8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC #14

[4fosterkids]

Ok. Everyone has to stop talking about flying....

think happy thoughts.... and pixie dust..... and small pills to ease your pain....LOL

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I'm beginning to feel better too. As I mentioned, we are bringing 5 normal sized checked bags plus 5 carryon size suitcases but will check them all anyway. We have two collapsable bags just in case we end up with more on the return trip.






Safe travels! If all goes well, we'll be at HoJos tomorrow night at this time.

Drive by posting again. Well if I have time I'll try to catch up on posts but I probably won't be able to! LOL

Boy last night was fun (not). See I wasn't just paranoid about our flight being late (related to using disneyland express that closes at midnight)- because sure enough our flight was delayed several times and we got to Ca shortly after midnight.... CA time. For us it was shortly after 2am! Good thing we're all nightowls huh? (although I was the one that kept dozing off on the plane- off and on because ofcourse Rita kept waking me up LOL- because they all slept Sunday night and I didn't!)

well like I thought- we got here and were starving... even though we'd eaten on the run on the way to the airport (we were running late- so we thought- but we got there and called to find gate info and found out it was delayed so we left to get something to eat) but that was at 6-ish our time- it was a full 8hrs+ later that we got to the resort (we used super shuttle and we waited about 20min to get in the van- then they drove round and round the airport trying to fill the ONE spot left on the van before finally giving up and driving us all to our hotels... so it took about an hour and a half to get from walking off the plane to our hotel)
Fortunately we spotted an IHOP on the way to HOJO and walked there after checking in --UNfortunately that place is expensive- every place here is expensive I suspect. LOL we got 2 meals and shared them and only drank water ($3 for each soda or coffee? no thanks~!) and it was still almost $30. woohoo fun LOL

then we crashed in our room and when I say crashed- I mean no unpacking besides grabbing out sleepwear and mom saying to the kids GO TO SLEEP OR ELSE and then mom (that be me) immediately falling asleep. I don't know what time they fell asleep- they were watching disney channel but all I know is they weren't talking or being loud and that's all I cared about at that point- that they lay there quietly and let me sleep. LOL that was about 3:30am CA time but 5:30am to my body still in CST. LOL

Needless to say my plans to do DL on Tuesday were shot. Oh I set the alarm early but um... none of us woke up and later when I heard it I kept hitting snooze- for like 2hrs (not kidding LOL) We finally got up about 10am and decided today was shot for DL. We want to go first thing since we only have 3 days of tickets (one day to be used on Saturday with Jeff).
so... we finally got around to getting dressed and had lunch at McDonalds.... and kids are swimming.

FYI- wireless works at the pool and the smoking area they have at HOJOs. I just went into the lobby and got the wireless to work and walked around to the pool and smoking area to see if it worked in both- it does. IDK if it will work clear up to our room on the 2nd floor- probably not. Although it does work in the hallway of the first floor.

Since we have nothing planned tonight I think we'll probably go to DTD once the kids have had enough of castaway cove.... and then to bed early so we can get up early for our first day at DL!

Oh and my overpacked carryons? they WERE overpacked- I couldn't get them in the overhead thing without removing our quart size ziplock bag of "liquid/gel" stuff from the front pockets of each and they were heavy and I'm short AND weak arms- was totally missing DH last night (LOL) but I managed it myself and I was proud of myself. Almost didn't have enough room for our carryons though because as I suspected, with checked luggage fees most people were carrying on their luggage- more than I've ever seen in the past atleast. I saw the flight attendants telling some people there was no more room in the overhead areas and they had to put their carryons on their feet! As you know there is barely room for feet/leg room let alone putting carryon luggage there. I was bummed for them. I can't imagine having to keep our 36lbs carryons on our feet the whole way! but maybe theirs didn't weigh as much as ours. LOL

The weather here is GLORIOUS!
Last night in the airport waiting for super shuttle to arrive we kept feeling a breeze that TO US felt like a/c! We kept commenting to each other about how that felt like a/c blasting on us. LOL Today it's the middle of the day and feels warm but nowhere near as hot as in Texas in the middle of the day lately. It's cooler right now here- than it is at midnight in Texas (and I know this because I was out at 11:30pm the other night in Tx and it was still 96 degrees- it's not 96 here now!) We're excited about going to DL and not having heatstroke like we were having at Six Flags last week (when we went that day it was 107....) It's going to be nice..... can't wait!

