10-14-2006 Cruisetoberfest IV

[Zapp1213]

And I wasn't even paying attention. How cool is that?!

Tracy--I've been to Summerfest a few times, and the Wisc. State Fair once. If the music is good, Summerfest is a great time. If not, it's like you said, so-so.

I got myself a "budget buddy" yesterday. He's going to help me organize my finances and then hold me accountable. I didn't realize how quickly things can get out of control. Of course, running a house on $90,000/year was tough enough. Running the same house on $30,000 is even tougher! He was my prayer partner from my church when Tom first left, and he's not charging me anything ("this is a ministry, not a service"). It's going to feel so good to get a handle on things in that arena.

What else is going on? Hmmmm. Just have a lot of balls in the air right now, and I never knew how to juggle. So I feel overwhelmed once in a while. Not quite sure what to focus on next.

Oh! I sold a bunch of stuff on eBay the other day! I used a woman who sells on eBay for income. She takes whatever you're selling, researches others like it, writes up the listing, takes the pictures, pays the fees, runs the auction. The winning bidder pays her, she sends out the stuff, and keeps 25% of the selling price. We sold over $400 worth of Creative Memories products (I used to be a Consultant, and I had a ton of stuff I wouldn't use--I kept the stuff I will use!). I should be getting a check soon for about $300--and I've cleaned out a corner of my basement. Not bad for just handing her the box!

Well, that's my news this week. I wish the sun would come out. Maybe I'll go tanning after work today.



Marianne

 

[ARLO1]

Eric: I know people are going to shoot me down but my practical side says that it is almost silly to pay high prices for a place I'm going to just sleep and
shower in. Of course I've learned over the years(traveling for trade shows that Andy and I used to do) what hotels are decent or not but even then a reputable chain has a bad location every now and then.

When we usually go to WDW we mostly stay outside the park-its usually about 1/2 the price of even the value hotels. We stayed at one of the value hotels once and even though the atmosphere was magical it was still just a basic hotel room with the basic necessities with disney decor. The only benefit is the gift shop(yeah shopping) and the buses.

Marianne: My head office is located in Schaumburg...

Arlene

 

[alikat99]

Yeah, I have never been to the taste. "Fear of large crowds" is probably the reason. My husband never liked crowds & over the course of 16 years, I just got used to not going to those types of events because of that. However, now that he's no longer in the picture--I don't know if I'd venture out or not. I'll have to think about that one.

Marianne

Well Marianne, you'll just have to come with us if we get up there for the Taste. We haven't been in about 6 years, so I can't wait to go.

 

[padisneyfan]

I had seen on TV the home video about the Semester at Sea adventure. It always amazes me that someone has their video camera handy when a crisis occurs. Can you imagine how scarey that had to be for everyone? Sort of made me think of "The Perfect Storm".

I found the article interesting on the dogs and the Border Patrol. I was just wondering are you at an Airport or at the Canada/US border? I'm glad that the dog will have a good home.

We are charter members of DVC and we have never regretted it. We have only stayed OKW while at WDW since that is our home resort. Prior to joining DVC we were campers and stayed in our travel trailer at Fort Wilderness, so any hotel on property was a step up for us. The past few years since we have been using our points for the cruise, we have started staying at some of the hotels. We have stayed at values, all the moderates and AKL. If someone is taking a trip to WDW to only do the parks the All Stars or Pop Century are fine and I always recommend them to people at work who are going for their 1st trip. However, if you are spending any time at the resorts they are not where you want to be to relax. They are always crowded and usually with large groups (think cheerleaders, sports related players, bands, etc), the pool area is always loud, and as my one son said they are just a different group of people who stay there. (Putting on flame retardent gear).
We have stayed at AllStars 3 different times but they have been for only 2-3 nights. My favorites are POFQ and CSR. Both of them have a feel of a deluxe but at a resonable price. I think that CSR has the most deluxe feel because of being a convention center. The only difference I found is you have external corridors instead of interior in the delxue. The rooms are bigger at POFQ and CSR than at AKL. Norm's dream vacation is to stay at the Poly some day. Even with AP rates to me they are still overpriced. But different strokes for different folks. I am anxious to go back to OKW which we are hoping to do sometime this year.

Jeanne--- Yes, I could hear the soft music in the background during the story with the camera focusing on you and John looking lovely into each other eyes.

As for Amazing Race, Chris and Jon had a terrible time with taxi drivers. That is the first time I ever saw Jon upset, he must be human afterall. I knew that it was going to be a non elimination, but I was glad that Chris and Jon at least finished 3rd.

 

[fridayfun]

I work at the US/Canada border at the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel, Fort Street Cargo Facility, and Ambassador Bridge. I like the outdoor environment better - except when it is -2 degrees!

As for the Amazing Race, I was HOPING that the team with Hayden would get the boot, that woman just drives me crazy! Go Kris and John!

 

[@GoofyNut]

Denise ... love your K-9 info, always wondered about how it works. Your "partner" is just beautiful. I am so glad she is getting a good home. ?, who names the "partner" ... the handler or the family that has her as a pup.

