8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC Part 15

[captaincrash]

you have to go the the simpsonizeme website & up load a picture of yourself.
That's the simponsized rendering of the real me.

How cool!!!!

... Thank You!.... I'll look at it later tonight. I gotta get running along now....

 

[allshookup]

I swear I have never dealt with death so much as lately.
First DH's Uncle being killed by the train a couple of weeks ago and today.
I got an email from a close friend that a mutual friend of ours killed her entire family and then herself today. I can't begin to tell you how out of character this was. She was just so sweet. She was such a good Mom, always up at school being room mom. PTA etc. You always saw her smiling and laughing- but not creepy/manic like. I cannot even imagine what must have happened in her mind to do something like this. We are not remotely talking about an Andrea Yates type person. I am still completely in shock.
It was not fun telling my DD that her classmate was dead and his Mom did it. They had a 7 year old DS and an 11 yo DD. Both my kids were friends with each of their kids.
This has hit way too close.
This is especially so sad when great people are looking for kids to love and make a wonderful home for and another Mom. kills hers. Just does not make sense.

How very sad! Mothers are suppose to love & nurture their children. When the opposite happens, it is so hard to comprehend. If adults can't understand, I can't imagine how children feel when getting this news. I wish you all the best during this trying time!

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

Monica I am so very sorry! I can't imagine what you must be going through right now, but please know I am thinking of you & your son & I wish you all the best!!!

I have a piece of advice. Don't do what my Mom does. She decided since she was folically challenged as well- although not bald-she would make her hearing aid less noticeable. She picked up all the hair from her haircut (all 10 of them) and glued, yes, glued them to her hearing aid. My DH saw this "thing" that looked like a rat and jumped 10 feet in the air!

This is me, simpsonized !!!

OMG & you're stunning!

Thanks Paula!

... as you kno... it's kind of a quiet visit if ya get my drift. No plans made with anyone this time. I think very few people (family/relatives/local friends) even know we're coming over.

At any rate, I am looking forward to hitting the beach everyday in the early AM or late afternoon. The Korean BBQs, evening hula shows with a box dinners - and I do look forward to surprising a few old friends - maybe.

Well... I guess... on the other hand I don't think I want to see too many people this time around. We'll just stick to small things to do this time.

Maybe we'll hit the swap meet at Aloha stadium this time around. We havn't done that in a few years.

Cheers,

Tom

Enjoy your vacation Tom! Sounds like heaven to me!

DOG SHOW STUFF FOLLOWS (Ignore at will)

I promised you the picture of Taiko's major win in MT when it came. So, without further ado...

Heeeeeere's Taiko!!!

Gorgeous!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

​

​

And all the other burthday wishes - too many images to quote. He had a big grin on his face when I was showing them to him.​

To all my Online Friends,​

​

Goofy, I know it's your birthday, so I sent you this note. Goofy, I am going to see you on one day. And I have tickets for my family and we made these cool money things. So, we don't have to have money in our pockets. And you're in the Three Musketeers. Thank you for all my birthday wishes.


Your Pal, Issac​

​

Mickey Mouse, I know that I am going to see you. But, we have Bank O Dad bucks, and we are going to use them. So, we are going to use Bank O Dad bucks to get through and all meet you or see you. And you're in the Three Musketeers. Thank you for my birthday wishes.


Your Pal, Issac​

​

Donald, I know I'm going to see you in a theatre. So, I think it's going to be my birthday there. But, it's not today. And, it's my birthday and it's Goofy's birthday today. and you're in the Three Musketeers. Thank you for all of my wishes.


Your Pal, Issac​

​

Pluto, It's my birthday. You know that one of your characters is having a birthday. And, his name is Goofy birthday today. I think you know that. and you're in the Three Musketeers. Thank you for all of the wishes.


