11/14/09 - Special Western - 2 CC stops PART2

[elderfam]

Okay, people, talk me off the ledge...QUOTE]

You just have to think ahead a little bit more, but think of it as an adventure that they can help you with! I was a single Mom with two little girls (once long ago) and we just took a little extra time to plan our trips together. Make them special adventure helper pins or stickers to wear.....I think they might surprise you! Good Luck!

Gosh, I think I stressed myself
Going to Dr. tomm, Annie swears I have a sinus infection again. Was trying to delay Dr., cause I hate going and am a big baby:sad1

:

Two words..... Neti Pot My husband uses his everyday when he showers. I use to have all manor of sinus problems....now they are very rare. Hope you feel better!

THANK YOU! THE DUST WORKED!

I am remarkably better today - still exhausted, but better. Pulmonologist did NOT say anything about not going - said take the rest of the antibiotics but not more than that for fear of developing resistance. Have another scan in 2 months to make sure it is all gone. We leave on Saturday. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR HELP, GANG
Let the part-ay begin! (Now, I'm going down for a nap.)

Yea for the Dust!! Glad to here your good news, Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Cynthia

 

[mousemom11]

Okay, people, talk me off the ledge...

My DH has just been told that he has to go to Sweden on a business trip Nov. 8th returning Nov. 15th. We've managed to switch it to Nov. 13th. But here's the rub - he will have to meet us in Orlando. I will need to drive to Rochester from Ottawa and fly to Orlando on my own with the 2 kidlets. I will need to cross the border from Canada with the 2 kidlets. I will need to bring all his luggage as well because he'll be travelling with his business attire....

Feeling a little panicky....I don't like last minute changes...all the things start running through my head like what if he can't make the connecting flights...what if he misses the boat....what if...what if....

Need some encouraging words - I figure you guys can relate to an Obsessive Compulsive Vacation Planner like myself!!! ARGGHHH!!

Did a lot of that when DH was really sick before his transplant. Being the Queen of Rationalization, what worked for me was to take the attitude that this was a challenge that I was going to handle easily. I enlisted the girls help, rolled up my sleeves, and made my plans. Take your "what ifs" and make contingency plans for them, within reason, and then let them go. Check in with the skycaps at the airport so that you don't have to shlep all the luggage. If they aren't available, use a luggage cart. Grab a luggage cart or porter at the airport in Orlando to help you with your luggage. It will be OK, you can do this!

Gosh, I think I stressed myself


Going to Dr. tomm, Annie swears I have a sinus infection again. Was trying to delay Dr., cause I hate going and am a big baby:sad1


And no I am not sick cause the Yankess lost, I couldn't even watch the game

Neener, go Phillies!! Sorry, couldn't resist. Go to the doc and feel better OK? If you have a sinus infection, all you'll need is some antibiotics and you'll be back on your feet in no time. Gail is right, you sure don't want to fly with a sinus infection.

THANK YOU! THE DUST WORKED!

I am remarkably better today - still exhausted, but better. Pulmonologist did NOT say anything about not going - said take the rest of the antibiotics but not more than that for fear of developing resistance. Have another scan in 2 months to make sure it is all gone. We leave on Saturday. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR HELP, GANG


Let the part-ay begin! (Now, I'm going down for a nap.)

SO glad to hear that Linda. Keep resting and we'll see you soon!

Hey gang-

Think I stressed myself out as well. I have been under the weather the last couple of days. If I don't feel better tomorrow, I'm going to go to the doctor. DH has been out of town the last couple of days. He comes back tonight, but leaves Monday to California for 3 nights. He was gone for a week earlier in the month. Gotta crank out 60 halloween treat bags tonight for the boys. Between, birthday goody bags halloween and all their extracurriculars and being sick I have fallen a little behind with cruise stuff. I just may tell the boys this weekend about the trip so that I can incorporate their help. Can you believe I still have an uncarved pumpkin? It has been so hot anyway here if I did carve it last weekend, it would be pretty nasty by now.

So, everybody no more stressing out. It is what it is. We need healthy people on this trip.

Everyone take care.