Regarding the Disney Resorts ... we just love Dixie Landings (Port Orleans-Riverside) but they got crazy with their rates. I keep hoping that they will have a value rate at the same time we are down there so we can stay there again. There is something about staying in one of the Mouse's rooms that you don't get elsewhere. It also seems that I feel safer when on property and more at ease to just wander the grounds. I also agree that you can stay at a chain hotel and mostly get good quality but then there is the time you get stuck at a lousy link in the chain ... that happened to us once on our travel down YUK.

Saw more of the student cruise video ... glad they were young people and into "roller coaster" or thrill rides! Looked like they lost most of their dishes and some of the furniture when it got slammed around. The crew of the ship must have known something as the kids looked like they were prepared for going for a swim - had their life jackets on.

MaryAnne ... You just have to go to the "Taste". I was detailed their for a confrence of our traveling reps during the "Taste" and we all went several times. It was great ... the food you could sample was so varied and the music was super. We got to see "Chicago" ... wow, what a nice break from all the info we were having to plod thru with the work conference. Also "Schaumberg" is a family name for me ... actually my great grandmother's maiden name!

 

[fridayfun]

If a dog is adopted from a family or shelter, they usually keep their name, unless it is just TOO long or just terrible! Our program dogs are named by letters for each litter delivered and officers from Customs submit names starting with that letter and then unique names are picked for each puppy. The last letter was S (easy to keep them grouped and know who is who and who is old enough to be trained). One of my friends submitted an S name (Sheba) and it was picked - he got a picture of his puppy in a cute little frame, a certificate with her name, birthdate, year entering service, etc. It was pretty cute!

Well, off to work now. It is training day and we take the dogs out for a day of fun, no "work"! Am planning on taking them to the ballfield, where they can stretch their legs and run for all they are worth in the snow!

 

[Viking]

Eric: I know people are going to shoot me down but my practical side says that it is almost silly to pay high prices for a place I'm going to just sleep and
shower in. Of course I've learned over the years(traveling for trade shows that Andy and I used to do) what hotels are decent or not but even then a reputable chain has a bad location every now and then.

When we usually go to WDW we mostly stay outside the park-its usually about 1/2 the price of even the value hotels. We stayed at one of the value hotels once and even though the atmosphere was magical it was still just a basic hotel room with the basic necessities with disney decor. The only benefit is the gift shop(yeah shopping) and the buses.

Marianne: My head office is located in Schaumburg...

Arlene

Arlene,
this is exactly our attitude. Last time we also stayed off-site in the Comfort Inn in the Downtown Disney area. But next time we'll probably stay on-site in one of teh AllStars or the Pop Century as we like Disney transportation. In Autumn 2004 they had a offer of $55 per night in a value resort and German TAs often have similar great offers.

I guess there is one fact which may explain the willingness of Americans to pay that much for lodging whil on vacation: Americans and Germans have a similar average income, but the average American has only about 14 days of vacation - opposed to the average German who has about 28 days of vacation. So you have the same money to spend, but only half the time. And your vacation days are twice as valuable than ours. In Germany we call vacation 'The most valuable time of the year' and I assume that this goes even more for Americans.

 

[ARLO1]

Fortunately I get 34 PTO days although Andy basically gets none(if he doesnt work he doesnt get paid-but he is looking into that now that he is an employee of the company and not an independent contractor) so this gives me more time off than him. When I take time off and he has to go to work I do feel a little guilty(though not enough to make me go to work). Our only scheduled vacation this year is in July when we will be traveling to florida(Florida in July are we crazy). My nephew who is in the navy is currently living in Hawaii(a hard place to be - yeah right) got married in Hawaii and they will be going home to florida and my brother is going to have a wedding/wedding reception for him. So my whole family(as andy calls it - the clan) will be going for the wedding and then Andy and I will stay longer to go spend time with his parents. Two families taken care of with 1 trip.....

We are definetely game for any semi local dis meets though...

Arlene

 

[alikat99]

Arlene - You'll have to let us know when you're here in July. We'd love to see you. Where are you going to be in FL?

 

[Viking]

Fortunately I get 34 PTO days although Andy basically gets none(if he doesnt work he doesnt get paid-but he is looking into that now that he is an employee of the company and not an independent contractor) so this gives me more time off than him. When I take time off and he has to go to work I do feel a little guilty(though not enough to make me go to work). Our only scheduled vacation this year is in July when we will be traveling to florida(Florida in July are we crazy). My nephew who is in the navy is currently living in Hawaii(a hard place to be - yeah right) got married in Hawaii and they will be going home to florida and my brother is going to have a wedding/wedding reception for him. So my whole family(as andy calls it - the clan) will be going for the wedding and then Andy and I will stay longer to go spend time with his parents. Two families taken care of with 1 trip.....

We are definetely game for any semi local dis meets though...


Arlene

Pete & Jenn already mentioned going to NYC and meeting you - That would be great!!