OH and was reading the book in our room in HOJO and realized you can ask for an extension for the ethernet cable in your room- it IS located with a short cable at the table between the beds but you can ask for an extension at the front desk. they just add a $35 deposit but once you return it- you pay nothing. Just FYI for anyone who wants the extension in their room.

We're wearing our lime green wristbands (woohoo) but no one has noticed us yet. LOL Ofcourse we're just at HOJO today. Is anyone else here at HOJO yet? If so, give us a ring- we're in room 1208

talk more later taters!

 

[pyramid2000]

One down...iit still has a DCL tag on it.

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

I guess I should get up in the attic and get the Disney pins. DD has been bugging me for them so they can see which ones they want to bring. Are they considered dangerous in a carry on??

Maybe I will bring down the luggage too....

I think people have posted its better to carry them on so you can show them what they are easier..we are carrying ours on.

 

[pyramid2000]

Numbers 2, 3 and 4....why are these looking so small??

 

[pyramid2000]

Ok, now the rugrats are coming out of the woodwork asking if they can go in the attic, if they can pack, if they can take a kite on the cruise...

 

[geffric]

One down...iit still has a DCL tag on it.

that is so funny.. our big one has a DCL tag on it too.. you are not alone..

 

[pyramid2000]

Drive by posting again. Well if I have time I'll try to catch up on posts but I probably won't be able to! LOL

Boy last night was fun (not). See I wasn't just paranoid about our flight being late (related to using disneyland express that closes at midnight)- because sure enough our flight was delayed several times and we got to Ca shortly after midnight.... CA time. For us it was shortly after 2am! Good thing we're all nightowls huh? (although I was the one that kept dozing off on the plane- off and on because ofcourse Rita kept waking me up LOL- because they all slept Sunday night and I didn't!)

well like I thought- we got here and were starving... even though we'd eaten on the run on the way to the airport (we were running late- so we thought- but we got there and called to find gate info and found out it was delayed so we left to get something to eat) but that was at 6-ish our time- it was a full 8hrs+ later that we got to the resort (we used super shuttle and we waited about 20min to get in the van- then they drove round and round the airport trying to fill the ONE spot left on the van before finally giving up and driving us all to our hotels... so it took about an hour and a half to get from walking off the plane to our hotel)
Fortunately we spotted an IHOP on the way to HOJO and walked there after checking in --UNfortunately that place is expensive- every place here is expensive I suspect. LOL we got 2 meals and shared them and only drank water ($3 for each soda or coffee? no thanks~!) and it was still almost $30. woohoo fun LOL

then we crashed in our room and when I say crashed- I mean no unpacking besides grabbing out sleepwear and mom saying to the kids GO TO SLEEP OR ELSE and then mom (that be me) immediately falling asleep. I don't know what time they fell asleep- they were watching disney channel but all I know is they weren't talking or being loud and that's all I cared about at that point- that they lay there quietly and let me sleep. LOL that was about 3:30am CA time but 5:30am to my body still in CST. LOL

Needless to say my plans to do DL on Tuesday were shot. Oh I set the alarm early but um... none of us woke up and later when I heard it I kept hitting snooze- for like 2hrs (not kidding LOL) We finally got up about 10am and decided today was shot for DL. We want to go first thing since we only have 3 days of tickets (one day to be used on Saturday with Jeff).
so... we finally got around to getting dressed and had lunch at McDonalds.... and kids are swimming.

FYI- wireless works at the pool and the smoking area they have at HOJOs. I just went into the lobby and got the wireless to work and walked around to the pool and smoking area to see if it worked in both- it does. IDK if it will work clear up to our room on the 2nd floor- probably not. Although it does work in the hallway of the first floor.

Since we have nothing planned tonight I think we'll probably go to DTD once the kids have had enough of castaway cove.... and then to bed early so we can get up early for our first day at DL!