I think we all need to get over our SuperMom syndrome (myself included). Rather than carving our pumpkins, which is a tedious mess, we let the girls draw theirs. The pumpkins last much longer since they're not carved and it requires little effort or supervision on the parent's part. Prioritize, do the critical stuff first, and let the little stuff go. I agree, it is what it is. We are all going to have a great time on the cruise, regardless of how many magnets we have on our doors, how many matching shirts we wear, and what kind of FE gifts we give away. We'll be together doing a Disney cruise, and that's what's important.

 

[photocjr]

Sounds like alot of us are getting sick before the cruise. My son woke up with a runny noise and a slight cough, but some juice breakfast and rest seems to be better. But now I feel feverish and had a sneeze attack. I work on the ramp with airplanes and here at lax it has been super windy. That doesn't help.
Hope everyone gets well. There's still time before the cruise to kick this cold shouldn't be a problem. peace and relaxation starts in T-5 working days...

 

[binky1]

Thanks - the panic attack seems to have subsided....

And you are all right. I am the Queen of Lists so that will help. Once I write something down, it helps to calm me down. And yes, unfortunately, I also suffer from Super Mom syndrome and the funny thing is my mom was a single mom with 2 girls and she did a great job of course, look how I turned out ....so I know that I can do it.

Now I have to figure out the legal documentation for travelling with my kidlets on my own across the border and get it done before DH leaves. JetBlue has been very helpful regarding the flights and I'm sure I'll be able to handle the rest. As a good friend said at the bus stop at lunchtime, "If anyone can handle it, you can..." so thanks again for the words of encouragement..

Have a great evening everyone!!

Lisa

 

[LindaBabe]

Breathe - deep breaths - in, out - you will be just fine. And so will the kids. It is an adventure. I take it he is coming in on the 14th?



GET BETTER - AND SOON! And, take it easy. Flying with sinus problems won't be fun so you gotta go to the doc and get better - whatever it takes.



Oh Linda - that is such good news, ! Sorta made me all tear up. I was getting worried but will continue sending pixie dust to be sure things stay well.

You are just SWEET! But I know what you mean - you guys all MATTER to me now.

XXCell, Man HIE thee to the doc!!!

Did a lot of that when DH was really sick before his transplant. Being the Queen of Rationalization, what worked for me was to take the attitude that this was a challenge that I was going to handle easily. I enlisted the girls help, rolled up my sleeves, and made my plans. Take your "what ifs" and make contingency plans for them, within reason, and then let them go. Check in with the skycaps at the airport so that you don't have to shlep all the luggage. If they aren't available, use a luggage cart. Grab a luggage cart or porter at the airport in Orlando to help you with your luggage. It will be OK, you can do this!
. . . . I think we all need to get over our SuperMom syndrome (myself included). Rather than carving our pumpkins, which is a tedious mess, we let the girls draw theirs. The pumpkins last much longer since they're not carved and it requires little effort or supervision on the parent's part. Prioritize, do the critical stuff first, and let the little stuff go. I agree, it is what it is. We are all going to have a great time on the cruise, regardless of how many magnets we have on our doors, how many matching shirts we wear, and what kind of FE gifts we give away. We'll be together doing a Disney cruise, and that's what's important.

Here hear! And let the kids do the halloween bags - WHY does it have to be YOU??

Thanks - the panic attack seems to have subsided....

And you are all right. I am the Queen of Lists so that will help. Once I write something down, it helps to calm me down. And yes, unfortunately, I also suffer from Super Mom syndrome and the funny thing is my mom was a single mom with 2 girls and she did a great job of course, look how I turned out ....so I know that I can do it.

Now I have to figure out the legal documentation for travelling with my kidlets on my own across the border and get it done before DH leaves. JetBlue has been very helpful regarding the flights and I'm sure I'll be able to handle the rest. As a good friend said at the bus stop at lunchtime, "If anyone can handle it, you can..." so thanks again for the words of encouragement..

Have a great evening everyone!!

Lisa

We know you can do it, Lisa and I'm glad you remembered that yourself! lol

 

[mrp4352]

That is a nice picture but if we pull up to the Wonder we may have showed up on the wrong day.

True!!

I didn't think about that! I just knew it was one of the first up close views of a Disney ship that you get!

