8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC #11

[KSDisneyDad]

I guess I might not have told everyone, or it may have been missed. This is a link to what happened. My friend owns the house, her son lives there and the young woman who was killed was his roommate...not girlfriend by any means...just roommate.

http://www.azfamily.com/news/homepa...x_local_news_070808_deadly-fire.38a45a73.html

That's horrible. I'm so thankful your son is okay, but thoughts and prayers to the victim's family.

I sure hope that Southwest doesn't jump on the rearranging-flights-bandwagon or the nickel-and-dime-everyone bandwagon... That's who we're flying for this trip and for our WDW trip later this year.

Wow I don't think I want to pack something extra... We always end up repacking at the scale at the airport Yep we're those annoying people

Don't worry -- we are airport repackers as well!! Done it many times to keep under 50 lbs and we can do it fast as we usually have a plan at the hotel just in case! We found the key is to no longer use the extra large luggage as it forces you to keep each piece smaller and lighter, but my DW is the queen of packing and can fit a lot of stuff in one suitcase!

With respect to SW, I think we're okay for fees for quite a while as their current ad program is "Freedom from Fees". Also, since they don't have a hub and spoke style flight schedule, they very rarely change or cancel flight times. I've flown on them for years and have never had them change a flight time on me. I've actually flown them from Orlando to Denver with less than 10 people on board just because they had to get the plane to Denver to pick up the next set of passengers.

Nowadays I get pretty extreme with meat preparation - the real problem if stuff is cooked propertly is contamination after the fact.

So basically as soon as the meat is put on the grill, every utensil and plate that I use before the food is cooked gets thrown into the dishwasher, packaging is tossed and the surface area cleaned, and I wash my hands, etc. If I use a spatula to turn the burgers, I'll clean them (or if BBQ hold it over the hottest part of the heat) after the first turning to make sure it's cleaned from the previous contact with raw meat.

I'm even more careful with chicken (salmonella can be just as unpleasant as E.Coli).

It does make for extra dishes and trash, but I think it makes a difference.

We're the same way! Our oldest DS got salmonella when he was six months old (probably from chicken or turkey -- it was the day after Thanksgiving). Horrible to watch a little one just get sick over and over and to have the doctor tell you the only thing they can do is let it run it's course.

 

[pdarrah]

Hi All!

Just wanted to quickly post about the Mid-West Mini Meet tomorrow. The current forcast has "Scattered T-storms" through the early afternoon. The percentage chance of precipitation is dropping throughout the day and is gone by 9PM so we should be fine for the fireworks.

As you probably know, the weather around Chicago can be pretty changeable - so we could have a beautiful day with little white puffy clouds or a huge thunderboomer! If we get a thunderboomer for our meet, we'll just move it inside (just don't look too closely at the dust bunnies! )

I'm going to be running around all day, so I won't be on the board. But I'll be back tonight (taking a day off work and going shopping with my mom)

Pamela

 

[KSDisneyDad]

For some reason I am starting to get panicky about the next 5 weeks.
Being on vacation a couple of weeks ago really showed me that my "back-ups" are just not "up-to-speed". I came back to a lot of issues I had to end up taking over. That means that I am going to have to work way more the next 5 weeks to get the particuraly needy clients taken care of so they can last w/ out me for 2 weeks. I normally work part-time so that is out for a while.
I had the idea last night of laying out the outfits for the girls and taking digital pictures of them. That way even though I cannot pack their clothes now, it will make it easier when I do pack. Print out a sheet of the outfits and put them in the suitcase.
My house/animal sitter called and said she will not be here on the day we leave. She is bringing over her friend that will take over for her that day but she was our ride to the airport so now that is gone. We are debating asking a neighbor (who has offered many, many times) or get a Super Shuttle.
I am still working on clothes and the cool door signs may be a "no-go". Also, I have no fish extender.
Is reality hitting anyone else about now?

Reality, panic, fear, nervousness, anxiety....you name it!