Oh and my overpacked carryons? they WERE overpacked- I couldn't get them in the overhead thing without removing our quart size ziplock bag of "liquid/gel" stuff from the front pockets of each and they were heavy and I'm short AND weak arms- was totally missing DH last night (LOL) but I managed it myself and I was proud of myself. Almost didn't have enough room for our carryons though because as I suspected, with checked luggage fees most people were carrying on their luggage- more than I've ever seen in the past atleast. I saw the flight attendants telling some people there was no more room in the overhead areas and they had to put their carryons on their feet! As you know there is barely room for feet/leg room let alone putting carryon luggage there. I was bummed for them. I can't imagine having to keep our 36lbs carryons on our feet the whole way! but maybe theirs didn't weigh as much as ours. LOL

The weather here is GLORIOUS!
Last night in the airport waiting for super shuttle to arrive we kept feeling a breeze that TO US felt like a/c! We kept commenting to each other about how that felt like a/c blasting on us. LOL Today it's the middle of the day and feels warm but nowhere near as hot as in Texas in the middle of the day lately. It's cooler right now here- than it is at midnight in Texas (and I know this because I was out at 11:30pm the other night in Tx and it was still 96 degrees- it's not 96 here now!) We're excited about going to DL and not having heatstroke like we were having at Six Flags last week (when we went that day it was 107....) It's going to be nice..... can't wait!

OH and was reading the book in our room in HOJO and realized you can ask for an extension for the ethernet cable in your room- it IS located with a short cable at the table between the beds but you can ask for an extension at the front desk. they just add a $35 deposit but once you return it- you pay nothing. Just FYI for anyone who wants the extension in their room.

We're wearing our lime green wristbands (woohoo) but no one has noticed us yet. LOL Ofcourse we're just at HOJO today. Is anyone else here at HOJO yet? If so, give us a ring- we're in room 1208

talk more later taters!

You are doing a trip report when we get back, right???
Glad you got there in one piece. Have fun!!!

 

[disfreaks]

Hang in there Bip! I know you will conquer all. After that experience, you can do anything!!!!

 

[pyramid2000]

I have lanyards come out the wazoo!!! Guess when I unpacked I just took out the essentials...

 

[micmse2003]

I have them in an envelope in my carry on..don't trust they wont yet damaged with the tossing of the suitcases..also that way..i have something to do when I get to my room while waiting for my luggage!

I also like to put up my magnets first thing while waiting for suitcases.

Hi Cheryl....I did get the tickets....DD has to press the 'confirm' button for me. I just couldn't get myself to do it!

Still have to get the return tickets. DH hates to wait at the airport, but I don't want them to miss it either. Yes, I am NOT flying home from Florida...

Where are you flying too???

Well, I just checked in to the airport hotel -- La Quinta Inn, Elk Grove Village, IL.

Will catch the 6:00 a.m. shuttle tomorrow morning and take off at 9:00 a.m. for sunny California. Check in to Grand Californian tomorrow afternoon and anticipate the cruise!

Looking forward to meeting all of you!

You are about 8 miles from my house. Now if I felt like cooking...O would invite you over. I am living off of whatever we can find in the refrig which is not much!!

Ok...so..those of us still sitting here dreaming of the day we get to leave to start our TOAL...just because question..

What is the one thing you packed (or expect to pack) that you are pretty sure you probably won't use even though you HAD to pack it?

A Lime Green visor because DH thinks I need a hat!!

Pepto bismal (I hope!) That is my goal anyway!

Imodium too!!

I think people have posted its better to carry them on so you can show them what they are easier..we are carrying ours on.

I just think it might show weird when Magnets are x-rayed so why take the chance of security going through your suitcase.

 

[pyramid2000]

Oppps, I forgot we usually borrow luggage. The problem for us is that everytime we buy luggage, DH's brother or his friends 'borrow' them when they go home (to Egypt) and they never quite make it back.(They usually bring one pice of luggage to the U.S. but take 2 or 3 when they go home filled with gifts)

I still remember the first time I went to Egypt with DH. His poor mom had 6 or 7 pieces of luggage shoved under beds! We brought so many home stuffed inside each other.

 

[pyramid2000]

OMG!! DD 9 was reading over my shoulder and asked what DH meant. When I told her dear or darling husband she said," I thought it meant DUMB husband!"

 

[pyramid2000]

Where are you flying too???

DH is flying the girls home. I am either driving or taking the train home...

 

[rillsung]

BLM as in Bureau of Land Management?