 

[sandiegosusie]

Our family started playing a new game today, called Where Will We Be A Week from Today? Today's answer? Epcot, Future World section. Lunch at Sunshine Seasons, Character Dinner at Garden Grill. Illuminations in the evening.

FE box is all packed and ready to be mailed to the ship. I should be finishing up the notebook today with all my travel documents.

Woo hoo! The Dream is unveiled today. I'll be watching the webcast this afternoon. I'm sure that we'll sail it eventually (either that or the Fantasy). But only when one of them starts doing at least 7-night cruises.

What size box are you mailing? I think I have to pack some of the FE's and mail others...

 

[Bamfield]

Now I have to figure out the legal documentation for travelling with my kidlets on my own across the border and get it done before DH leaves. JetBlue has been very helpful regarding the flights and I'm sure I'll be able to handle the rest. As a good friend said at the bus stop at lunchtime, "If anyone can handle it, you can..." so thanks again for the words of encouragement..

Have a great evening everyone!!

Lisa

Sounds like your DH has been having the same schedule as me for business travel. I am just glad today was my last trip before vacation. I can't imagine one that close though. However, I bet you are doing most of the packing and that isn't something he usually does?

My dad takes the boys back and forth to Canada by himself during the summer when they stay with him in Michigan. I usually provide a notarized letter authorizing him to take the kids back and forth during a designated period, it is signed by both my DH and myself. That was the recommendation that I got off the immigration website for entry/exit of minors.

 

[mousemom11]

What size box are you mailing? I think I have to pack some of the FE's and mail others...

I am mailing a large flat-rate priority mail box, which is 12x12x6. This is the only thing that made sense to mail from a cost point of view, as it will only cost $10.35 to mail from Seattle to the ship, regardless of weight. I priced how much it would cost to mail a regular box that weighed the same and it was $35. At that price, it would be cheaper to pay to check another bag.

 

[Woobie]

WOW! Sending stay healthy and get better vibes to EVERYONE. I hope the dog is better, the lungs are better and the sinuses are better (did I miss anything? Sorry if I did).

Handling the trip solo IS do-able. Take deep breaths and extra time and you should be good. Lists are your friend!

I always play the next-week-at-this-time game (and the last-week-at-this-time) game. However, my game is "2 weeks from now..."

I have to decide what, if anything, I want to mail down to the ship. Hmmm.

Working on shirts and FE bag today/tomorrow. I'll have to put finishing touches on FE gifts on the ship during baby's nap time.

 

[LindaBabe]

WOW! I'll have to put finishing touches on FE gifts on the ship during baby's nap time.

Wanna BET? IFthat baby naps, my guess is you will too, I know I certainly would. (will)

 

[glindamood]

I'll have to put finishing touches on FE gifts on the ship during baby's nap time.

Wanna BET? IFthat baby naps, my guess is you will too, I know I certainly would. (will)

Gee Woobie - maybe Linda would nap with the baby and you could come out and play???

Made it home from what could have been Drew's last soccer game. He is thinking about not playing next year. But, I also heard the coaches talking about maybe another game next week - I hope it is before Thursday if they have one. Kind of sad as I enjoy watching him play.

Well, take care everyone, rest, go to the doc if necessary and get well - we are going on a cruise really soon and you need to be well!!!

 

[RookieMouse]

Lisa, you can do it! Remember, you are Canadian. And if you can survive in that puzzle palace called Ottawa (or as we Department of National Defense employees call it - Disneyland-on-the-Rideau), you can survive anything.

I like doing the where-will-we-be-in-two-weeks game as well: two weeks from right now, we will be at the MK taking in MVMCP.

35 pounds of FE stuff???? This is one reason we opted out of the FE thing. First off, I am not that organized, and second, we are attempting to travel as light as possible this trip. We are basically packing clothes for 5 days - we can do laundry just before leaving BLT, and again mid-cruise. DS and I are doing the tux rental thing thru Cruiseline Formal to save the hassle of packing a suit. This cruise for us is all about family time and max relaxation.

We all went and got our seasonal flu shots on Saturday, and I got my H1N1 shot this afternoon (and DW and the critter-kids get theirs on Monday) so we should be good to go. Got our dining ressies made at WDW and all the pre-cruise paperwork and passports are all in one place. Probably start packing suitcases with summer stuff next week.

