9/19/09 Western Magic

[dennismcneely]

Has anyone got their cruise documents yet?? I'm hoping very soon as we leave on in just 9 days!!

When do you leave? We leave Madrid for Atlanta (via London) on September 6th

 

[LoriS]

Has anyone got their cruise documents yet?? I'm hoping very soon as we leave on in just 9 days!!

Mine should arrive today. They were sent yesterday UPS 3 day select.

 

[gvivanco]

I hope I didn't make it worse. Really most things that live in the ocean are relatively harmless. They usually will leave you alone unless you harass them. Barracuda, eels, sharks, etc. We have dived with them all with no problem. Of coarse we don't swim right up to them and try to pet them either.

We actually went on a shark dive in Tahiti (quite by accident I assure you) and I was surprised at how little interest they had in us. We had just been certified before we went there and were so excited to dive that one of the first things we did when we checked into our all inclusive resort was to go to the dive center and sign up for the very next available dive. We didn't even look to see what type of dive it was. We didn't find out it was a shark dive until we arrived at the reef and the dive master started talking about how we all should hold onto the bottom because if we started floating up the sharks would think we were part of the chum (the bloody food they put into the water to attract the sharks) and that would be bad. My DH and I just looked at each other with shock on our faces-Yeah, that would be bad. Of coarse we acted like it was no big deal to the dive masters and other divers (yeah, we go on shark dives all the time-no big deal!) We were supposed to feel totally safe though because the dive master was going to be there between us and the sharks with these sticks that had a sharp knife on the end. Yeah, they were just going to poke the shark on the nose and he'd swim away. Uh huh. Armed with that bit of comfort we took the plunge. They chummed the water and very soon three sharks that were about 11-12' long started circling our group. So much for the dive masters being between us and the sharks. They circled us about three times checking us out. I can't lie, It was a little freaky looking a 12' shark in the eye and making eye contact. They were just curious though and then when they had their curiosity satisfied they ate the chum and swam away.

Most things in the sea are the same. They won't get aggressive unless they feel attacked or threatened in some way (except great white sharks- those guys are just mean- bullies!) If you just go about your business they will leave you alone. Anyway long story to say not to worry about the Barracuda in Castaway Cay or Cozumel or Cayman or wherever you see them. Nothing to worry about. Unless you go try to pet them with your gold sequin bathing suit on. Then you may have something to fret about

Wow - what a story!! I just got certified a couple of months ago and I would FREAK OUT! I have to admit, I probably would have bowed out and said this is a little out of my comfort zone......you are much braver than I! Great story, though!

 

[mamajojo]

Hi... I am sorry I am about to be a downer,,, so if you don't want to read this post, I totally understand...

I need to get something off my chest, that has been weighing heavily on my mind...and my heart....

I work with a 10 year old boy that was so badly beaten and burned and left for dead by his mother's boyfriend that he has acquired brain injury... he walks with a limp from the beatings...these are just the physical scars... I can't even imagine the emotional ones. He spent a lot of time in ICU and in rehab and its a miracle he is alive.

I brought him and his little brother (who was also badly hurt) a towel with mickey on it from my last trip in July... I want to bring something special back for them again...anyone have any ideas??


He is such a special little guy and he now has no contact with his bio family and lives in a foster home. Likely he will never get to Disney

I am trying to get him a wish for make a wish foundation but I think you have to have a life threatening illness. His was at the immediate time after the beating, as he was in a coma etc.. but he is not now... How can I bring a bit of magic to these two boys... (this is when I wish I had lots of money to buy them a trip....)

Anyone have any ideas???

Denise

It makes me so sad to hear this.I don't understand how people can hurt a child...especially your own

 

[mamajojo]

I hope I didn't make it worse. Really most things that live in the ocean are relatively harmless. They usually will leave you alone unless you harass them. Barracuda, eels, sharks, etc. We have dived with them all with no problem. Of coarse we don't swim right up to them and try to pet them either.

