20040131 ~ Cruising Jan 31 2004 Western Who's with us?

[dheller97]

DIS MAGIC Cruise Team, 1/31/04
1. shingle, DH, DS-13, DD-8; from Wales, UK; stateroom #7514

2. Annie12345 (Ann), DH (Randy), DD-10 (Jaclyn), from Saskatoon, SK, Canada, stateroom #6592. EARLY SEATING.

3. Kmc33 (Kim), DH (John), DS-(Luke-4 ½), DSis, DBIL, DNephew-5, DNiece-2 ½; from Pittsburgh, PA; stateroom #7119 EARLY SEATING

4. JonHM, DW, DS-3; from Chapel Hill, NC

5. OKWMEMBER (Gary), DW (Gail); from Erie, PA; stateroom #7003. Cell # 814-440-8645. EARLY SEATING.

6. GinaAnn, DH, DS-6, DS-3, DSis, DNephew (6 mos), DMom, DStepdad; from Chicago area. LATE SEATING.

7. grandma_x2(Cheryl), DH, DD, DSIL, DB, DDIL, DGS-3, DGS-1; from Hadley, PA, Butler, PA and Wilson, NY areas; staterooms #6605, 6607 and 6609

8. kabuli1 (Karyn), DH (Randy), DD-18 (Jill); from Chicago area; stateroom #6134. LATE SEATING

9. Scott5150 (Scott), DW (Amy), DS-3 ½ (Lucas), DD-8 mo (Sarah), DMIL (Joann); from Lancaster, PA

10. dheller97 (Dean), DW (Cheri), DS-18 (Matt); from Armour, SD; stateroom #6148. Cell # 605-724-2989. LATE SEATING

11. dpuck1998, DW, DS-4, DS-3; from Vicksburg, MI

12. chickenlady, DS-6, DM, DBF (Best Friend); from Farmington, AR; stateroom #7092

13. mardal (Mark), DW (Stacy), DS-8 (Taylor), DD-5 (Tiffany), from Seattle, WA area

14. princessdisney, DH, DD-11, DS (22-months), from CA

15. Bonkinthesota, DS-13, DD-12, from Minnesota; stateroom #6558

16. Cap (Cecil), DW-artistjudi (Judi), Friends (John) (Jeannie) Friends DD (Courtney), DSIL (Ben), DGD (Ava - 3) from Canton, MI area; Cap & Judi in stateroom 6074. Cell # 734-717-6986

17. jedokids (Jerry), DW (Dorie), DD (Stepanie), DD-16 (Stacie), DS-16 (Bobby), Jerry’s DF (Bears), Jerry’s DM (Mary Jane), Jerry’s DSis (Sally), Her DH (John), Her DD-16 (Ashley), Her Friend-16 (Michelle), Jerry’s DSis (Paula), John’s Mom (Nancy), John & Sally’s Friends (Joe & Julie) in 6 staterooms on deck 7, forward and mid; from Dalzell, IL area.

18. Steve&Lisa (Steve), DW (Lisa), DS-20 months (Luke) from Ontario, Canada

19. waltjr (Eric), DW - “auntrenae” (Renae), DFather, DMother and Nurse, DBrother and brother’s DW; from Idaho, Arizona and Orlando, FL areas. Cell # 407-739-7763. LATE SEATING.

20. The4OfUs (Monique “Nikki”), DH (Glenn), DD (Kelsey-11), DS (Tyler-10); from Westford, Mass area; stateroom #2506. Cell # 978-394-3249. LATE SEATING.

21. Cyberkashi (Jami), DH (Scott), DD (Jazi-7); stateroom 8076

22. airbusdrvr (Ken), DW (Dawn), DD (Megan-9), DD (Morgan-8) from Winston-Salem, NC area, stateroom #8570

23. Juli, DH (Tony), DS (Peter-8), DS (John-8) from Waterford, Michigan area, stateroom #6032. EARLY SEATING.

24. KofPShannon (Barbara), Boyfriend (Jim), DS (Conor-16), DD (Bridget-13) from King of Prussia, PA

25. abusymommy (Mary Jo), DH (Jim), DS (Paul-3 ½), from Chicago area, stateroom #6503. LATE SEATING.