Somebody save me a seat in the Quiet Cove Cafe and the first coffee is on me...


John

 

[mrp4352]

Hi all-

Some of you may have seen a plea to help parents celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on the cruise. The parents don't read the board, but their daughter is trying to plan some extra pixie dust for them.

Mom (MsTxMom) has come up with a fun idea! We're going to make an FE for the celebrating couple. If you have a spare gift and wouldn't mind dropping it in their bag, that would be fantastic! PM me for the stateroom if you'd like to help!

And now, back to your regularly planned packing and "two-weeks-from-right-now" games!

Michelle

PS - two weeks from right now, we'll be frantically making sure our suitcases are less than 50 pounds and trying to convince ourselves we have to go to bed since we have a 6am flight in the morning...

 

[mousemom11]

PS - two weeks from right now, we'll be frantically making sure our suitcases are less than 50 pounds and trying to convince ourselves we have to go to bed since we have a 6am flight in the morning...

We'll be doing the exact same thing 5 nights from now. Our flight is at 6:05 am next Wednesday.

 

[King Charming]

Sure wish I could play the 2 weeks game and smile. I'm trying hard to remember where I'll be living 2 weeks from now! So that means we WILL be moving to Mickey town soon. Hyper got the seal of approval from her boss, and will be hired perm, so the "let's fill another box" game has begun in ernest. While you wise folks are out playing w/ Mickey pre-cruise, I'll be lugging cartons of junk (and some stuff) around Florida.

We are getting down to the home stretch, and I can't wait to meet you nice people. So don't do anything stupid/courageous/dangerous etc that will make you show up in a cast. Tink's dust is some pretty powerful stuff, but it don't fix everything. Stay healthy, get healthy, whatever you got to do, 'cause we got some serious partying to do. You really don't want to be the person we all raise a glass to as we wish you were here.

8 down, 3 to go!!!! Go Yankees.

 

[LindaBabe]

Gee Woobie - maybe Linda would nap with the baby and you could come out and play???

Now There's a plan! After all, Woobie IS my cousin, right, Woobie?

:

35 pounds of FE stuff???? This is one reason we opted out of the FE thing.
Somebody save me a seat in the Quiet Cove Cafe and the first coffee is on me...

John

You could have done it light weight, John! Gift cards don't weight that much

Sure wish I could play the 2 weeks game and smile. I'm trying hard to remember where I'll be living 2 weeks from now! So that means we WILL be moving to Mickey town soon. Hyper got the seal of approval from her boss, and will be hired perm, so the "let's fill another box" game has begun in ernest. While you wise folks are out playing w/ Mickey pre-cruise, I'll be lugging cartons of junk (and some stuff) around Florida.

KiC, you'll survive! Just look at the prize at the end - 7 days of relaxation!

 

[Hypermommy]

Wow!!! And I thought we were a chatty group on the last thread. 8 pages since Sunday?!?!?!?! Good Lawd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone that has access to the spreadsheet should be getting an email inviting them to access the miniNav that Cynthia (Elderfam - did I get the real name right?) produced. It looks wonderful!!!! And I know that one of the other Pixie Duster ladies helped her but I can't for the life of me remember who did. I'm so sorry not to be able to give proper credit where due. Please forgive me.

I'll also be making it available as a download from our private site. As soon as the girl that hosts the site for me has a chance to get back to me and remind me what my password for FTP'ing is so I can get it up there.

Denise-

Thank you so much for updating the spreadsheet. You have been such a busy person lately between househunting and the new job. Bet you can't wait to get on the ship.

Abso-freakin-lutely!!!! Y'all let me know where's the best place to get smoothies the moment we arrive? And also, do smoothies cost extra? If they do it's gonna be orange juice and my little flask!!! But if smoothies are free, it's gonna be smoothies and my little flask! Notice a pattern? I figure vodka goes with everything, huh?

Anyone have any good last minute tips on cruise items to pack that will make life easier like the over the door shoe holder for the bathroom.

If you have anyone that will be required to be at a certain place at a certain time (i.e., teenagers who are expected to show up for dinner ) bring watches as there are like NO clocks on the ship.

Being realistic that they won't work on it at WDW or the cruise, I'm going to mail it all to Grandma.

