09/13/09 SSMC09 S.S. Member Cruise 2009

[dvc4life]

All this theater talk has me thinking....

Do they have the same shows performing on the Member Cruise (Disney Dreams, etc.) as the "regular" cruises or do the speakers/special guests take the place of those shows?

Just curious.

If I remember correctly, they do some of both. Regular and special.

 

[KellyJeanDVC]

Boy, that's too bad. Hopefully things will turn around and get better for you.

Oh, they will! I'm positive about that. It will just involve some lifestyle changes in the meantime. It will probably end up being a blessing in itself.

 

[WDWLVR]

Thanks, Chris. I realize now how very blessed I have been to give my kids the experiences they've had. It is so much fun to share a common interest with them. Theater tickets and ballet tickets will be few and far between this year though! I was laid off back in November from a company I was with for 13 years. I think I've been in denial for the last couple months, but its all sinking in now!

Sorry to hear that. I've been through layoffs twice. Once after being at my first company (Sears) for 17 years. The second after being there 4 years. I've been at my current company 11 years. Have you joined LinkedIn? It is a business networking site and great for connecting with people you've worked with in the past...and you just never know if they could be the link to a future job.

All this theater talk has me thinking....

Do they have the same shows performing on the Member Cruise (Disney Dreams, etc.) as the "regular" cruises or do the speakers/special guests take the place of those shows?

Just curious.

If I remember correctly, they do some of both. Regular and special.

They do have both. Usually the last evening is a special show. Over the years we've seen Andrea McArdle and her family, Jody Benson, Susan Egan, Jennifer Hudson and last year the three leading ladies from Broadway. The three ladies were Sierra Boggess who plays Ariel, Kissy Simmons who plays Nala and Ashley Brown who plays Mary Poppins. Speaking of Mary Poppins - Kelly are you going to see it with the kids when it comes to Chicago? Mark and I bought tickets for it right before we sailed on last years cruise and then were thrilled to see Ashley who will be in the Chicago show.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Congrats Kelly and Chris on the and

flo

 

[WDWLVR]

Congrats to Kelly on the

Congrats to Chris on the

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Thanks, Chris. I realize now how very blessed I have been to give my kids the experiences they've had. It is so much fun to share a common interest with them. Theater tickets and ballet tickets will be few and far between this year though! I was laid off back in November from a company I was with for 13 years. I think I've been in denial for the last couple months, but its all sinking in now!

Kelly,

I to was laid off. That is why I am on the computer so much during the day. Mine was at the end of October. My previous job I was laid off after 21 and half years with them. This job I was with 3 years... It is not easy out there. I look at it this way. Things happen for a reason.

Good luck in the job market!

I had tickets to go see Wicked last year. My DH does not like plays that much they were for me and my DS. He loves plays. He also did lighting for the plays in high school. So that could be why. Any way after I got the tickets (not cheap) we found out they were for the weekend before finals. So needless to say we did not go to see Wicked. I thought finals were more important. It is fun to enjoy things with your kids.

Have a good day!

flo

 

[bsusanmb]

Hey, everyone, since some of you have commented on my daughter's dance career that was cut short...Molly was 8 when she started to take classes. It is funny how some people think that moms push their children into something, but you can't push someone into the discipline and sacrifice it takes to take classical ballet classes. Molly would take every class she could. When she became advanced, she would arrive early to the studio and take all of the beginner and intermediate classes prior to hers. She loved it. And when she went on pointe, she had bloody toes and bloody blisters, but it never stopped her and she never complained. She was a beautiful dancer. She had an injury involving spondylolisthesis which caused her vertebrae to move out of alignment. The surgeon explained that it is a common injury in football linemen, gymnasts and ballet dancers from the constant pounding of the spine, from hyperextension of the back, and from the lifts the men do with the women over the head. It took a long time to get the diagnosis, and when Molly finally became more bedbound from pain than out of bed, the decision was made to fuse her spine. She was in a body cast for 3 months and missed that time in her senior year of high school. One thing I always made sure of was that she stayed in school and maintained a high GPA. Many youngsters are encouraged to quit school and get a GED or whatever, because of the demands of dance training. And you are also right about having to leave home at a young age. Back then we were told that if you aren't an apprentice by age 16 in a company to forget it. We ate a lot of hot dogs and cheese sandwiches when Molly was living in NYC. But I wanted to provide the opportunity if she was chosen by SAB. For a long time I couldn't attend or watch a ballet because it broke my heart to see my daughter's dreams end. But she was an A student and through her pain and rehab, she found a new love in occupational therapy. I am so blessed that she is happily married and they have Nicholas who is below in the photos with the blonde hair (adopted at 13 months from Siberia, Russia) and they are in the process of adopted a baby girl from Russia. So, God has a plan, and it may not be what we want, but what we need.