26. photonut (Annette), DH (Mark), DD (Laine-7), DS (Blake-5) from Windsor, Ontario area.

Total of 121 family members, closest friends, associates, or simple stow-aways making up 26 DIS-families

Speedo Team Captains - Gary, Dean, Cap, Randy
Party Planners: Karyn, Kim, Renae, Nikki, Dorie, Jami, Barbara
Team Cheerleaders - Gail, Cheri, Judy, Annie, Cheryl, Shingle, Gina
Toque Crew - Randy, Cap, Gary
Beer Tender - Juli Toque Team Advisor: Annette


Dean

 

[Chickenlady]

I know I've been quiet for the last 100 pages or so....but I've got to vent to someone. And who better to vent to than a couple hundred strangers.

I'm not looking forward to this cruise. Any other time I'd be but its going to be a tough week. Not that you guys know me or anything but I've got to spill my guts....last week my dr found a mass in the right lobe of my lung (don't smoke but been coughing and exhausted for months). Monday they will go in and do a biopsy. I won't know the results until Feb 10!!!! They tell me its fine to go on the cruise....don't worry....couldn't get the results faster even if I was at home.

I'm cruising with my Mom, my best friend and small son. Mom and best friend live more than a thousand miles away from me. They don't know about the mass. They know I've been sick and mom knows I'm getting a bronchoscopy but I've left out the gory details. Of course, I plan on filling them in once we're comfortably relaxing with an umbrella drink. DS doesn't know the gory details either but at 6 yrs he's a little easier to handle.

I'm afraid I'm going to turn this really cool, much anticipated, escape vacation into some kind of morbid death watch. I know this isn't a problem for most people but how can I get myself psyched up to have a great time? (I have to admit the speedo discussion has made me smile more than once. )

Any suggestions ?
Thanks for letting me whine.
Chickenlady

 

[dizmomof2]

Kabuli1
From advise of others on the board we're going to try Native Way. Others have gone with them on a private charter and said they we wonderful. I'm going to try to book it today if you want to join us we'd love to have you along!

 

[The4OfUs]

OK...first off, that's NOT whining, not in the least! I understand where you're coming from, in a way, I had an MRI done on the 23rd of Dec, 2002, looking for proof of MS, as I had many symptoms that could not be explained. I got really scared when the dr. INSISTED that I get it done that night, and that he'd call me on XMAS EVE, of all days, to tell me the results - I figured there HAS to be a reason, and not a good one, for such timing. Turns out there are no signs of MS (ie. lesions that they look for), but instead bulging disks in my spine which caused my numbness...as well as stress.

I realize this does not compare at ALL to what you're going through...just wanted to show that there's always the chance that things can work out exactly opposite of our worst fears, I guess.

I am a true believer in the power of positive thinking, and that's what we'll surround you with. SHaring your troubles lightens them, and strangers or not, I KNOW this group here will help bring smiles and take your mind off of things. Think of it this way -the warmth, the sunshine, the laughter, the friends you're going to meet, it will all help the time go by faster, and then, god willing you come home to find out that it's not news that you've been dreading....and if it does turn out to be something hard, then think of all of your new friends that will support you, right?

Hang in there...focus on the good...and use your energy for enjoying your time with your family and friends.

*long distance hug*

And tell us your name, chickenlady! *grin* Otherwise I'm going to shorten it to "chick"!

 

[Kabuli1]

Chickenlady, I'm so sorry you're having to go thru this. I don't know what I'd suggest, except, I think you should tell the adults now and get the shock factor over - then tell them you're all going to have fun and nobody mentions it on the cruise. You'll need the support on Monday! Also ask your MD to tell you what he sees especially if it's good news. He will only be able to give you his best guess - but that's better than nothing. Really I'm so sorry and thinking only good thoughts for you.