 

[sk8ingmom]

For some reason I am starting to get panicky about the next 5 weeks.
Being on vacation a couple of weeks ago really showed me that my "back-ups" are just not "up-to-speed". I came back to a lot of issues I had to end up taking over. That means that I am going to have to work way more the next 5 weeks to get the particuraly needy clients taken care of so they can last w/ out me for 2 weeks. I normally work part-time so that is out for a while.
I had the idea last night of laying out the outfits for the girls and taking digital pictures of them. That way even though I cannot pack their clothes now, it will make it easier when I do pack. Print out a sheet of the outfits and put them in the suitcase.
My house/animal sitter called and said she will not be here on the day we leave. She is bringing over her friend that will take over for her that day but she was our ride to the airport so now that is gone. We are debating asking a neighbor (who has offered many, many times) or get a Super Shuttle.
I am still working on clothes and the cool door signs may be a "no-go". Also, I have no fish extender.
Is reality hitting anyone else about now?

Great idea with the outfit photos!

Reminds me of making the kids build a "hockey boy" on the floor before we leave for a tournament. They have to lay all their gear out just like they put it on to make sure they have everything. Come to think of it, I've seen DH build an "officer boy" on the bed when he is taking his uniform somewhere instead of wearing it.

I'm making lists so far. Lots and lots of lists.
I have a spreadsheep for family dinner outfits. Haven't really thought about daytime yet.

MY FE was easy...a wonderful friend made it for me! We are making FE gifts & a contraption that is integral to the assembly process is broken, so I'm awaiting a replacement part. I may be making FE gifts on the plane to LA!

Door signs. I wasn't planning on doing many. Not sure I'll get to any of them since I am spending computer time working on the kids cruise journals and the pirate navigator.

My goal for this weekend is to get the Cub Scout projects finished and off the bed in our guest room so I can start laying out and sorting TOAL stuff - the things we won't use between now and them.

I'm missing budget draft #2 at work. It is going to the board the day I get back. Since I won't be here to fight for things, I'm a bit afraid of what my department $$ is going to look like for the entire next fiscal year.

Truthfully, most of the preparation is fun for me. Like this thread, and my obsessive planning, it extends the vacation. But I am seriously stressed about having the kids ready for school before we leave on vacation. Our plane lands 7 hours before the first day of school!

 

[lbgraves]

For some reason I am starting to get panicky about the next 5 weeks.
Being on vacation a couple of weeks ago really showed me that my "back-ups" are just not "up-to-speed". I came back to a lot of issues I had to end up taking over. That means that I am going to have to work way more the next 5 weeks to get the particuraly needy clients taken care of so they can last w/ out me for 2 weeks. I normally work part-time so that is out for a while.
I had the idea last night of laying out the outfits for the girls and taking digital pictures of them. That way even though I cannot pack their clothes now, it will make it easier when I do pack. Print out a sheet of the outfits and put them in the suitcase.
My house/animal sitter called and said she will not be here on the day we leave. She is bringing over her friend that will take over for her that day but she was our ride to the airport so now that is gone. We are debating asking a neighbor (who has offered many, many times) or get a Super Shuttle.
I am still working on clothes and the cool door signs may be a "no-go". Also, I have no fish extender.
Is reality hitting anyone else about now?

DD wants me to tell you that she thinks you have a very cute doggie.

I am considering packing up some outfits for the kids in the next couple weeks. I use the ziplock packing plan so that they don't get mismatched and we end up with a bunch of items that cannot be coordinated no matter how much we try. LOL! They have enough clothes to wear without those and I do not want to end up doing laundry the day before we leave. This is the first time we have not cruised in December where I just packed as I put the summer clothes away in October, so this is a new experience for us.

 

[lbgraves]

I missed it, what's the link?

www.vistaprint.com

If you order through ebates.com you will get 10% back on your order too.