Your Pal, Issac​

​

Andy, you did your job well with his postcards the last two years. He's convinced these birthday wishes came from, well, you can see who he thinks they came from. In fact, he wanted me to get Mickey on the phone so that he could thank him personally.​

Oh sheez, now he want's to put in "stickers".​

What a cool kid!
I hope he saw my comment. It was in a big post of mine so I'll post it again:

And Happy Birthday to Isaac! Kid with the coolest birthday ever. hehe

hehe
I'm glad I share a birthday with such a neat kid.

 

[Esteri]

Anyone know why 7 y/o boys cannot see the peas that they spilled on the floor at dinner time?

But, that's what the dog is for!
(If you haven't got one, maybe it's a message.)

She picked up all the hair from her haircut (all 10 of them) and glued, yes, glued them to her hearing aid. My DH saw this "thing" that looked like a rat and jumped 10 feet in the air!

 

[m&m's mom]

On the cruise yal are going to have to find some excuse for my Mom to turn her head sharply and you can see the "rat".
She also had a bolt drilled into her head to anchor the hearing aid. Don't recommend that one either. The "rat" snaps on to the bolt in her head. This is just so bizarre. Mind you my mother has the hours for a PhD but in different disciplines. She is also going to a highly regarded Communication Center that is a branch of Univ of Texas.
The main thing that helps my Mom and brother is to speak very clearly and not in a high voice. If I am in a hurry, my Mom cannot hear me. We have not had anyone to lose all hearing in our family yet. I hope you have the same luck.
Most people in my family have almost no hair, no hearing and have glaucoma but NO one has ever had heart problems or cancer. We joke that in our family we live forever- we just cannot see or hear and have no hair.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Anyone check their ressie lately to see if GTY converted to room #?

Funny mine just says:

Sorry, there's been an error. Please review and correct the information indicated below.
Sorry, the Confirmation Number you've entered does not match a valid Confirmation Numbers in our system. Please check your information and try again. (-20044)

 

[m&m's mom]

Miranda (7 YODD) and I were wayching the news about her friend dying. It said that the Mother had recently received medical news, implying she was sick.
My DD looked at me and said "Are you going to kill me if you get sick?"
Fortunately she is very mature and wil lbe fine.

 

[m&m's mom]

Anyone check their ressie lately to see if GTY converted to room #?

My parents were a GTY and now are assigned to room 7114. They are a cat 5. The stateroom reports show it is a good room.
I am still in room 2583.

 

[captaincrash]

My parents were a GTY and now are assigned to room 7114. They are a cat 5. The stateroom reports show it is a good room.
I am still in room 2583.

Is that to say your parents had RESERVED a cat 5 and it was given initially as a guarantee (CAT 5 or better)?

I am putting the finishing touches on some books on CD and Music I'm ripping for the trip. The lawns and hedges are cut, the kids fed, and all that's left is drive the dog over to my sisters', return CDs and Books on CD to the library, and finish the final items to pack. It's as simple as pie now! I'll be done in about 10 minutes and ready to roll then.

 

[goofyforlife]

goofy for BIP & Isaac... and Belated for Cheryl

Happy Birthday Mates...

 

[micmse2003]

Thanks Paula!

... as you kno... it's kind of a quiet visit if ya get my drift. No plans made with anyone this time. I think very few people (family/relatives/local friends) even know we're coming over.

At any rate, I am looking forward to hitting the beach everyday in the early AM or late afternoon. The Korean BBQs, evening hula shows with a box dinners - and I do look forward to surprising a few old friends - maybe.

Well... I guess... on the other hand I don't think I want to see too many people this time around. We'll just stick to small things to do this time.

Maybe we'll hit the swap meet at Aloha stadium this time around. We havn't done that in a few years.

Cheers,

Tom

Tom, Have a great time in Hawaii!!! Now I am jealous of you!!!!I think Hawaii will always be the most beautiful place in the world!!!

I love going to Aloha Stadium. Just found it the first time around by accicident. The the second time I planned my travels around when the swap takes place!!!