What a great idea!!!! Wish I could send my kids off to Grandma and them get their work done. But I have my doubts that even God himself could get my eldest to take his schoolwork seriously. Arrrrrggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! But I contacted their new school yesterday and we're going to have to get transcripts from Florida Virtual and have a meeting with the principal. The youngest is easy -- we know what grade he's going in. But the eldest has been homeschooled for a couple of years and is currently taking 8th grade and 9th grade classes so we need to meet with the principal to figure out what grade to put him in.

Just one more thing we'll have to be looking at doing before the cruise.

Just wanted to say nice games to all you Angel Fans. It was a great series and you put up a heck of a fight.
You have a great team

Yeah... what he said. (you're such a good example for me xxcell!).

Well, I will officially go on record - I am an Indians fan (yeah, poor me but being a Browns fan these days is even harder) and it is too difficult for me to say anything nice about the Yankees. So, I just won't care and you all have a grand time with all of it. Someday - it will be my turn!

Well, I guess nobody's perfect, huh?

/me ducking and running!

3M hooks for lanyards. I like the lanyards hanging up so they don't tangle.

That sounds like a fantastic idea!!!! I think we'll try it too.

We leave tomorrow morning to take my son on his 2 year mission. It has been a really hard weekend for this Mom! My eyes are swollen and my heart hurts...looking forward to some "Magic" in a few weeks!

((((((((((((((((( HUGS )))))))))))))))))))))

That must be so hard. How ya holding up?

I'm having a rough day as well. Those who's been on this thread for a while may remember my poor dog having a stroke back in March. This morning we found her unresponsive again. The doc thinks it's internal (tumor or fluid buildup) so more tests or "diagnostics" as she calls it. So far this year, our vet bill could more than pay for this cruise... THEN, on my way to work, I hit the center median while making a left turn and blew two tires.

Oh no!!!!!! So sorry to hear about the issues you had on Monday. How's the puppy?

I put together my medicine bag (gallon zip lock) this weekend. Pepto, benedryl, nyquil, daycare, motrin, tylenol, tums, bandaids, robitussin and ace bandage. I hope we won't need any of it, but better to have on hand just in case.

...

And, for anyone interested in countdown information, 17, Cheshire Cat. For our newbies, see post 3504 of previous thread.

Yeah, I have to start putting mine together too. We didn't need any of it last time but from what I hear they charge if you need any meds on the ship... ugh! But you know, as expensive as meds can be (yes, I'm being cheap -- you wouldn't beLIEVE what they want for an electric company deposit around here) I was thinking.... I could add another sheet to the workbook and mark who's bringing what meds. Then if any of us find we need something but didn't bring it maybe we could bum some from someone that did? Or, one person could bring some immodium and someone else could bring some pepto and someone else could bring XXX and someone else could bring YYY. Would that be something y'all would be interested in? Maybe I'm just being cheap?

You may only lounge around the adult pool or on deck 4. Drink lots of fluids. NO walking around in the hot sun young lady!!

And some of them have to be nonalcoholic as long as you're sick. Some of them......

I thought it was when you went to the submarine races that the problems occured. I always miss some of the fun! DANG!!

Yeah, I'm trying to figure out exactly how much trouble you can get in while driving. It's the parking that was always the problem when I was a kid. Maybe I just wasn't adventurous enough????

Hello! Just found this thread. DH and I will be on this cruise celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary. Looks like I missed the fun activities, but I'd be interested in knowing who is going (spreadsheet??? can't find it), and if there are any "open" times to meet with this group.

So I know you've already been told about the spreadsheet. We also have a "private" site (not behind a firewall but I'm careful who gets the address). I'm careful with it because we have pictures on there of our kids and ourselves. We also have games and some side discussions (Vicki, I believe it was you that practically challenged KC to a pinball match, right? ... check for my reply on the pinball thing).

And if you need anything else just let us know. The folks on this thread are incredible and everyone will gladly help in any way they can.

Snow is falling heavy in Denver-Can't wait for the sun on the cruise!

Hmmmmmmm.... no snow here <evil grin>
/me ducking and running

Quick question-Any scrapbookers on this cruise? Do you have any suggestions for pages/ideas??

