2006 DVC Member Cruise - SSMC06 - October 22, 2006

[cgcw]

[Well that sounds like an interesting party. I don't think I would ever consider a band for a party for a 4 year old. I think a lot of kids parties have just gotten way out of hand. Why do people need to keep up with the Jonses?

We are doing something different this year with Nick. A friend said she does this with her kids. Give them the option of a party or a "birthday buy back". The birthday buy back is instead of a party the child gets $100.
Nick picked that option for his 11th birthday because he wants to buy th nintendo ds.

Cameron & I did something different for his birthday this year too. I decided no party and we'd go to WDW instead. It was fun and probably something the two of us will not do again. But, then I felt bad when Cameron asked me about his birthday party. I guess he didn't realize the trip was in place of the party. He was fine with it once he understood, which is what really mattered. And, I probably came out ahead. Between what it costs to have a birthday party for a bunch of rowdy 11 year olds and the torture of doing it, I know I had a MUCH better time at WDW!

 

[cgcw]

Maybe I scared them this morning. They all think I'm friends with K.

Chris, you are funny!!

Yeah, and speaking of funny, who was that masked man in chat this morning.

 

[alikat99]

Actually I was just laughing at, er- *with* Amy that she did not know that. I overheard the husband telling the story, thought I told Amy. Amy must have been wondering - why in the world would they hire a rock band for a 4yo b-day party?

That's EXACTLY what I was thinking!!!

 

[bcvprincesses]

I love going to Toronto. There is so much to see and do there. I think we will have to make a trip this summer.

Cindy I think your snow is comming our way. Three inches tonight and 1 more tomorrow. Have I mentioned that I hate cold and snow.

 

[dvcChrisVWL]

I live in Toronto ... Toronto is very multicultural--we are areas of the city that are mini-cities--Chinatown, Greektown, Portuguese town etc and at times, you may not find someone in those shops in those areas of town that actually speak english--a lot of pointing and charades goes on ( I have done it in Chinatown so I know) to get what you want.Jacqui

Was that in Markham? I spent 1 1/2 years up there working with Ontario Hydro's billing system... We *loved* the chinese BBQ shops and the great sushi!

 

[cgcw]

Thank you to all on the chat this morning. I booked our cabin and I have not told anyone in the family--they were all too busy shovelling snow this morning to pay attention to what Mom was doing. It took some time but I have our cabin #7003 and just have to tell my sons--who will be 93/4 and 4.5 as well as dh about the cruise. It will be our 15th wedding anniversary so I decided to surprise him with this trip.

I am looking forward to all the great tips/news etc from you guys. Once I find a picture I will go to the site and register.

I am so excited that I could bust--probably cause I have not told anyone yet

Thanks again
Jacqui

Hi Jacqui

You've just told someone. 60,000 of your closest friends. But we're really good at keeping secrets.

Welcome!!!

 

[alikat99]

I live in Toronto where french is not spoken that much. All gov't offices etc must offer it as we are considered a bilingual country. Montreal and for that matter all of Quebec has french as their first language and do to politics (I won't even go there) they have laws about only having signs in french and that if english is even allowed it can only be a certain size etc. I learned french in school so it is not my mother tongue. To be fair, my husband's family is polish and he can speak that and I am really lost--I can make sure I get what I like to eat and a beer and that is about it. Toronto is very multicultural--we are areas of the city that are mini-cities--Chinatown, Greektown, Portuguese town etc and at times, you may not find someone in those shops in those areas of town that actually speak english--a lot of pointing and charades goes on ( I have done it in Chinatown so I know) to get what you want.

Jacqui

We know ALL about the Chinatown areas of Toronto. Chris used to work there Monday-Friday a few years ago. I visited a couple of times and was amazed at how many areas only had chinese signs.

 

[cgcw]

Good news.
I talked to my friend Tracie and she got on the cruise. She finally got thru around noon while at lunch in Epcot. Yep she is at the world and got in after me!
I told her about the boards and emailed her a link so hopefully we will have a new addition to the boards!
It will be her , DH , and twin DD's

Another friend of a friend.

 

[alikat99]

Gary and the kids just got home a bit ago. Roads are getting bad, Cameron told me someone spun out (full 180) behind them. I'm glad they are home now.

See, that's why I live in FL now and not Chicago. I was tired of driving in the snow.

 

[Stitch#1]

Cameron & I did something different for his birthday this year too. I decided no party and we'd go to WDW instead. It was fun and probably something the two of us will not do again. But, then I felt bad when Cameron asked me about his birthday party. I guess he didn't realize the trip was in place of the party. He was fine with it once he understood, which is what really mattered. And, I probably came out ahead. Between what it costs to have a birthday party for a bunch of rowdy 11 year olds and the torture of doing it, I know I had a MUCH better time at WDW!

Ahmen sister I hear you there!
Don't get me wrong I love throwing a b-day party for my son, it's sometimes the other parents. Is it so hard to rsvp to the invites. That burns my butt. Whenever Nick gets an invite to anything I always make sure to RSVP.
I've actully had parents show up with there kids and I didn't expect them because I had heard nothing and then I pray I have enough goody bags to hand out.
Ok I'm off my soapbox now, Thanks for listening.

