12/29/07 Western - New Year's Eve

[birkner]

So my DW and I are out for our weekly date...

And she says to me while we are just eating our salad, "Do you realize that is the third time you have said that since we sat down?"

"That" which she was referring to was my comment about being only one week away from being on the Magic! Okay, so I am a little excited.

Am I the only one looking forward to the cruise more than Christmas. Ouch.

So sorry your wife is not excited but sounds a whole lot like my family until we get here!! I am the OCD vacation planner!!

 

[birkner]

Jim,

You're not alone. It's not that we're not giving Christmas all its due excitement, attention and traditions, but we're MORE excited about vacation. Here at GreenAcres we believe that if you work hard, you get to play hard. That's what vacation is for...reward for working hard. In this case it's reward mostly for my DD's hard work in school and her upcoming high school graduation.

I've been meaning to ask (yup, I'm too busy/lazy to read back over all the previous pages)....Does anyone else have a 17 year old (or close) cruising with us? What about anyone 12-13? My DS doesn't care for the lab and it would be fantastic if he had someone to hang out with.

Last night on our way out to dinner we were discussing exactly where we'd be and what we'd be doing in a week. We figured we'd be at a show at that time since we have late dinner seating...we've been doing that a LOT! LOL

Lisa

Lisa:

My GD Aspen is 13 but she is dying to go to the Stack!! Look for us in the terminal in our green shirts so we can introduce them to each other.

Noel

 

[birkner]

I agree Jim! I am just looking forward to being away from work and actually relaxing a bit. We are leaving on Wed. and I don't have the first item packed or even close to being packed. But I figure that I can do that Christmas Day. Because we do everything with most of the family on Christmas Eve. Except this year my baby sister will not be here until Christmas Day. My work as Santa's helper has almost finished. However, it is now time to begin my personal stitching and boy, I didn't realize how much I had. So right after church, it's back to the machines at least for a good 8 hours.

Hope you had a Very Merry Birthday Noel, say hey to the Main Mouse for us. Hoping all of you have a Blessed Christmas and safe travels to Port Canaveral.

Merry Christmas,
Pam

Pam:

Thanks for the warm birthday wishes!! I have sent everyone's greetings to the Main Mouse.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Noel

 

[birkner]

Okay -- cleared one big event this morning with the Christmas service at church. It was an excellent service and DW (choir director/music coordinator) did a wonderful job with all of the choirs, bells, music, etc.

Tonight, DD21's birthday (today) hang out with the family. Everybody's busy getting the house touched up before 4:00. (Then why am I on the computer??)

Anyway, Christmas feels a little more special right now, and we will enjoy the celebrations and then panic, pack, pencil things off the list, plan, and propel ourselves forward to the plane.

We are under a winter storm warning. 40+ MPH winds that blew down the basketball hoop this morning. Near white-out from the snow with the mercury at 17 degrees. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And, can't wait for Key West a week from today

Merry Christmas Jim to you and your family. Please tell your DD that Samantha is really looking forward to meeting someone her own age.

80 degrees here in Orlando!

 

[birkner]

Happy belated b-day Noel!!

Change of plans for us Friday we are not going to the candlelight now we are going to MGM ( I know I know it has a new name), but to me it will always be MGM. We watched a special on the travel channel about Disney for the holidays and Joe reallys wants to see the lights so that is now where we are heading with dinner at the Brown Derby. Not a bad way to start our trip.

Here is hoping that AirTran is on time Friday!!!

Maureen

Thanks for the birthday wishes!! I don't have a clue what we are doing Friday yet as we are still in the planning and negotiation stage!!

 

[JimV]

So sorry your wife is not excited but sounds a whole lot like my family until we get here!! I am the OCD vacation planner!!

Oh no! Don't get that wrong, Ann can't wait and is extremely excited about the trip. She just found my comments amusing. In fact, she asked me yesterday if we could switch our flights to go out Thursday instead of Friday so she could have a full day at WDW...