 

[ARLO1]

We are planning to fly down on 7/15 and return approximetely 7/23. We will be staying in Boynton Beach with Andys parents.

Eric: We would love to see you guys when you come here - perhaps we an also entice Rosemary & Rich and any of the NJ or PA people to join in. The more the merrier....

Arlene

 

[winotracy]

A quick post to let everyone know that I'm doing ok. For those who didn't know, I had Lasik surgery this morning. Everything went great though the eyesignt isn't 100% yet. I'm glad I can type with my eyes closed though LOL! We had a little issue on the way home with my driver, but he's ok now. I was very nervous, but it was fine!

Tracy

 

[bettemom]

A quick post to let everyone know that I'm doing ok. For those who didn't know, I had Lasik surgery this morning. Everything went great though the eyesignt isn't 100% yet. I'm glad I can type with my eyes closed though LOL! We had a little issue on the way home with my driver, but he's ok now. I was very nervous, but it was fine!

Tracy

Great, Glad to hear you are doing better... I would love to have that done and get rid of the glasses, however I am a chicken when it comes to my eyes. How long before you are 100 % ???

Bye, Kim

 

[WDWCrazzyCunninghams]

Tracy,
Steve is having that done on March 24th. We are traveling to Columbus, Ohio to have it done at The Lasix Center. They are supposed to be some of the best. Please keep us posted on your recovery so we might know what to expect! I would also love to have it done! Maybe next year!

 

[Viking]

Get well soon, Tracy. I think you did the right thing: My boss had his Lasik last year and got rid of his glasses, at age 50+!!!

Michelle,
your typo made me smile Lasix is a very common remedy used to increase urine-production to get rid of excess water, i.e. oedema, swellings of the lower legs, etc.

Arlene,
a mini - or maxi- meet in NYC would be great. Perhaps we could do a Harbour Tour together or something similar, Empire State would be great, too. And I'd love to see NikeTown.

 

[jeanneg]

Tracy: I hope you're feeling better soon. I'm so jealous....I would love to be able to have that surgery and ditch the glasses, but my eye doc (not who you think) says my severe astigmatism makes me a very bad candidate. It must be so nice actually see the alarm clock when you're in bed!

 

[Zapp1213]

A quick post to let everyone know that I'm doing ok. For those who didn't know, I had Lasik surgery this morning. Everything went great though the eyesignt isn't 100% yet. I'm glad I can type with my eyes closed though LOL! We had a little issue on the way home with my driver, but he's ok now. I was very nervous, but it was fine!

Tracy

Congratulations, Tracy!!!! Welcome to the fold.

I had it done two and a half years ago. I don't regret it in the least. Full, complete, 100% recovery took about 6 months. But I drove to work the next day. When I say 100%, you're going to see halos around lights at night, your eyes are going to be dry more often (just use artificial tears), that kind of thing. That stuff goes away eventually. And you should see fine tomorrow.

I had mine done on a Thursday. On Wednesday night, I was scared to death! I told Tom & he said, "Well, yeah. I would be too! I mean, it's your eyesight we're talking about!" (Real supportive!) But the Dr. gave me Valium & I was fine.

For you Scardy Cats, there really isn't any pain. The only disconcerting thing I found was that I could smell the laser burning. The actual laser part of it only lasts 15 seconds or so, so even the burning smell didn't last.

Now I'm finding that I may need reading glasses soon. But the Dr. was very clear on that fact--if I get to where I need reading glasses, I would have needed them regardless of having the surgery.

But it is SOOOO nice not to have to worry about the discomfort of glasses, or the work involved with contacts, sleeping, showering, swimming. I know there are horror stories out there, but I think most of those involve the old laser surgery. The new Lasik is so much different. My Dr. has been doing this for over 20 years, and he told me the only patient he could think of that had problems didn't follow his instructions afterward.

I would recommend this for ANYONE who qualifies for it--just my 2 cents.

Marianne

P.S. Amy--I'm thinking I would love to go to the Taste this year. Let's keep in touch. BTW, you weren't on the last Cruisetoberfest, were you? So we haven't met yet?

 

[alikat99]

P.S. Amy--I'm thinking I would love to go to the Taste this year. Let's keep in touch. BTW, you weren't on the last Cruisetoberfest, were you? So we haven't met yet?

No, I wasn't at the last Cruisetoberfest III. We were supposed to go, but decided that we shouldn't since Madison was only 5 months old at the time. I did go on Cruisetoberfest II though, and had a FANTASTIC time. We would love to meet you in Chicago. It's always nice to meet people ahead of time. Makes it like family by the time the cruise gets here.

 

[WDWCrazzyCunninghams]

Michelle,
your typo made me smile Lasix is a very common remedy used to increase urine-production to get rid of excess water, i.e. oedema, swellings of the lower legs, etc.
QUOTE]

Eric...I guess old habits die slow for me! I worked in the pharmacy for 3 years! Steve is a pharmacist! I should know better!
<---just cuz he's cute!