We actually went on a shark dive in Tahiti (quite by accident I assure you) and I was surprised at how little interest they had in us. We had just been certified before we went there and were so excited to dive that one of the first things we did when we checked into our all inclusive resort was to go to the dive center and sign up for the very next available dive. We didn't even look to see what type of dive it was. We didn't find out it was a shark dive until we arrived at the reef and the dive master started talking about how we all should hold onto the bottom because if we started floating up the sharks would think we were part of the chum (the bloody food they put into the water to attract the sharks) and that would be bad. My DH and I just looked at each other with shock on our faces-Yeah, that would be bad. Of coarse we acted like it was no big deal to the dive masters and other divers (yeah, we go on shark dives all the time-no big deal!) We were supposed to feel totally safe though because the dive master was going to be there between us and the sharks with these sticks that had a sharp knife on the end. Yeah, they were just going to poke the shark on the nose and he'd swim away. Uh huh. Armed with that bit of comfort we took the plunge. They chummed the water and very soon three sharks that were about 11-12' long started circling our group. So much for the dive masters being between us and the sharks. They circled us about three times checking us out. I can't lie, It was a little freaky looking a 12' shark in the eye and making eye contact. They were just curious though and then when they had their curiosity satisfied they ate the chum and swam away.

Most things in the sea are the same. They won't get aggressive unless they feel attacked or threatened in some way (except great white sharks- those guys are just mean- bullies!) If you just go about your business they will leave you alone. Anyway long story to say not to worry about the Barracuda in Castaway Cay or Cozumel or Cayman or wherever you see them. Nothing to worry about. Unless you go try to pet them with your gold sequin bathing suit on. Then you may have something to fret about

Darn...I will have to buy a new bathing suit....and the gold sequin one was my favorite

 

[mamajojo]

Thanks for asking how I am feeling everyone. I am starting to feel a little better. Although I went shopping yesterday ( yes, more shopping) and I feel like I was hit by a truck today. I am also so paranoid about DH, myself and the kids catching a cold or the flu before we go.

Daveyc, good luck with your wedding. It won't be long now!

Paige and Karen, I hope both of you are feeling better.

I hope our documents come soon but with being in Canada AND having a TA. I think they will take a bit longer. I hope they come before we leave!

We almost have everything ready for the big reveal on Sunday. I am so excited! It is going to be amazing.

 

[gvivanco]

Thanks for asking how I am feeling everyone. I am starting to feel a little better. Although I went shopping yesterday ( yes, more shopping) and I feel like I was hit by a truck today. I am also so paranoid about DH, myself and the kids catching a cold or the flu before we go.

Daveyc, good luck with your wedding. It won't be long now!

Paige and Karen, I hope both of you are feeling better.

I hope our documents come soon but with being in Canada AND having a TA. I think they will take a bit longer. I hope they come before we leave!

We almost have everything ready for the big reveal on Sunday. I am so excited! It is going to be amazing.

Jody - sorry you aren't feeling great today. I hope you just get some rest and feel better. I know there's so much to do before we all leave for the cruise, but try not to push yourself too much!

 

[Sinderelly]

Three weeks from today we will be in Cocoa Beach! I am way too excited to be at work today!

Denise-How about a personalized Disney tshirt autographed by all the characters? If you decide to do the tshirts let me know if I can be of any assistance. I have made several Tshirts that turned out pretty good. Maybe names and favorite Disney characters? It wouldn't hurt to get some info on any services that might be available for the boys to let them know others really care. I worked for the State of Indiana in child services so I know it is hard to believe what happens to children. I have stories/memories in my head that will never leave.

Carol-Thank you for posting the info on the sea creatures. I keep thinking about that Barracuda and it's teeth. I feel better now though. I'm very glad my silver lame swimsuit is now in our yard sale.

Mamajo-Glad you are feeling better. Just take it easy.

 

[Grumpyismyfavorite]

Woo Hoo! Just checked UPS and our cruise docs are being delivered today. Now we just have to be patient 3 more weeks. I don't know if I have it in me! We are not sure if we are going to try and upgrade at the port. We were a Cat 6 GTY and got room 5150. Its all the way aft (which I like) but has a white wall verandah. Of course, I'd rather have a plexiglass verandah, but on the flip side, this cabin's verandah is supposedly slightly larger than other verandahs. I like the idea of that. Then again, I sound like a big baby when I whine, "Waahhhh, I didn't get the exact verandah I wanted, Waaahhhh!"

Kathy - How funny that we booked the same excursions? I would feel so much better knowing that Brian has someone to talk to on the snorkel excursion. I always feel so guilty for not going snorkeling with him. I'm just not a huge fan. Besides the scheduled excursions, you will find us at Serenity Bay, the adult pool, the spa, and anywhere there is food!