Our Friday plans are still to check in at the resort, and head over to MGM for dinner and to see the lights. We know it will be busy, but I am (at least) looking forward to that part of the trip. We switched our hotel due to some earlier confusion and we booked a (small) family suite at ASM. I am debating surprising my family and switching to one of the DVC suites that still have room, but since I was planning on using Magical Express to get to the parks and not have to hassle with luggage, I don't think I can get new tags fast enough for our Friday AM flights.

Anyway, just opened the last of DW's gifts that I needed to wrap, and it was empty so off to the mall for an unexpected trip... (I guess I could give her an empty box -- then we can learn the truth about, "It's the thought that counts" ). Hmmm... Probably not. I think that would go over about as well as the year I got a free cosmetic gift box with a perfume purchase. I took out the contents, slipped it into Ann's stocking and you should have seen her reaction when she pulled out...









anti-aging cream






Okay, will someone please tell me what kind of store gives out gift boxes to husbands that are buying pre-wrapped perfume on Dec 22 that includes ANTI-AGING WRINKLE CREAM!!!! Somebody at that store has a diabolical sense of humor.


So, off to the mall I go.

 

[JimV]

Yippee. DCL website is finally back online. After being down since Thursday I can finally do the online check-in and get that off my to-do list.

 

[birkner]

Most all of my family is down either in the swimming pool or in the hot tub so I thought I would post an update.

Where we last left off, I had gone to bed on Friday night about 1:00 AM. I set the alarm for 9:00 so I could get a good night sleep before having to move hotels and pick everyone up.

Once I was up and showered, I had a nice light breakfast in my room and finished packing. Talked to my DH and DD Samantha who were up and getting ready to go to the airport. I reminded my DH to get to the airport at least 2 hours early. Famous last words!!

DD Jen and her family arrived at the airport 2 1/2 hours early, sailed through baggage checkin in 35 minutes and breezed through security in 10 minutes and were at the gate.

Here is where everything went wrong for DH. DD had dropped him off only one hour early for the flight and by that point the baggage line was over 2 hours long. I was glabbergasted at his noncholance in thinking he was going to make the flight. He was still in the baggage line as were 20 others on his flight when the flight took off for Orlando!!

Needless to say, I called Southwest and even the flight he could have gone stand by on had left. DD Samantha was at SFO with the house keys and the burglar alarm in the house was one. I made a split second decision to get him on the next flight from ANY nearby airport. One seat was left on the next day from SFO at 11:10, so I grabbed the seat.

I next called the Marriott at the SFO airport and got him a room. DH checked with Information and was told that at 2:30 he could take the Monterrey airporter to SFO and then he could catch the shuttle to Marriott.

By this point, DH was realizing I was beyond upset that all he had to do is go to the airport and he had messed up big time!! He had our DVD players with us so the kids were not able to watch movies on the flight.

DD Samantha sailed through security and baggage, however her flight that was scheduled for 1:14PM did not take off until 3:59 PM so she just sat around the airport talking on her phone and typing on her computer.

As for me, I checked out at about 1:00 PM so I could do some shopping for groceries for my DD and her family to put in the condo. Luckily, I was able to check into the Dolphin by 3:00PM though I didn't unpack, just dropped off the bags.

Next, I headed back to International Drive and my DD's condo. I was able to check into her condo, get her keys and unload the groceries I had bought for breakfast etc. I also dropped off the $10 tree for them to assemble. Afterward, I made myself some taboleuh for dinner and watched tv until time to head toward the airport at 11:00 since both flights were running late and were not schedule to arrive until 11:30 PM.

DH calls from the shuttle and when he arrives at the hotel. He is very contrite. Maybe next time he will listen to me and not have selective hearing!! He hits happy hour and decides he is going to bed early so he can get to the airport on time!! Better happen or else!!

I go to airport and sat waiting for about 10 minutes in the cell lot until I got my first call from Samantha at 11:40 PM. I only had to circle twice for her as her bags came pretty quickly.