I swear I have never dealt with death so much as lately.
First DH's Uncle being killed by the train a couple of weeks ago and today.
I got an email from a close friend that a mutual friend of ours killed her entire family and then herself today. I can't begin to tell you how out of character this was. She was just so sweet. She was such a good Mom, always up at school being room mom. PTA etc. You always saw her smiling and laughing- but not creepy/manic like. I cannot even imagine what must have happened in her mind to do something like this. We are not remotely talking about an Andrea Yates type person. I am still completely in shock.
It was not fun telling my DD that her classmate was dead and his Mom did it. They had a 7 year old DS and an 11 yo DD. Both my kids were friends with each of their kids.
This has hit way too close.
This is especially so sad when great people are looking for kids to love and make a wonderful home for and another Mom. kills hers. Just does not make sense.

What can I say ??

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

Monica it is hard to get out of the "why me mode." I have been there so many times myself. The sooner you handle his problem, the faster he will move on!! I know it is a hard thing but we do not give enough credit how resilent children are. He sounds like he adjusting to his problem. I wish I was there to give you a big hug.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, CHERYL! I'm sorry I missed your birthday yesterday!

Thanks Bip!!! Did you call your village or town where you live???? Iin my town it is against the law to change the grade or level of your yard without a permit. Your neighbor might have to undo what she did.
My neighbor was going to change where the rain has been falling for the past 35 years I lived here. I just told my neighbor as long as the village approves then I would. He went to the other side of his house.

Although I have been reading your posts about this............It is interesting but too much math for me.


Let me explain.............They have special preserve parks around here that your dog can be off leash. You have to get a dog permit to enter. It costs 35.00 till December, but it is nice that all dogs have been checked for up to date shots ect. They even have a special area just for dogs that are 25 lbs. and under. Dante is having fun running and playing with other dogs.

I lived here all these years and never knew about dog parks. Did you go to the outlet mall yet???

Glad you had such a blessed day Cheryl

Congratulations Andy!!
Christal, I have often wondered how you and Jen were doing. Everyone has to do what is best for their own family. May you get some wonderful news soon.

Thanks Paula!!! Dreams made my birthday even more special!!!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thanks Bip!!! Did you call your village or town where you live???? Iin my town it is against the law to change the grade or level of your yard without a permit. Your neighbor might have to undo what she did.
My neighbor was going to change where the rain has been falling for the past 35 years I lived here. I just told my neighbor as long as the village approves then I would. He went to the other side of his house.

We called the inspector out here and all he cared about was the height of the fence- supposed to not be over 6ft tall but then when he got out here even though it IS higher than 6ft tall now (where they put the gap underneath about 3/4 across the entire backyard it was put higher so the gap underneath) he said it wasn't "too much" more than 6ft so it was okay.
ugh
Our covenant and restrictions/etc. for this addition only states the fences are to be certain wood or brick, no chainlink/etc. Apparently it's just something I'm going to have to fight in court because it is illegal to do what she did and make her yard run off into ours but no one besides court would do anything about it.

 

[cruisin'Mike]

Several from NJ are on this thread, me being one........... I just won't be on the cruise........

Good news and bad news from my visit to the doc today. Good news is the rash is healing nicely and I "CAN" return to work tomorrow, bad news is, one of the side effects from the Lyrica is possible weight gain. Well, I gained 8 pounds since last Monday, like "I" need to gain weight.......

I go back in a little over two weeks to see the doc for my next follow-up visit. He also gave me another scrip for a 30 day supply of Lyrica. I wish I didn't have to take this, but I need it to help keep the burning sensation at a minimum. Oh, the joys of aging..........

Andy, I finally got a chance to ketchup, and was glad to hear you're doing a little better. Also saw that Roger answered your questions about your meds.

Well, we've officially sent the email...

We notified DU that we will be cancelling. I wish I could say that it's because we got some good news. But it's because we HAVEN'T gotten any news that we're cancelling.

