyway, there turned out to be about 30 of us from a division of 300+ in this small conference room, mostly attorneys. You could cut the tension with a knife. Finally, the AAG walked in with his 'groupies'. He was kind of quiet, and looked a little intimidating (which he is not usually). He said "we have asked you all here because we have some issues with your work we need to discuss..."



I am being awarded an Assistant Attorney General Award for Excellence in support of the mission of the National Security Division(NSD). I'm still a little in shock. I have worked there for 15 years. My time predates the NSD and I'm used to "if you aren't an attorney, you don't count".

Now do you want to know the downside? The awards ceremony is on 2 December! My boss (not the AAG) told me he would approve me canceling my leave....I just laughed at him! I told him I will think of them as we tooled about the Caribbean!!!

So it's all good news, I'm shocked, and humbled that they think what I do is worth this honor. I've gotten regular bonuses over the years, but this has really floored me...sorry if I'm rambling, but I'm still having problems believing it actually happened! Maybe it's a good thing I won't be here to get the award presented to me!

Anyway, I am still employed and can still go on our cruise...I just have an additional thing to celebrate!!!

 

[heatherlynn444]

happy Friday everyone! I hope everyone has a great weekend. Be safe to all going down this weekend to spend time in WDW before we sail (jealpus, btw!) one week from tomorrow woo hoo! I cant wait to see everyone.

I am going home Monday to get the rest of the things we need to pack like summer clothes, swimwear, etc. Then I can finally pack and then maybe it will feel real!!

I can't WAIT to see the Christmas decorations!

 

[ukintheus]

Wow Stephanie!!! That's just wonderful! How awesome that you get that type of recognition!! We are going to have to drink to your achievement It's too bad that you miss the award ceremony though - that is probably going to be pretty neat!

I'm almost finished packing, mostly just last minute stuff that will have to go in tomorrow morning. I think I have overpacked but the combo of a longer trip than we are used to, plus our first cruise, just had me a little overwhelmed on what we might need.

This may be the last time I check in before we leave early in the am, so Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and I can't WAIT to see you all!!! 3 PM PROMENADE LOUNGE (need to figure out where that is)

 

[iloverags2]

Stephanie - Congratulations!!! WOW!!! That is really cool, and what an honor! We will definitely celebrate on our own on the ship and have a toast to you!

Jenny - The Promenade Lounge is on Deck 3 (same deck you will embark on), on the port side between midship and aft. Just start heading towards Parrot Cay from the lobby and you will come across it! Safe travels and see you next week!

Tonya - Please let us know how your mom is doing! Continued prayers for her.

 

[seba1]

Hey everyone! I am sure there was a post about this, but I can't find it. What should/can the kids wear for dinner. My son hates wearing collared shirts and will fight me on it and fidget all night. I am packing a few, but will they not let him in if he is in shorts and a t-shirt?

Also, how cold are the restaurants? We just started getting out our clothes tonight and I am trying to 1) pack light which is hard and 2) be prepared for anything...

Thanks!
Stephanie

 

[jd99]

\

I am being awarded an Assistant Attorney General Award for Excellence in support of the mission of the National Security Division(NSD). I'm still a little in shock. I have worked there for 15 years. My time predates the NSD and I'm used to "if you aren't an attorney, you don't count".

Now do you want to know the downside? The awards ceremony is on 2 December! My boss (not the AAG) told me he would approve me canceling my leave....I just laughed at him! I told him I will think of them as we tooled about the Caribbean!!!

So it's all good news, I'm shocked, and humbled that they think what I do is worth this honor. I've gotten regular bonuses over the years, but this has really floored me...sorry if I'm rambling, but I'm still having problems believing it actually happened! Maybe it's a good thing I won't be here to get the award presented to me!

Anyway, I am still employed and can still go on our cruise...I just have an additional thing to celebrate!!!

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Congratulations!

 

[favoriteslave]

Good Evening All:

Congrats Stephanie. That is too cool. You should feel honored. I think that deserves a glass raised in your honor on the boat.

Well Mom made it through the surgery (and hours of waiting) like a trooper. The doctor will know whether or not he got all of the cells when we get the report back from pathology on Tuesday. We pray that all the 'abnormal' cells were taken out. We got to the hospital at 5:30 AM and were discharged at 2 PM. Overall I think everything went well and everyone we came in contact with were truly doing what they loved and it showed. We got her home (after a good amount of controlled drugs being dispensed) and she took a nap and was good to go around 5 and was dragging by 7. The funniest part of it all is that my mother is always known for her perfect hair and the hair net they put on her didn't mess it up at all. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers today. They were truly felt. She said thanks for keeping her in your thoughts.