Now here comes the next debacle. I get a call about 11:44 PM from DD Jen and crew that they are at baggage claim and to come get them. Of course, another terminal from DD Samantha and this one has a really, really long line to get in. We finally get up to gate 14 where everyone has their bags except SIL Pete. His bag which has ALL of his clothes is missing. We wait about another 15 minutes and no luck. Pete goes to the baggage counter and they discover that the bag was taken off at first stop Burbank. Right BUR looks just MCO. You wouldn't believe how many bags on the carousel were destined for other airports!! Southwest promises to deliver bag to the condo by 3:00 PM.

At this point, it is about 1:00 AM, everyone is starving!! No meal service on Southwest as you all probably know, so the goal is fast food. My DD Jen makes the funniest comment so far, "Oh, there is a 24 hour drive through, I wonder if it is open?" We all laugh hysterically and I pull into Mickey D's. DD Jen orders and of course everything is wrong when we get it but we take it anyway.

As we are driving away, she realizes that she didn't order any drinks so we stop at a Chevron mini mart for sodas and beer!! Finally, we arrive at the condo, unload and then Pete rides with me to the Dolphin as they are keeping the car.

Once in my room, I can't sleep so I unpack until about 3:00 AM, take a shower and fall asleep. More tomorrow.

 

[WiscBill]

DD-5 is definitely getting excited about Christmas and the cruise. She can't wait to get to open presents, but I think going to the Oceaneer's Club is definitely second on the list.

We are also going through the last check lists for the trip. Waterproof cameras, Purel, and sunscreen all packed up and ready. Summer clothese are all laid out, along with windbreakers just in case we hit a real cold front. Right now, all the weather forecasts are very positive, except for the last few days in which we might get a cold front (i.e., the lower 70s) for Castaway Cay.

I admire all of you going to WDW on Friday. DW has made that a definite no for us. She does not like crowds. However, she says we can see the trees at the Yacht and Beach club if I buy her dinner at the Yachtmans' Steakhouse. Having done that, I think I'll opt for the free happy hour at the Embassy Suites and save the money for the cruise.


Bill

 

[JimV]

We haven't even made our packing list yet!!

I think we will start tomorrow, or maybe today. Then when DW said let's go Thursday, I thought, "get completely packed, ready to go in one day." Yeah right.

 

[pit303]

We haven't even made our packing list yet!!

I think we will start tomorrow, or maybe today. Then when DW said let's go Thursday, I thought, "get completely packed, ready to go in one day." Yeah right.

You are not alone we still haven't started packing yet. Thinking more and more that Thursday maybe another vacation day!! And of course I booked the first flight out Friday AM which means getting to the airport by 5:15 AM!!!

 

[JimV]

Noel,

Sorry for all of the travel travails. Nothing like missing a few flights and having things not go quite the right way to get one in the holiday spirit.

I hope things are better this Friday. That's why I booked a 10:00 AM flight so we have time at the airport. Seat assignments are done. I can checkin and do curbside baggage claim. All of the tricks of an experienced business traveller and...

it could still go completely wrong.

Fingers crossed and counting down...

 

[birkner]

DD-5 is definitely getting excited about Christmas and the cruise. She can't wait to get to open presents, but I think going to the Oceaneer's Club is definitely second on the list.

We are also going through the last check lists for the trip. Waterproof cameras, Purel, and sunscreen all packed up and ready. Summer clothese are all laid out, along with windbreakers just in case we hit a real cold front. Right now, all the weather forecasts are very positive, except for the last few days in which we might get a cold front (i.e., the lower 70s) for Castaway Cay.

I admire all of you going to WDW on Friday. DW has made that a definite no for us. She does not like crowds. However, she says we can see the trees at the Yacht and Beach club if I buy her dinner at the Yachtmans' Steakhouse. Having done that, I think I'll opt for the free happy hour at the Embassy Suites and save the money for the cruise.


Bill

Bill:

Mid 70's here in Orlando today. We braved the crowds at Animal World today and family did Expedition Everest at least 4 times.

Tomorrow it MK day and that out to be a complete zoo!!