I scrapped the last cruise. I ended up putting our entire trip report in the scrapbook because I just LOVED KC's writing style. If you're interested in looking over any of my pages they're at http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj18/hypermommy_2007/Cruise Scrapbook/

Taking the kids for the H1N1 shot this afternoon - figured we might as well get it now. DH is home sick but I don't think it's that specific flu...but of course, I'm not a doctor ... just a mom....

I think at this point we're going to hold off on flu shots until we get back. I'd hate any of the guys to get sick on the cruise. I just hope we're making the right decision. This parenting thing can be so difficult sometimes, eh?

By the way, anyone thinking about hitching a ride on the Disney Dream? I hear they are having a big reveal tomorrow.

Oh, I am soooooooooooo tempted by the Dream now. I saw a picture online of the new waterslide they're going to have (the AquaDuck) that has a clear tube that extends over the side of the ship! And the inside staterooms would be fun with the new virtual portholes. Bet you see Nemo swim by a time or two! And I would love to check out the new Enchanted Forest restaurant. Bet that'll be wonderful!!!

Okay, people, talk me off the ledge...

You'll be just fine!!! Remember, if you need any help once you get to Orlando, I will be MORE THAN HAPPY to help in whatever way I can. Just let me know so I can make sure I'm there! I can entertain kids, schlep luggage, provide comic relief, whatever helps!

Going to Dr. tomm, Annie swears I have a sinus infection again. Was trying to delay Dr., cause I hate going and am a big baby:sad1

And no I am not sick cause the Yankess lost, I couldn't even watch the game

What'd the doc say? Flying with a sinus infection would not be cool at all.

And our beloved boys won last night. I know it wasn't looking good when I went to bed at about 9. But they apparently pulled it out.

I know they'd better win.... do you know how much <stuff> we're going to have to take from our fellow darling Double Dippers if the boys slack off and <gulp> lose?

THANK YOU! THE DUST WORKED!

Excellent news!!! Glad to know you're feeling better.

Think I stressed myself out as well. I have been under the weather the last couple of days. If I don't feel better tomorrow, I'm going to go to the doctor.

Did you end up at the doc's? What was the result?

Neener, go Phillies!!

Neener back!

the funny thing is my mom was a single mom with 2 girls and she did a great job of course, look how I turned out ....so I know that I can do it.

No, no, no... fingers, no...

Can not......... tease......... poor............ Lisa............about...........how.............she...........turned.............out.

Oh girl... you should know me better by now than to leave me an opening like that.

Nah, seriously you turned out great (but you know I have to tease you!). You'll do fine!!!!!

We are getting down to the home stretch, and I can't wait to meet you nice people. So don't do anything stupid/courageous/dangerous etc that will make you show up in a cast. Tink's dust is some pretty powerful stuff, but it don't fix everything. Stay healthy, get healthy, whatever you got to do, 'cause we got some serious partying to do. You really don't want to be the person we all raise a glass to as we wish you were here.

You told that to our wonderful sons too, right? I swear their last words are gonna be "hey y'all, watch this!"

 

[binky1]

Lisa, you can do it! Remember, you are Canadian. And if you can survive in that puzzle palace called Ottawa (or as we Department of National Defense employees call it - Disneyland-on-the-Rideau), you can survive anything.

Ain't that the truth!! Well, I've been up since 5:30 a.m. thinking about "stuff" - and I like my sleep so this is not normal.

Michelle (mrp4352) - I'll participate in the secret FE - I've got their stateroom# 'cause I've made them some magnets.

Cynthia (Elderfam) - What an AWESOME job on the Mini-Nav!!! You have done an outstanding job!! Thanks so very much!!

Bamfield - Thanks for the document advice - we're going to put together a notarized letter - chances are they won't even ask for it but it would be one less worry.

Hypermommy - I've sent you a PM.

Have a great day everyone!!

Lisa

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning everybody!

I *will * need that stateroom number for fe delivery - i've made sure I have extras.

Somehow, I don't recollect seeing that website, did I? The spreadsheet yes, how did I miss the site? Or is it just the old lady brain kicking in?

Off to look at the mini nav! Happy Day all.

Oh and PIXIE DUST to those who need it - I'm not mentioning names because the two cruises have melded in my mind and I don't want y'all wondering "whozat?"