My rehab is going very well. I spent 10 days in a rehab hospital. I must tell you that I have been an RN for over 30 years and never ever expected that a knee replacement would cause this kind of pain. I sobbed for days after I had both of these knees done. I was so helpless and unable to do anything at all without someone helping me or dragging me around. And the pain was excruciating...or course it is like having 4 amputations, so of course it is painful. I go to PT 3 days a week for over 2 hours each time. I am taking Vicodin and Lyrica for the pain. I am able to walk on the treadmill and ride the recumbent bike. However, I have terrible pain on the outer side of my left knee down into my ankle and across my foot. Dr says it is nerve pain, hence the Lyrica. My right leg is excellent and I would have returned to work long ago if the left was as good as the right. My left knee was much worse prior to the surgery, so that could be why I am having problems. But I have a goal of being able to go on this cruise and enjoying myself, and being able to walk in the sand without falling over!!!!!

My grandchildren seen below keep me going. I had the knee surgery so that I could continue to go to WDW with them and not have to sit constantly due to the knee pain. So I hope that all of this was worth it in the end!

I am also unable to sleep at night, so I am up reading the thread. So, keep it coming. Nice meeting all of you, and getting to know you. Thanks for all your kind words and wishes...
Blessings and and
Susan

 

[KellyJeanDVC]

Have you joined LinkedIn? It is a business networking site and great for connecting with people you've worked with in the past...and you just never know if they could be the link to a future job.

I will check it out. Although with the reality of this job loss I'm really leaning toward starting something up myself. I just hate the idea of being dependant on another company again.

Speaking of Mary Poppins - Kelly are you going to see it with the kids when it comes to Chicago?

I'm really hoping to see it. The kids want to see it so bad. It certainly won't happen in the short term though. Its one of those lifestyle changes I'm not too thrilled about embracing. I'm hoping it has a nice long run like Wicked did so we can catch it after its been out awhile.

I to was laid off. That is why I am on the computer so much during the day. Mine was at the end of October. My previous job I was laid off after 21 and half years with them. This job I was with 3 years... It is not easy out there. I look at it this way. Things happen for a reason.

Good luck in the job market!

Good luck to you too! Going through something like this sure does change the way you look at things. I'm glad you're keeping a positive attitude about it. That seems to be the only thing I actually have control of right now!

I had tickets to go see Wicked last year. My DH does not like plays that much they were for me and my DS. He loves plays. He also did lighting for the plays in high school. So that could be why. Any way after I got the tickets (not cheap) we found out they were for the weekend before finals. So needless to say we did not go to see Wicked. I thought finals were more important. It is fun to enjoy things with your kids.

Have a good day!

flo

Oh, I'm so sorry you missed it. It was such an amazing production. I wasn't sure it would live up to all the hype. Sometimes I get disappointed when I see such great reviews for something and my expectations are so high - but it truly was spectacular. You made a tough call for your son which was more important though. Good for you for having all your priorities straight!

It is funny how some people think that moms push their children into something, but you can't push someone into the discipline and sacrifice it takes to take classical ballet classes.

I can really relate to you about this. It becomes a lifestyle that not everyone understands. And every kid is different. I do see Moms out there at dance competitions and auditions who push their kids when they don't want to be pushed. Its really sad.

My son dances more recreationally because he just loves to perform. But my daughter is so disciplined and she already has such vision for what she wants out of life. She pushes herself in Cecchetti classes that she doesn't much like just so she can take the exams because she knows the training looks good on a "resume". I never had that kind of forward-thinking when I was 10! I'm not sure I even do now!

God has a plan, and it may not be what we want, but what we need.

Well said!

Your daughter is so lucky to have a Mom like you to see her through her trials and tribulations. You must be a very special lady. I hope your recovery continues to go well. Enjoy those grandkids! They are just beautiful!!!

 

[dvc4life]

Hey, everyone, since some of you have commented on my daughter's dance career that was cut short...Molly was 8 when she started to take classes. It is funny how some people think that moms push their children into something, but you can't push someone into the discipline and sacrifice it takes to take classical ballet classes. Molly would take every class she could. When she became advanced, she would arrive early to the studio and take all of the beginner and intermediate classes prior to hers. She loved it. And when she went on pointe, she had bloody toes and bloody blisters, but it never stopped her and she never complained. She was a beautiful dancer. She had an injury involving spondylolisthesis which caused her vertebrae to move out of alignment. The surgeon explained that it is a common injury in football linemen, gymnasts and ballet dancers from the constant pounding of the spine, from hyperextension of the back, and from the lifts the men do with the women over the head. It took a long time to get the diagnosis, and when Molly finally became more bedbound from pain than out of bed, the decision was made to fuse her spine. She was in a body cast for 3 months and missed that time in her senior year of high school. One thing I always made sure of was that she stayed in school and maintained a high GPA. Many youngsters are encouraged to quit school and get a GED or whatever, because of the demands of dance training. And you are also right about having to leave home at a young age. Back then we were told that if you aren't an apprentice by age 16 in a company to forget it. We ate a lot of hot dogs and cheese sandwiches when Molly was living in NYC. But I wanted to provide the opportunity if she was chosen by SAB. For a long time I couldn't attend or watch a ballet because it broke my heart to see my daughter's dreams end. But she was an A student and through her pain and rehab, she found a new love in occupational therapy. I am so blessed that she is happily married and they have Nicholas who is below in the photos with the blonde hair (adopted at 13 months from Siberia, Russia) and they are in the process of adopted a baby girl from Russia. So, God has a plan, and it may not be what we want, but what we need.