DS wants to go to Branson and eat dinner tomorrow and we have tickets for Harry Potter on the IMAX. I hope I can stay awake for it. But its what he wanted for his birthday and who am I to say no?

Its getting late here and 4:30 was really early this morning. I have to get up early and get my hair done. 3 more work days for me before I am on vacation. It can't get here soon enough. Bed time for me.

I hope everyone gets their stuff around in a timely fashion and remember to pack your toothbrush. I forgot mine one year.

Goodnight everyone. Sleep Tight. Dream of Mickey!

 

[lisamarch]

My DS9's school did not "approve" the pre-arranged absence form I submitted on November 2. Instead, his teacher told me today that he is "marked to be gone those days." Whatever! My 3rd grader is cruising!

 

[BealsRwe]

Tonya, hope your mother did well with the surgery!!!! Please let us know how she did!

OK, the 'big' meeting....was a shocker to say the least! Something happened I never in 100 years expected!

A little background:
I work for the US Department of Justice in the National Security Division. I am an intelligence specialist. That's about all I CAN say about what I do. Our "big boss" is the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for National Security. He only answers to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General.

Anyway, there turned out to be about 30 of us from a division of 300+ in this small conference room, mostly attorneys. You could cut the tension with a knife. Finally, the AAG walked in with his 'groupies'. He was kind of quiet, and looked a little intimidating (which he is not usually). He said "we have asked you all here because we have some issues with your work we need to discuss..."



I am being awarded an Assistant Attorney General Award for Excellence in support of the mission of the National Security Division(NSD). I'm still a little in shock. I have worked there for 15 years. My time predates the NSD and I'm used to "if you aren't an attorney, you don't count".

Now do you want to know the downside? The awards ceremony is on 2 December! My boss (not the AAG) told me he would approve me canceling my leave....I just laughed at him! I told him I will think of them as we tooled about the Caribbean!!!

So it's all good news, I'm shocked, and humbled that they think what I do is worth this honor. I've gotten regular bonuses over the years, but this has really floored me...sorry if I'm rambling, but I'm still having problems believing it actually happened! Maybe it's a good thing I won't be here to get the award presented to me!

Anyway, I am still employed and can still go on our cruise...I just have an additional thing to celebrate!!!

Congratulations on your exciting news! Woo-Hoo! It is a shame that you will miss the celebration, but you'll have 7 nights to celebrate instead!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. It is still making me smile. Believe me when I say, I haven't felt like smiling about work in a long time. But somehow, the idea that what you do DOES matter makes you feel so much better!

HOWEVER...I'm still thrilled I only have 3 1/2 workdays until vacation!!!

Tonya, I'm so happy that your mother's surgery went so well! so funny about your mother's hair...I'm so the opposite...mine looks like I comb it with a rake most times. If I do get it to lay nicely, SOMETHING will happen and mess it up, but what can you do?

Continued pixies and prayers for a 'clean edge' and a quick recovery!!!

At this time next week I hope to be standing and waiting for the bus to the ship.....

 

[BealsRwe]

Hey everyone! I am sure there was a post about this, but I can't find it. What should/can the kids wear for dinner. My son hates wearing collared shirts and will fight me on it and fidget all night. I am packing a few, but will they not let him in if he is in shorts and a t-shirt?

Also, how cold are the restaurants? We just started getting out our clothes tonight and I am trying to 1) pack light which is hard and 2) be prepared for anything...

Thanks!
Stephanie

Hi Stephanie. Rest assured, almost anything works for kids in the dining room. Our DD (6) loves to wear little sundresses, so usually that's what she wears to dinner. Khaki's and a nice non-colored t-shirt would work for a boy. I have seen kids under 10 in just about everything on past cruises, tshirts and nice shorts all the way to a tux on formal night. They will let kids in the dining room with a tshirt. I have even seen adults in there in t-shirts.

We are at the second seating for dinner this time, and DD will more than likely wear shirts or capris to dinner many nights as she will go to the clubs right from the restaurant.

I have learned through my past 11 DCL trips that almost anything goes. I prefer to dress up a bit for dinner as I live in Central Florida and everywhere we go is casual! I don't force DD to dress up if she prefers not to. Many times she sees how DH and I are dressed for dinner and she wants to do the same.

I hope that helps.

Stephanie B

 

[BealsRwe]

Tonya,

Great news on your mom's surgery. I know I arrived on this cruise and the meet board pretty late, but I can relate to what you are going through. You and your mom will continue to be in our prayers. There is a journey and road to go through with the surgery, and possible radiation and chemo. My prayer is that you all have continued strength and courage to face everything. The time you have now will become more precious.