 

[alikat99]

Cameron & I did something different for his birthday this year too. I decided no party and we'd go to WDW instead. It was fun and probably something the two of us will not do again. But, then I felt bad when Cameron asked me about his birthday party. I guess he didn't realize the trip was in place of the party. He was fine with it once he understood, which is what really mattered. And, I probably came out ahead. Between what it costs to have a birthday party for a bunch of rowdy 11 year olds and the torture of doing it, I know I had a MUCH better time at WDW!

AND, he had a 4 yo following after him, like a puppy dog!!!

 

[Romandel]

Was that in Markham? I spent 1 1/2 years up there working with Ontario Hydro's billing system... We *loved* the chinese BBQ shops and the great sushi!

Markham has a huge Asian population and it is called "Chinatown North" as it is 30 or so minutes north of downtown Toronto and the original Chinatown. It really doesn't matter which one you go to--you may not find much english at either. Markham is easier for me to get to and easier to park etc but I like the old downtown one for the "atmosphere". So you are the one I can blame for the crazy billing system that I have to put up with!!!

 

[dvcChrisVWL]

Roads are getting bad, Cameron told me someone spun out (full 180) behind them. I'm glad they are home now.

Yet *ANOTHER* reason to move to Florida - the only spinning out on the roads is when 2 cars are racing and one hits the gas too fast and stands in place - "spinning out" his tires...

 

[cgcw]

Chris and Amy do you not talk to each other except for here???? I think you have started something getting Chris to post.

I think it's neat that there are so many couple who do post. Gary and I have done that. I've seen Mark & Mary do it. I've seen curtdennis & gusgus4figaro (or whatever Karen's name is). It's cute.

Come on, hubbies, start posting!!

Those of you who are sharing an id really need to split up. One night, Stacy's husband, Jeff, joined us in chat. At first we didn't know it was him. We thought it was Stacy until he confessed that it wasn't.

And, in no time, we'll see Bruce The Shark post too. Of course, we won't know for certain if it's Bruce or Diana.

 

[mickey's five]

We've booked our second Members cruise- about time I got into this. We were on 2005 Member cruise by our selves, this time we take our three teens. DS16, DD14, & DD13. My first time on the boards, thought I'd get to know people.

 

[cgcw]

I love going to Toronto. There is so much to see and do there. I think we will have to make a trip this summer.

Cindy I think your snow is comming our way. Three inches tonight and 1 more tomorrow. Have I mentioned that I hate cold and snow.

It usually does. I remember someone saying that a lot last winter on the other thread. Was it you?

 

[alikat99]

I think it's neat that there are so many couple who do post. Gary and I have done that. I've seen Mark & Mary do it. I've seen curtdennis & gusgus4figaro (or whatever Karen's name is). It's cute.

Come on, hubbies, start posting!!

Those of you who are sharing an id really need to split up. One night, Stacy's husband, Jeff, joined us in chat. At first we didn't know it was him. We thought it was Stacy until he confessed that it wasn't.

And, in no time, we'll see Bruce The Shark post too. Of course, we won't know for certain if it's Bruce or Diana.

I agree, it's fun to meet the spouses too!!! I always tell Chris to come on and say HI, but she says we talk too much. So, I keep him updated on what we're talking about, and sometimes he stops by to say HI.

 

[dvcChrisVWL]

Markham has a huge Asian population and it is called "Chinatown North" as it is 30 or so minutes north of downtown Toronto and the original Chinatown. It really doesn't matter which one you go to--you may not find much english at either. Markham is easier for me to get to and easier to park etc but I like the old downtown one for the "atmosphere".

Yes, we were the lonely white faced folks in a sea of yellow... Many times I heard "Whot You Want?!?!?!". At first I didn't know if I made them made or was that the way they were - just the way they were (or maybe they were always mad... I dunno).

So you are the one I can blame for the crazy billing system that I have to put up with!!!

heh heh heh Sure! Actually it was built based on another utility company's billing system here in the US. All kinds of custom stuff for Canada, though. Bills in 2 languages, the ability to classify a residence as a "cottage" and only read the meter once every 6 months, the ability to rent water heaters, etc.

It was fun. We got to see the CN tower, I saw the Rolling Stones in the retractable-roof stadium (what's it called?), we saw the moose statues all around Toronto, I travelled to the Corel Center for a Hockey game, we saw the Falls frozen, we rode Maid of the Mist when the falls were not frozen, and we ate a bunch of sushi!

 

[alikat99]

We've booked our second Members cruise- about time I got into this. We were on 2005 Member cruise by our selves, this time we take our three teens. DS16, DD14, & DD13. My first time on the boards, thought I'd get to know people.

Yeah, we definitely want to get to know you!!! Tell us all about you and your family. You'll find that we are very talkative and very friendly. Just jump right in, and don't ever think that you're not welcome!!!

 

[cgcw]

AND, he had a 4 yo following after him, like a puppy dog!!!

You know that most amazing part of that? Cameron didn't mind.

10 years from now I'm sure it's going to be a different story. Chris might mind then.

For those who don't know, when Cameron & I went down to WDW in October for his birthday, we met up with Amy & her family at MK. Cameron & Emily had a great time. They even rode Snow White together! Emily was SO cute and animated. We had a lot of fun. The best part was her discussion with "push" the trashcan. How that trashcan could understand the little whispers Emily was saying, I still don't know.