Holly (the other Holly )

 

[kileybeth]

Last minute FE Planning, I am having trouble coming up with something for our older teens. Adult I got, babies, no problem, kids done, I can't think of anything that the older ones will appreciate, or at least won't find out how lame I really am. SH! That's a secret don't ruin my cool reputation lol
see you all soon. Can't wait!

sugar free gum, mints, chapstick, pens, post it notes, candy, candy, candy

 

[dennismcneely]

Hi All,

My sis-in-law and her family are at Castaway Cay right now (yes, I'm jealous) We are not in touch right now, but will be as soon as they get to Cape Canaveral tomorrow morning and I will get then a full review of their cruise. I will try to post how their cruise went as soon as they call me when they get off the 'Magic'. If any of you folks would like to know something specific, just let me know and I will be happy to ask them.

You guys have all a great weekend

Dennis

 

[so_oregon]

testing posting pics....please ignore, unless it works.

picasaweb.google.com/oakeslaw/NoahAge2BirthdayParty#5347367388287786626/img

 

[Sinderelly]

Holly and Brian- We sorta booked the same excursions. DH is the only one lookin at the dusty old rocks. I will be playing with dolphins in Cozumel.
How do I check the staus of cruise docs? I tried but couldn't get any info. Are they shipped UPS USPS or? I put in our ressie number for a tracking #.

Dennis-I would love to hear how your si in law's cruise went. Any bits of info are appreciated.

 

[so_oregon]

okay, I can't figure this out--how to post pics with picasa....I want to do a trip report with pics but until I figure out the pics part, can't....

can someone dumb down the instructions for me (knowing I have the attention span of a gnat) and walk me through step-by-step? I tried the last instructions and you see above, what I get.....

 

[kileybeth]

gvivanco I don't know but I think you have a Picasa acct? Here is what finally worked for me.
click on the album,
click on the specific pic to enlarge it,
click on properties,
right click on photo and hit copy,
have your reply box open and the picture add-er-thingy open and ready to accept a picture by deleting the http:// thing already in the box ,
then right click in the box and hit paste took a few tries but now I can do it fairly easily. good luck! oh post count is only 10 to post photos.

Karen, I posted this several pages back for Gretchen and she finally got it to work for her.
I am a total techno dweeb, can't do anything w/o asking the teens or techno Dad
BUT if you can wade through my non-tech jargon this is how I got Picasa to work on the DIS for me!

 

[Grumpyismyfavorite]

Holly and Brian- We sorta booked the same excursions. DH is the only one lookin at the dusty old rocks. I will be playing with dolphins in Cozumel.
How do I check the staus of cruise docs? I tried but couldn't get any info. Are they shipped UPS USPS or? I put in our ressie number for a tracking #.

Dennis-I would love to hear how your si in law's cruise went. Any bits of info are appreciated.

I know, I know - you don't like the dusty rocks. We'll enjoy them for you!

Here is the link to check for UPS. Put your confirmation number in the "shipment reference" field. Then, enter United States and your zip code lower on the page. I happen to be home from work today and ours just got here.

http://www.ups.com/WebTracking/reference?loc=en_US

 

[tink&cinderella]

Very Exciting...


The cruise tickets have just arrived!!!!! via Fedex

 

[jonesing]

Dillards has taken an extra 40% off their clearance as well. A lot of swimwear and summer clothes.

hmmm still only 40%? We got in on the last 40% deal and an associat said there would be one more bonus sale (50%) by the end of summer. No matter, I the only things we (I) really need are some new shorts for me since my "vacation" shorts seem as little....snug

I finally got a hit on the UPS site on my cruise docs. Billing info has been received, so at least they are on the grid now. Being so close, I should have mine tomorrow or Monday at the latest.

Hey! How'd you get the tracking number?

Three weeks from today we will be in Cocoa Beach! I am way too excited to be at work today!

If I have another day like yesterday, I might not make it 3 weeks 'cause I'll be in the pokey for having done something unwise and illegal to a few ijit colleages...

Then again, I sound like a big baby when I whine, "Waahhhh, I didn't get the exact verandah I wanted, Waaahhhh!"

At least you know your limitations

Here is the link to check for UPS. Put your confirmation number in the "shipment reference" field. Then, enter United States and your zip code lower on the page.

Sweet! I hadn't thought about using the ressie as the reference number! As luck would have it, they're using UPS for our docs...

Your package is on time with a scheduled delivery date of 08/31/2009.​

 

[so_oregon]

Karen, I posted this several pages back for Gretchen and she finally got it to work for her.
I am a total techno dweeb, can't do anything w/o asking the teens or techno Dad
BUT if you can wade through my non-tech jargon this is how I got Picasa to work on the DIS for me!

it's that picture add-thingy part......I don't get that option.

 

[so_oregon]