In my own journey, I remember hearing the words that my mom had cancer, and then my dad only a few short months later. Each day and time we spent together is engraved on my heart. I am so thankful we had that time together. While my parents never complained about their diagnosis, we always used to say "Cancer Sucks"! In fact DD is allowed to say sucks as long as the words cancer is in front of it. 2 years ago, there had been no cancer in my family at all. Cancer is a word and not a sentence!

Continued prayer and positive thoughts!
Stephanie B

 

[BealsRwe]

My DS9's school did not "approve" the pre-arranged absence form I submitted on November 2. Instead, his teacher told me today that he is "marked to be gone those days." Whatever! My 3rd grader is cruising!

My 1st grader is cruising too! I haven't gotten an approved absence letter back from her principal, but they know she will be gone for the week. We talked with DD6's teacher at parent teacher conferences and asked for Kay's work ahead of time so we can make sure she keeps up. We got that yesterday, and it isn't much. We are also keeping a scrapbook/journal so she can share with her teacher and class. 1 week from today we're telling her we're going on a cruise! I don't know if I can keep this secret much longer!

 

[DLW8]

So much info in a few hours!

Steph (nana-tink)....okay, apparently you have a MUCH more exciting and cool job than me, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

What a great honor, and I'm sure it is well deserved! We will have our own ceremony for you on Dec 2.

Tonya - so glad to hear your mom's surgery went well, and we will continue to send pixie dust for good readings.

Other Stephanie - My son will be wearing shorts and polos to dinner, except on formal and semi formal night where he will wear dockers and a shirt/tie (formal night) and another polo on semi formal night. Do not stress about what he is wearing. If he is more comfortable in a t-shirt, then he wears a t-shirt. You don't need to stress him out (and you) about a shirt to wear for a few hours for dinner.

We are doing late dinner again as well, and I told the kids they HAVE to go to the clubs with dine and play on Pirate Night (they will probably go all nights). Last year they wanted to stay at the table that night, even though we told them they would be more likely to stay awake in the clubs, they didn't listen.

Before we had finished our meals (the adults), the kids were snoozing in their chairs, and our servers made beds for each of them with 2 chairs and tablecloth blankets. They all missed Pirate Night, and my DS loves Stitch so he wants to see it this year.

Just one more week til we will sail and meet everyone! I have 10 1/2 hours to get ready for this party tonight. Still a lot to be picked up around here, and the vacuuming, and cooking/baking. I'm really not sure what I was thinking with having this the weekend before we leave!!!

I'm sure it will all be fine and I will just finish all the packing tomorrow (and making a list of what else I need).

The Disney pins arrived yesterday for trading, not bad for buying them on ebay on Wednesday! 20 pins for $18 (free shipping).

I am off to put the first batch of brownies into the oven and then figure out the game plan from there.

Have a great day everyone...for those of you flying, have a safe trip and I hope no one is randomly selected for the "agrgressive pat down" at the airport.

I'm sure I'll pop back in when I'm escaping the cleaning and prep.

 

[jd99]

My DS9's school did not "approve" the pre-arranged absence form I submitted on November 2. Instead, his teacher told me today that he is "marked to be gone those days." Whatever! My 3rd grader is cruising!

This makes me so angry. Why a school thinks it can sit in judgment on what is right for a particular family. We are lucky that our school basically approves these requests leaving the family - and student to meet homework and assignment responsibilities. It's as it should be. You know what's right and the memories you make will be so much more valuable than taking a math test or another spelling exercise.

Good for you taking it in stride. I'd have been at the school giving the principal a piece of my mind.

 

[jd99]

Tonya. Glad to hear surgery went well. You and your mom remain in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[DLW8]

This makes me so angry. Why a school thinks it can sit in judgment on what is right for a particular family. We are lucky that our school basically approves these requests leaving the family - and student to meet homework and assignment responsibilities. It's as it should be. You know what's right and the memories you make will be so much more valuable than taking a math test or another spelling exercise.

Good for you taking it in stride. I'd have been at the school giving the principal a piece of my mind.

I wasn't happy that ours is considered an "unexcused absence" either. Why did they make me submit it in writing 2 weeks prior when they KNEW they wouldn't "approve" it. Their teachers told me they will give us a "general plan" of what will be missed. They have their spelling and math workbooks, so I just plan on going over those lessons with them before we leave, and we will go from there. I know we are not the only family to take their kids out of school, and a few "unexcused absences" is not going to change my plans anyway.

The kids will enjoy seeing new places and learning different things, and we have them write in a journal while we are gone. It's all good....and we will be experiencing the GOOD in one week!