 

[jship210]

COLOMBIA
February 05, 2008

This Travel Warning updates and reminds American citizens of ongoing security concerns in Colombia. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Colombia. While security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, violence by narco-terrorist groups continues to affect some rural areas and cities. The potential for violence by terrorists and other criminal elements exists in all parts of the country. For additional details about the general criminal threat, please see the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Colombia. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Colombia issued June 4, 2007.

Violence has decreased markedly in many urban destinations, including Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Cartagena. Cali continues to experience more violence than most other large cities, and the level of violence in Buenaventura remains high. Small towns and rural areas of Colombia can still be extremely dangerous due to the presence of narco-terrorists. Common crime remains a significant problem in many urban and rural areas.

The incidence of kidnapping in Colombia has diminished significantly from its peak at the beginning of this decade. Nevertheless, terrorist groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN) and other criminal organizations continue to kidnap and hold civilians for ransom or as political bargaining chips. No one is immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. The FARC continue to hold three U.S. government contractors, having captured them when their plane crashed in a remote region of the country in February 2003. In January 2008, the FARC kidnapped six Colombian tourists from a beach on the Pacific coast in Chocó Department. Although the U.S. government places the highest priority on the safe recovery of kidnapped Americans, it is U.S. policy not to make concessions to or strike deals with kidnappers. Consequently, the U.S. government’s ability to assist kidnapping victims is limited.

U.S. government officials and their families in Colombia are permitted to travel to major cities in the country, but normally only by air. They cannot use inter- or intra-city bus transportation, or travel by road outside of urban areas at night. All Americans in Colombia are urged to follow these precautions.

As the Department develops information on potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threats through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens should consult warden messages for Colombia at http://bogota.usembassy.gov/acs_wardenmessage.html , as well as the Department of State’s Country Specific Information Sheet for Colombia and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers can also get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. or Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

IMO DCL would not put itself in the postion of liabilty if there was any chance of a DCL passenger getting kiddnapped. Having a few friends that are in Law Enforcement in large cities in Columbia, I asked if there were issues of safety for cruise passengers. One agent told me there was more likley the risk of food and water contamination than being a victim of crime. He recommends staying with groups. As with any excursions outside your comfort zone, keep aware of your surroundings, if you get that feeling that maybe you shouldn't go down that road or alley, Don't.
Tell your children about the dangers of drinking unsafe water and not to take any food that you have not checked.
While we are all on vacation, we should enjoy it, but not loose sight of where we are. IMO only.

 

[PBader]

Hey M, you might want to ask DCL about bringing the hockey stick. RCCL specifically says you can't bring them onboard. I remember you saying you wanted to find one in CA. I was reading that the other night and thought of you all.

 

[Downrivermama]

Hi All!

Just wanted to quickly post about the Mid-West Mini Meet tomorrow. The current forcast has "Scattered T-storms" through the early afternoon. The percentage chance of precipitation is dropping throughout the day and is gone by 9PM so we should be fine for the fireworks.

As you probably know, the weather around Chicago can be pretty changeable - so we could have a beautiful day with little white puffy clouds or a huge thunderboomer! If we get a thunderboomer for our meet, we'll just move it inside (just don't look too closely at the dust bunnies! )

I'm going to be running around all day, so I won't be on the board. But I'll be back tonight (taking a day off work and going shopping with my mom)

Pamela

Really looking forward to this!

I have a plaque I got at an art fair. It says," You Can Write in the Dust. Just Don't Date It!"

 

[jship210]

www.vistaprint.com

If you order through ebates.com you will get 10% back on your order too.

we used vistaprint for our door magnets, quality was great, price was too.

 

[jship210]

No, I haven't used any Disney images on them before. I have used them for change of address/business cards, address lables, and self inking stamps.

We did the DCL name tag that Tom makes as well as the Mickey Mouse Pirate, and the Trip Schedule Brooklyn made. All came to us without a hitch.

 

[PBader]

Hi All!