Now we're just going to wait and see what happens with some of the kids we've inquired about, and then maybe we'll plan a regular Magic cruise for later in '08 or early '09 when we know more about what's going to happen.

We took the week off work last week and went camping up in Michigan. During the week, we did a lot of talking and a lot of soul-searching.
A large part of our decision comes from the fact that the child/children we get will likely have some sort of issues, whether they be health or behavioral issues, issues with attachment, or just the normal issues with the transition into a new home. We know that no matter what children we get, there will likely be some pretty significant bumps in the road to our becoming a family, at least for the first year.

We're just not comfortabe making the commitment to take such a huge vacation while we'll likely still be in that "transition period". Who knows whether or not the child/children would be able to handle it. So after a long heart to heart, we decided that we'll cancel, and then we'll do another cruise later when we can have a better grasp on our situation.

So that's it. It's official. While we're sad, we know that it's the right decision for us right now. Maybe there'll be another "TOAL" in '09!

I'll still pop in here from time to time and keep you updated on things. Thanks to all of you for all of your encouraging words over the past months. This has been a tough journey for us so far, and it seems we may still have quite a ways to go.

So thanks for being a GREAT group of folks, and I will really miss meeting you all on the cruise! Hopefully I'll get the opportunity to meet some of you on a future cruise!
-Christal

Sad to hear you won't be on this trip, but you're right- there will be other TOAL's for you and your family. Just want to say that I can tell that you and Jen will make great parents. please drop in every now and then and let us know how things are going.

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

Monica, keeping you and your son in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[dahuffy]

My parents were a GTY and now are assigned to room 7114. They are a cat 5. The stateroom reports show it is a good room.
I am still in room 2583.

Nothing her yet. Most likely because I still owe so much!

 

[got2travel]

I guess what I am saying is I know it is very scary now, but the Audiologist is correct, it is amazing what they are doing these days.
I have a piece of advice. Don't do what my Mom does. She decided since she was folically challenged as well- although not bald-she would make her hearing aid less noticeable. She picked up all the hair from her haircut (all 10 of them) and glued, yes, glued them to her hearing aid. My DH saw this "thing" that looked like a rat and jumped 10 feet in the air!

First laugh I've had all day. Thanks, I really needed it.

 

[got2travel]

Miranda (7 YODD) and I were wayching the news about her friend dying. It said that the Mother had recently received medical news, implying she was sick.
My DD looked at me and said "Are you going to kill me if you get sick?"
Fortunately she is very mature and wil lbe fine.

poor girl, it's so hard for adults to understand what motivates people to do this, I have no idea how a child can process this kind of news

 

[got2travel]

Let me explain.............They have special preserve parks around here that your dog can be off leash. You have to get a dog permit to enter. It costs 35.00 till December, but it is nice that all dogs have been checked for up to date shots ect. They even have a special area just for dogs that are 25 lbs. and under. Dante is having fun running and playing with other dogs.

ok that makes sense....and I think it's a really cool idea....there are so many fights around here about leash laws, sounds like dedicated parks like this would solve that

 

[got2travel]

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm still trying to process all this. I fear it's going to be a sleepless night.

From my son's perspective, he doesn't really care about the hearing aids. He's been upset all day becuase he's not going on the Med cruise. I kept telling him he's not going, but then today when I was talking to the Dr about available days for appointments, I made it very clear that I wouldn't be in town, but that my son could still make the fitting appointments.

 

[Sarangel]

But, that's what the dog is for!
(If you haven't got one, maybe it's a message.)

When our daughter drops food on the floor, she says, "Lucky Dog." Our golden comes over and hoovers up whatever she's dropped.

 

[Verandah Man]

My parents were a GTY and now are assigned to room 7114. They are a cat 5. The stateroom reports show it is a good room.
I am still in room 2583.

We were on cabin 7116 for our first cruise, I really did like that location. Our muster drill was held in Animator's, the back stairs are very close to the cabin.