Karyn

 

[The4OfUs]

You left off dizmomof2!!

And a belated welcome to the very same from me...sorry...got all distracted by the weather and book talk!! *grin*

 

[KofPShannon]

Hi boys and girls.

Doesn't Dean do a fabulous job on the lists! *Big round of applause - standing ovation - oops it turned into the WAVE - Someone help Randy and Aunt Ranae out of their chairs. Take the bedpans off your heads - they get tangled in Randy's IV*

Big healthy arggh to you Randy. We're crossing our fingers to keep all the germs away!

I sent Dean an e-mail to add LATE DINING for my group.

Aunt Ranae - I was the one talking about the upgrades. I had one of my cabins upgraded from 6136 to 8594. I was doing some research and saw that someone was upgraded from a cat 3 to the Roy O suite. I don't think it's on our cruise though.

Welcome to Dizmomof2!

Since we're all such avid readers - why doesn't everyone bring a book to swap when we get there. Less packing to do!

I like the dry eraser idea for the mirrors. Guess I'll need extra windex wipes.

 

[dheller97]

I wish I knew your real name. Chickenlady is not a proper name for you. You show incredible courage and strength and are far from a chickenlady. I have all the faith in the world that your results will come back favorable. But, even if not, you need to enjoy this trip for both your sake and for the sake of your family and friends. Having lost my father, and my wife her dear mother, just this past year, I know how reassuring it is to remember all of the fun times I had with Dad and Cheri had with Mom. My mother lost her battle with colon cancer in '97 but she always remained positive while she struggled through it and I felt so proud of her for being stronger than I.

Please feel free to contact me or Cheri at any time if you just need someone to talk to. We aren't real family but would be very happy to become your honorary family. Pixie Dust and prayers. Please introduce yourself on the ship.
Dean

 

[dheller97]

Originally posted by The4OfUs
You left off dizmomof2!!

And a belated welcome to the very same from me...sorry...got all distracted by the weather and book talk!! *grin*

I am waiting to hear if they want to be added to this group of recovering knuckleheads.

 

[photonut]

Dear Chickenlady,
I know that we have not met and that I am new to this group however the way everyone has welcomed me I feel as though I already know you!
I am sorry to hear about your upsetting news... Just know that you have made a lot of new friends and sometimes it is easier to talk to someone that you have just met then it is to talk to our closest family members.
I am sure once you feel that warm sunshine you will feel a little better and can put your worries behind you at least for one week!
You are in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by dheller97
I am waiting to hear if they want to be added to this group of recovering knuckleheads.

LOL! Wearing my Patriots jersey today must make me ready and raring to go, because I read your sentence this way:

"I am waiting to hear if they want to be added to this group, knucklehead!"

I was ready to rumble! *grin*

Signed-
the knucklehead in the Tom Brady jersey

 

[KofPShannon]

Oh Ms. Chickie - so sorry to hear about your medical situation. You have to go back in the posts and read about the worry 1/2 hour a day idea. I have a friend who had part of her lung removed years ago. I can't remember why but she is doing fine with one lung and a partial! She has to be careful when she gets respiratory infections and can't be around smokers - but other then that she lives a normal healthy life.

My mother had bone cancer in her early 20s. They gave her six months to live for over 20 years and now she's 71 and cancer free. Obviously you're concerned and stranger's stories won't have much effect. They say attitude really matters in your health - so try to stay positive. You definitely need a support group or even one person at home to help you when you're feeling down since your family is so far away.

 

[photonut]

Hi all Magic Cruisers!
Just wanted to let you know that our cabin # is 7592. However I will let you know when we are upgraded to the Roy O Disney Suite.....wishful thinking right??? think positive thoughts!!!!

Is anyone staying at the port the night before the cruise? Maybe we could meet up somewhere nearby? Or will some of you diehards have your lawn chairs out at the pier waiting in line for the ship to allow us on board??
I am assuming that it will be Cap or Dean holding our spaces in line!!!!