Just wanted to quickly post about the Mid-West Mini Meet tomorrow. The current forcast has "Scattered T-storms" through the early afternoon. The percentage chance of precipitation is dropping throughout the day and is gone by 9PM so we should be fine for the fireworks.

As you probably know, the weather around Chicago can be pretty changeable - so we could have a beautiful day with little white puffy clouds or a huge thunderboomer! If we get a thunderboomer for our meet, we'll just move it inside (just don't look too closely at the dust bunnies! )

I'm going to be running around all day, so I won't be on the board. But I'll be back tonight (taking a day off work and going shopping with my mom)

Pamela

Can I say I am a little jealous. Wish I was going. You all have a great time and post some pics

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Gm

Presently 78 going up to 93 here in Sunny Central Florida.

and prayers to everyone who is going to need it today

aboard to all the newbies

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to all we have missed

T.G.I.F.

 

[tom31b]

I can't sleep.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
The investigators will finally be done (we think) with my friend's house and we're going to go in salvage what we can. From what we've heard, it's an ugly scene...but we want to remove any "icky" trace of the victim before her family goes in.
I am so not looking forward to this at all. Duh...another idiot remark. Who would be?
DD Jordan wants to go because she's thought of a career in forensics. This might be just what she needs to see to decide. I'm told the family pets are still in the house.

I don't envy you, its never an easy thing to do.

I don't know that there will be any "icky" trace there, when its indoors, there tends to be less evidence of police investigation. I would suggest opening window to let smoke smell out (even though the roof is open, the odor is trapped in curtains, bedding, walls, etc.).

If there is any blood, etc. then bleach is best, although it may ruin finish/carpet, etc. As far as the pets go, when we have pets killed in fires, we will have a couple of firefighters dig a grave in yard and bury them there (although I'm sure this violates all kinds of laws). Seeing a deceased pet can be as tough on some people as seeing a loved one.

I don't know if I can offer much, but having dealt with this type of stuff for 25+ years, let me know and I will be glad to chat.

 

[sk8ingmom]

Hey M, you might want to ask DCL about bringing the hockey stick. RCCL specifically says you can't bring them onboard. I remember you saying you wanted to find one in CA. I was reading that the other night and thought of you all.

Thanks Paula. I sent DCL an e-mail a while back. Haven't heard yet.
They allow golf clubs, so I don't know why they wouldn't allow hockey sticks.

 

[PBader]

Thanks Paula. I sent DCL an e-mail a while back. Haven't heard yet.
They allow golf clubs, so I don't know why they wouldn't allow hockey sticks.

I just thought it was weird that RCCL's said hockey sticks. Hopefully, your ds will be able to practice onboard.

 

[bellelinus]

hehe I was only teasin' really........ but maybe I'll apologize in advance JUST IN CASE they hear my kids arguing. ugh they better quit this arguing phase while we're on the cruise- I'm serious. I've about HAD IT UP TO HERE AND I CAN'T TAKE IT NO MORE!
(now I remember why by the end of the summer I'm ready for school to start LOL)

I know you were kidding about your kids . . . believe me, if someone hears noise from them it won't be the first or last time that has happened on the ship, by a long shot! My noisiest cabin was on the Med 11 night last summer, we were next to four college aged guys

Quote:
Originally Posted by smeecanada
FE giftsWord of caution - it might be a good idea to keep the rest of the gifts secret. I not sure how to say what I want to say tackfully - so let's just say to remember that this is a very diverse economic group.



As I understood it, just because you participate in the FE does NOT mean you have to give ANYTHING.
I am sorry if I offended anyone. They are 19 cents each.
I totally understand if someone can not give anything at all but still participates by having their name on the FE list.
I do not expect ANYTHING from anyone.
My joy is in giving these to people.
I wasn't trying to offend or put anyone down.

I've tried to make it clear that the FE exchange should be as TRULY "hassle free" as possible . . . believe me, what people give out varies widely and no one keeps track of it, especially with so many participants. This should be fun, not a competition . . .