Yep that BLM. Something about the Valles Caldera (which is in the Jemez) office or something.

 

[pyramid2000]

At least I found something for the girls to do right now. They have torn out lanyard, pins, magnets, pencils, etc and, well, now there is even more to clean up.

So now they are measuring the luggage and I am checking on US Air website to see what the max is...

 

[danfromca]

Last minute cruise question....

Do you pack your door magnets in your carry-on or checked bag? We've never had them, so I don't know!
(Sorry, kind of a silly question, I know). My brain is overloaded and tired right now.

Thanks!

Checked bag. I know it's being excessively paranoid, but my laptop is in my carry-on, and hard drives are magnetic. Sure the door magnet is weak and the drive shielded, but I'm still old fashioned enough to want nothing even remotely magnetic near my laptop.

OMG!! DD 9 was reading over my shoulder and asked what DH meant. When I told her dear or darling husband she said," I thought it meant DUMB husband!"

And how did you explain ST ?

 

[MrsScooby]

But I did a ten% incline too!!! How many calories do you think a Chocolate Lava Cake has in it>

No counting calories on vacation
Not allowed

A couple of quick prayer/good thoughts requests.....

1) That our SIL's mother makes a full recovery. She has lung cancer that they think they caught early. She's already had the surgery.

2) that the couple that are trying to buy one of our *extra* houses can quailify for the loan. We are giving them a tremendous deal (dh knows them) and he was going to be doing the *fix* up work for us to get it ready for sale anyway...Dh told him that he would sell it to him for $40,000 off the going rate for the neighborhood if we didn't have to do any of the clean up, fix up, etc.... Most of the fix up is cosmetic (all of it is upstairs -- the bathrooms up there needed to be updated) since we had the downstairs completely redone in the last 2 yrs. All new kitchen, etc.....

Praying that they caught her cancer early
Hope all goes well with the house sale too

No, due to some paperwork issues and some things that were done terribly wrong by the county, we were not able to adopt the 2 girls we were going for. It was heartbreaking, and really tough emotionally for both of us. It's been a year (one year on Sunday to be exact...). I still think about those girls all the time and wonder where they are and who they're with.

But things are going well for us now, and we're settling into our new house. We're finishing up on a bathroom remodel, and then we're going to put the nursery together . We're having a home visit from the state (we'll need our homestudy rewritten to reflect that we've moved, and we need to have the house approved). Then we're going on the list to foster newborn babies. We're going into it knowing that they'll likely go back to their bio families, but we do hope to adopt one of them someday.

Anyhow, I won't bore you with any more details. You all have more important things to do, like pack and get started on your vacation!!!

Have a GREAT time everyone!! I'll be thinking about you all!!

-Christal

Not boring at all. My Dad spent the first 13 years of his life in foster homes before he was adopted. You'll be saving someone's life

I know I would be taking less stuff if I just booked. I wouldn't give up these last 18 months for anything. It's been quite the ride.

Very much so Almost don't want to start the trip because then it's the beginning of the end

For those who haven't left yet, I'd like to wish all of you a Bon Voyage and here's wishing you the best cruise ever on your TOAL!!!

Hey Andy We're missing you. Glad everything is going well though.

I am close. working til 2:00 on Friday (my normal time) and I thought I was going to have to be back on Tuesday but my boss reminded me I took it off.
Since I work from home it should not be too bad starting the work week on Wednesday.

Coral I just started working from home
Really takes a lot of the stress out of my life

Well, I just checked in to the airport hotel -- La Quinta Inn, Elk Grove Village, IL.

Will catch the 6:00 a.m. shuttle tomorrow morning and take off at 9:00 a.m. for sunny California. Check in to Grand Californian tomorrow afternoon and anticipate the cruise!

Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Hey Mike
We're looking forward to meeting you too

 

[4fosterkids]

I have lanyards come out the wazoo!!! Guess when I unpacked I just took out the essentials...

lol........
your post made me wonder..........what exactly IS a wazoo???
Crash??? I'm sure you will have a visual wazoo somewhere....
or maybe we can't post a picture of one since its a family board...I dunno...

I'm having THAT kind of day....I feel a bit A.D.D.ish.

back to my lists......good news is they are getting smaller!

 

[captaincrash]