My rehab is going very well. I spent 10 days in a rehab hospital. I must tell you that I have been an RN for over 30 years and never ever expected that a knee replacement would cause this kind of pain. I sobbed for days after I had both of these knees done. I was so helpless and unable to do anything at all without someone helping me or dragging me around. And the pain was excruciating...or course it is like having 4 amputations, so of course it is painful. I go to PT 3 days a week for over 2 hours each time. I am taking Vicodin and Lyrica for the pain. I am able to walk on the treadmill and ride the recumbent bike. However, I have terrible pain on the outer side of my left knee down into my ankle and across my foot. Dr says it is nerve pain, hence the Lyrica. My right leg is excellent and I would have returned to work long ago if the left was as good as the right. My left knee was much worse prior to the surgery, so that could be why I am having problems. But I have a goal of being able to go on this cruise and enjoying myself, and being able to walk in the sand without falling over!!!!!

My grandchildren seen below keep me going. I had the knee surgery so that I could continue to go to WDW with them and not have to sit constantly due to the knee pain. So I hope that all of this was worth it in the end!

I am also unable to sleep at night, so I am up reading the thread. So, keep it coming. Nice meeting all of you, and getting to know you. Thanks for all your kind words and wishes...
Blessings and and
Susan

Susan - Your daughter has/had such wonderful dedication to her talent. My understanding is that it is pretty tough to be a ballerina. Wow, to both of you for your dedication. I wish my daughters would put even a fourth in to what they do. They just don't have that drive. Maybe someday.

I hope your knees are doing better soon. It sounds like it could take a while yet before you are completely back up to par. Here is some for you.

Take care.

 

[WDWLVR]

I'm back!

The good news is the exam is over and it really wasn't bad at all. OK the prep was nasty but the exam wasn't.

The bad news...they found a tumor. We won't know until sometime next week if it is cancerous or not. Either way I will most likely have to have surgery to remove it. So any extra prayers or pixie dust you can send would be appreciated.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

I'm back!

The good news is the exam is over and it really wasn't bad at all. OK the prep was nasty but the exam wasn't.

The bad news...they found a tumor. We won't know until sometime next week if it is cancerous or not. Either way I will most likely have to have surgery to remove it. So any extra prayers or pixie dust you can send would be appreciated.

Mary,

Here is some prayers and sent to you.

Take care

flo

 

[KellyJeanDVC]

Wow, Mary....I'm so sorry to hear that!

I'll pray that the tumor is not cancerous and that you will heal soon.

 

[manascarfan]

Mary,

So very sorry to hear, and wishing you the best of luck that it is not cancerous. We will keep you in our prayers.

 

[WDWLVR]

Thank you everyone! I am a true believer that prayer helps. Sorry to be such a downer today.

 

[dvc4life]

Oh, Mary, that is too bad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and I just hope it is not cancerous. Please know that all the in the world is being sent your way.

 

[bsusanmb]

I'm back!

The good news is the exam is over and it really wasn't bad at all. OK the prep was nasty but the exam wasn't.

The bad news...they found a tumor. We won't know until sometime next week if it is cancerous or not. Either way I will most likely have to have surgery to remove it. So any extra prayers or pixie dust you can send would be appreciated.

Dear Mary,
I am praying for you and thank God that you had a colonoscopy. Early detection has saved countless lives. Please let us know how you are doing.
I am an RN and this is my specialty. Group hug and here's a little pixie dust
Susan

 

[cherylp3]

Mary, Sending good thoughts to you.

Cheryl

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Thank you everyone! I am a true believer that prayer helps. Sorry to be such a downer today.

Mary,

You are not a downer! This is what we are here for.

Take care

flo

 

[Donald is #1]

Congrats to Kelly on the

Congrats to Chris on the

I'm back!

The good news is the exam is over and it really wasn't bad at all. OK the prep was nasty but the exam wasn't.

The bad news...they found a tumor. We won't know until sometime next week if it is cancerous or not. Either way I will most likely have to have surgery to remove it. So any extra prayers or pixie dust you can send would be appreciated.

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear and my thoughts are with you. pixeidust:

 

[njprincess]

I'm back!

The good news is the exam is over and it really wasn't bad at all. OK the prep was nasty but the exam wasn't.

The bad news...they found a tumor. We won't know until sometime next week if it is cancerous or not. Either way I will most likely have to have surgery to remove it. So any extra prayers or pixie dust you can send would be appreciated.

Hi Mary

I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. Here's some and some

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.