Frontier Airlines changed the flight we booked on 9/1 - from Orlando - to San Francisco. Our original time was 3:05pm - only one flight per day -

SOOOO - they changed it to 8:30 am!!!!

Needless to say - I had to change airlines - and pay more for the return fligt!!
Bummer.

That's too bad, Chris.

I can't sleep.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
The investigators will finally be done (we think) with my friend's house and we're going to go in salvage what we can. From what we've heard, it's an ugly scene...but we want to remove any "icky" trace of the victim before her family goes in.
I am so not looking forward to this at all. Duh...another idiot remark. Who would be?
DD Jordan wants to go because she's thought of a career in forensics. This might be just what she needs to see to decide. I'm told the family pets are still in the house.

Wow, Stace, I am so sorry to hear about all of this.

Good Morning s. Wish me luck today.

 

[m&m's mom]

Great idea with the outfit photos!

Reminds me of making the kids build a "hockey boy" on the floor before we leave for a tournament. They have to lay all their gear out just like they put it on to make sure they have everything. Come to think of it, I've seen DH build an "officer boy" on the bed when he is taking his uniform somewhere instead of wearing it.

I'm making lists so far. Lots and lots of lists.
I have a spreadsheep for family dinner outfits. Haven't really thought about daytime yet.

MY FE was easy...a wonderful friend made it for me! We are making FE gifts & a contraption that is integral to the assembly process is broken, so I'm awaiting a replacement part. I may be making FE gifts on the plane to LA!

Door signs. I wasn't planning on doing many. Not sure I'll get to any of them since I am spending computer time working on the kids cruise journals and the pirate navigator.

My goal for this weekend is to get the Cub Scout projects finished and off the bed in our guest room so I can start laying out and sorting TOAL stuff - the things we won't use between now and them.

I'm missing budget draft #2 at work. It is going to the board the day I get back. Since I won't be here to fight for things, I'm a bit afraid of what my department $$ is going to look like for the entire next fiscal year.

Truthfully, most of the preparation is fun for me. Like this thread, and my obsessive planning, it extends the vacation. But I am seriously stressed about having the kids ready for school before we leave on vacation. Our plane lands 7 hours before the first day of school!

You know we REALLY need to set up "Soccer girl" . Sure would make early Sat games more stress free.
A spreadsheet for clothes? Very cool. I did look at Pam's (?) spreadsheet and it looked great. I liked Rogers' too. Might have to theirs.
I hear you on the changes while we are gone. My company is going through the biggest reorg since I have been there in 17 years. It is just a re-aligning. Not scary, you might lose your job type, but it will make major changes to my job that I will miss until I get back.
We are not married to the idea of going to the dining room every single night.
It adds a layer of stress that we have decided we are just not going to kill us to do every night. Probably only miss one of two during the 15 days.

 

[tom31b]

Don't worry -- we are airport repackers as well!! Done it many times to keep under 50 lbs and we can do it fast as we usually have a plan at the hotel just in case! We found the key is to no longer use the extra large luggage as it forces you to keep each piece smaller and lighter, but my DW is the queen of packing and can fit a lot of stuff in one suitcase!

I had an airline that changed weight limits while I was travelling (e.g. 60 lbs out and 50 lbs on return). No advertisement/advisement of this. My case came in at 50.2 lbs and they wanted to charge me more $$.

I didn't repack or pay, but did spend 10 minutes convincing them of the error of their ways!

 

[tom31b]

I had the idea last night of laying out the outfits for the girls and taking digital pictures of them. That way even though I cannot pack their clothes now, it will make it easier when I do pack. Print out a sheet of the outfits and put them in the suitcase.

One similar, but wholly unrelated thought. As we are travelling in foreign countries you may want to consider taking a picture of your whole family before leaving in the morning. Then if, God forbid, you get separated, there is a record of what everyone was wearing and a picture the police can use to help reunite you