 

[birkner]

We haven't even made our packing list yet!!

I think we will start tomorrow, or maybe today. Then when DW said let's go Thursday, I thought, "get completely packed, ready to go in one day." Yeah right.

OCD Vacation planners must pack at least one week before trip and have all clothes ironed as they are so wrinkled from being packed so long!!

 

[birkner]

You are not alone we still haven't started packing yet. Thinking more and more that Thursday maybe another vacation day!! And of course I booked the first flight out Friday AM which means getting to the airport by 5:15 AM!!!

Yikes!! I am not sure I could be ANYWHERE by 5 AM!!

 

[birkner]

Noel,

Sorry for all of the travel travails. Nothing like missing a few flights and having things not go quite the right way to get one in the holiday spirit.

I hope things are better this Friday. That's why I booked a 10:00 AM flight so we have time at the airport. Seat assignments are done. I can checkin and do curbside baggage claim. All of the tricks of an experienced business traveller and...

it could still go completely wrong.

Fingers crossed and counting down...

All body parts crossed for you guys to have a smooth and event free flight!!

 

[birkner]

Well, the saga continues with a phone call from DD Jennifer at 11:45 am on Sunday morning to let me know that they were stirring. I was still comatose but decided I better get up and get moving. Staggering to the shower, it took me at least 10 minutes to fully wake up under a steady stream of water.

Next thing on the agenda was to call DH since he should already be at airport and no phone call. Call his cell phone and no answer. Call the hotel and have them ring the room, no answer. About now I am completely freaking out that he is still sleeping and going to miss this flight when the cell phone rings and it is DH! He has bags checked, gone through security and flight is on time!! HOOORAY!!

DD's Jen and Samantha call and say they are on the way to pick me up to go grocery shopping and to get some clean clothes for Pete. Doesn't that sound fun? NOT!! They pick me up and we spend the next two hours buying out the grocery store to the tune of $400. and three carts.

After unloading, DD Samantha makes lunch and I am told our next mission is to go shopping for a swim suit for GD Aspen and Rash Guard shirt for Pete. Next two hours are spent in a dressing room with GD who can not decide which suit she wants. Finally a decision is made and we can go home!!

At this point, I am blitzed and I want to sleep but can't because still have to pick up DH at 10:00 PM. Can't have a glass of wine either because I have to drive!! So everyone goes swimming or into the hot tub and I type on the computer for a bit.

DD Samantha comes upstairs at 9:30 and we are off to the airport. All goes smoothly with DH's flight and he is off the plane and has his bags by 10:25 PM. We drive back to the Dolphin and DD Samantha drives back to condo.

After unpacking DH's suitcases and plugging in all electronic gizmo's, we are ready for bed by 12:40 AM.

Much better end to this day.

 

[birkner]

duplicate

 

[iloveokw]

Got our green lies in the mail yesterday - Merry Christmas everyone - see you soon.

Kathy

 

[Caitsmama]

Noel.. Wow.. you have had quite the trip already! LOL I am seriously tired reading about all your saga!

We had a great Christmas, dd was THRILLED with her new acoustic guitar - and took it everywhere today.. I am happy too, got an MP3 player - yes, my first.. so... after about 2 hrs of sitting here trying to figure out how to work this, i got it! Oh, but in my defense, probably about 1 hr of that time was spent trying to figure out how to change the language back to english, b/c when i first started it up, i must have hit the wrong button, and everything was chinese or something, and i had NO idea where the settings were, so after about an hour of guessing and pressing buttons, and on the verge of tears (yes, i don't deal well when i screw up something).. i got lucky. So, we are all set now! I love it.

I feel like i gained 10lbs b/w yesterday and today.. hoping i can walk/run on the treadmill tomorrow at some point, cuz man.. the thought of my bathing suit in the other room is scaring me!!!! LOL

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Pam, still hoping the shirts come, We leave friday am, and no sign of them yet, but i have faith..
Glad you guys got your green lei's! I will be looking for all of you! ( Oh and Jim.. who will be lei-less)