Chickenlady, your cabin is exactly opposite of ours. If the views are better from your balcony we may head over your way!

I will be checking in later tonight... I must get some work done around the house even though it is so tempting to stay online and visit with you....I know just 9 more days and I will see you all in person and we can visit then!

 

[Chickenlady]

Nikki, Dean, Annette, Karyn and Barbara........WOW..you guys are the best!!!!!!

It takes a special person to be able to brighten a stranger's day...long distance. Thanks!

For the record my real name is Janice....but I really do like "Chickenlady". Chickens are my passion (sounds kinky, I know). Up until they found the mass last week, the working diagnosis was that I was having a hypersensitive reaction to feathers or dust. The thought of having to give up my career was very scary.........at least I thought it was scary....boy, now I know what scary really is.

Having all this cyber-friend support is very comforting. I do have lots of support at home...my DH is great and my friends and co-workers are trying to lighten things up....but its still hard. In fact the funniest thing I've heard is the when the Dr. takes the biopsy he's going to find a big old chicken feather lodged in my lung! May have to change my screen name then.

Thanks again guys...I really do appreciated it.

 

[macrhea]

Hi everyone,
I am a first time on the post. We will be joining you. Myself- Nancy, Ds(Jim), DD -9, DD-3. We are travelling with friends their 2 DD (9-11)and 2DGM (ages unknownrolleyes: . Deck 5 early seating:

We are very excited about our trip. Looking forward to meeting you all onboard.

To chickie, take avantage of every good time you will have on the trip. Think and take each day, hour minute one by one. When my youngest was 8 months th DR thought she might have a brain tumor, we had the CT scan on Dec 14 and Had to wait until after Xmas to get the MRI. That's what we did, we took it one day at the time.


Hang in there.

 

[The4OfUs]

LOL! OK, Janice, you HAVE to tell me what sort of career involves chickens in such detail! It sounds interesting to say the least! Do you raise them?

As for the cyber-support, just knowing there are people out there to listen when you need it is beyond wonderful, isn't it? The world suddenly seems smaller, and everyone is that much less "alone" - so many times I've felt down only to explain my situation and have someone give me a different outlook...and sometimes that's all it takes. And in a group like this, it's nearly impossible to "fall down", with so many people willing to help hold you up!

Here's an interesting fact about my family that might make you laugh...two members have a terrible fear of birds. They are just BEYOND creeped out by them, with (and I quote) their pointy little mouths and their sharp little feet and those EYES... *grin*

Not me...my one weakness is ticks...I can NOT deal with them...seriously, I will take the kids to the ER if they get one on them and no one else is around, that is how bad I am...and when one gets on me...well, you can imagine the dancing and screaming that goes on! It's quite the joke at this point... Good thing I'm not adverse to laughing at myself.

 

[The4OfUs]

Welcome Nancy!!

Wow, lots of girls my DD's age on this cruise, she'll have a blast once she loosens up and makes friends...she's fairly shy at first.

Juli, Tyler just figured out that your boys won't be in the same club as him, as he'll have just turned 10 when we sail. He got sad, but I told him that we'd see them around as well, and that they're not in the clubs ALL the time... *grin*

 

[OKWMEMBER]

Chickenlady, YOU GO, GIRL!!! We are up to the task of supporting you any way we can. If we have to do boat drinks with you every day to accomplish that, so be it!!! We'll make that sacrifice!!!

Dean, you rock with the TEAM LIST, man!!!

CRUISE HAT UPDATE!!!

I talked with the Hat Guy and the hats are being silk screened on Saturday! I may be able to pick them up then, Monday at the latest! Cool Beans!!!

HADD!!!

 

[The4OfUs]

OOOPS!

I have yet to send you a check, Gary! I'll bring one on the cruise, is that cool!!??

*guilty grin*

 

[KofPShannon]

Janice - I'm impressed you got all the names straight! I'm still struggling with who's who and would be lost without Dean's lists.



Bonkinthesota & Shingle - Bridget sent an e-mail to your children. Where are you?