April 17, 2004 -- anyone going with us?

[ehtpnt]

Welcome Luv2dream (Lynn) you'll enjoy this thread. And yes do you like shrimp???
Linda, Taylor is going for the big stuff obviously. Maybe she wants to buy the boat?
Isn't it convient that my DH got a digital camera for Christmas. So if I really decide to try my selling abilities on ebay all I have to do is figure out his new toy. Maybe if I actually sell something I can give him a percentage of the sale. Say .0001% LOL evilly
One should never make any comment about winter in the northeast. We actually got a bit warmer a couple of days ago and I thought maybe the snow would start to melt. Then yesterday we had blue skies for about 10 minutes and then it snow showered and then blue sky again. Then when I came out of work at 6 PM it was figid and windy. OH for CC NOW!!
Estelle

 

[JLSE50]

Kind words given to RAE on:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?postid=4775074#post4775074

We had a whirlwind trip to Bethlehem PA this past weekend--blew you a kiss as we sped by Estelle--for DS#1's Master's Degree Graduation from Lehigh University. Travel days brought good weather but Graduation day was church day and as Estelle said, her Sunday School was closed so she stayed home, but DS#1's church was open so we went to church and then graduation in NASTY NASTY weather.
We even got some groceries at Wegmans but did not see you there Estelle.

Lurking on your thread and sharing from time to time is helping me pass the months of winter here in Indiana. Must admit I am doing some major wishing about going on a cruise of my own, but am so thrilled that you all are going--that is almost as much fun as if I was. Thanks for letting me share too.

Jan

 

[rae519]

Jan - thanks for sharing that link - I had no idea! But that was a pretty good assessment of me - I'm the way that I am -
does anyone want to hear what I think about my oldest son's upcoming nuptuals and intended? I don't think there are enough words to adequately express my feelings. So DON'T ASK!!!! ('nuff said, huh, Jan?!)

Rae

 

[JLSE50]

RAE: If you need to unload you KNOW you can count on us--private e-mails or on the DIS We are good listeners and full of advice--you may or may not want--but are always free to ignore.

Have a good day girl!
Jan

 

[ehtpnt]

Rae- any sharing will be accepted. I know the feelings you are having. We have a son-in-law, who is about, sometime, to be our ex. Our middle daughter has finally admitted the marriage was a mistake. But we did get two great, grand kids out of it. Didn't we Jan? Especially Ally (she's Jans' God daughter.) She is 12 and PJ the grandson and only boy under 50 around here is going to be 9. So Rae feel free anytime.

Okay Jan the next time we swing by Valparaiso we'll blow kisses. Only kidding, actually we'll play mini golf and talk about how much nicer it would be if Tom and Jan were with us. We'll be telling the dragon this of course. However with the weather the way its' been so far this winter, we'll be playing in snow. Still bitter cold here and we're due for more snow tomorrow. LOL...slightly hysterically.

I am off to Target to buy a Birthday present for the little boy going with his parents and us on the cruise. He turns 5 on the 29th. He's just made the height requirement for Mission Space. However he isn't really sure he wants to try it hes' seen the ad on television.

Talk to you all later. Estelle

PS. Jan when you talk to Tom Jr. Tell him congratulations. E

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
. I know the feelings you are having. We have a son-in-law, who is about, sometime, to be our ex. E

I keep pretending that this is all just a nightmare and when we wake up it will be like finding "Bobby Ewing in the shower" on Dallas years ago....just a very long bad dream.

If there were one person who knows him who has met her who thinks this is a "keeper", I haven't met him/her yet. Suffice it to say that Michael refuses to be in the wedding because he thinks it's a bad idea and doesn't like her......

Rae

 

[RobinMarie]

Glad more people are joining the chatter! I'm glad to see Lynn made it over here ok too!

I checked my Disney Visa rewards balance and I've almost got enough for the Tropical Rainforest pass. I've gotta tell you, this place sounds right up my alley! What options do you folks go for: a day pass, a 3 day pass, the whole cruise? And whichever you choose, how much time do you REALLY spend there?

I'm also looking for suggestions on things to do the day we disembark. We have to be at the airport around 3 or 4pm so we'll have a decent amount of time. We've done Downtown Disney enough times ... I read a few things about a zoo and the manatees but I'd appreciate suggestions.

I've been keeping up with the postings ... Rae I'm sorry to hear about your current situation and I'm hopeful it will improve. I keep hearing the phrase, "opposites attract" when I read your post.

Linda - thanks for your suggestions! We are doing a cheapy 2 night stay where someone will attempt to sell me a timeshare - it's reputable but fits the bill for the pre-cruise - cheap! I'm pretty comfortable with the direct approach at timeshares - no legal spouse so I attend the presentation alone and usually get out of there unscathed. I'm not required to attend the presentation, but 'if I want a fabulous THIRD free night' I would. NO thanks!

I'm still firming up those details but still have to decide: where to stay Friday night? Should we stay near Disney or head down to the Port? Decisions decisions! I love planning!

Estelle - still thinking about ebay? I'm no pro but there is a post on the budget board that seems to have been there for half a year with TONS of info.

Happy planning!

 

[dianthus]

Originally posted by rae519
I keep pretending that this is all just a nightmare and when we wake up it will be like finding "Bobby Ewing in the shower" on Dallas years ago....just a very long bad dream.

LOL! You are way too funny Rae ! I had forgotten all about that episode!

i]Originally posted by rae519 [/i]If there were one person who knows him who has met her who thinks this is a "keeper", I haven't met him/her yet. Suffice it to say that Michael refuses to be in the wedding because he thinks it's a bad idea and doesn't like her......[/B]

Children have great intuition! They really trust their feelings...If an 8 yr. old has doubts, then there's a cause for concern!

One question- a very important one. Does she like shrimp?
If she doesn't like them, then she just doesn't belong in your family! Tell your son it's a prerequisite - sorry, it's off! Now if she's fond of citrus concoctions, with a healthy dose of rum added- maybe there's a bit of pirate in her & this relationship is not that bad... She definitely would be your work in progress, but it sounds like much tutoring will be required! Not to worry, you're a home schooler!

Ask the hard questions Rae, get the facts out of this girl!! Is she a shrimp eatin' pirate( that rides horses too of course)? Nothing less will do for your son!

~ Linda

 

[JLSE50]

ESTELLE: You are RIGHT!! We are blessed by Mary's kids!

Sure would be fun to have you here and play mini golf at the Dragon--sorry I did not think of that last time.

Here in Valparaiso we continue to have much less snow than places to the west and east and I am not complaining. We have had cold weather, but at least not the same snow as Chicago and points east.
A couple years ago there was a BAD storm that left cars stranded on the toll road and the interstate. The next year I decided to be prepared so packed two double handled shopping bags with energy bars, 2 two liter pop bottles full of water, ski pants, sweatshirt, mittens, hat, wool sox, an old sleeping bag, coffee can, napkins and a flashlight with extra batteries and kept them in my van all the time. That winter was very mild. The next year I did not pack the emergency supplies and it was colder and snowier. This year one of my friends begged me to pack the bag, I did and it is milder again. Who knew??

ROBINMARIE: How did you find out about the Disney Rewards exchange rate for the Rain Forest? I cannot give you advice as we never go there. We walk the decks and sit in the sun and snorkle at every opportunity!

Have fun planning,
Jan

 

[dianthus]

Jan~ I'm going to pack up the back of my Jeep with a survival kit now- maybe that will do the trick & the weather will get better! We are bracing ourselves for a storm due to start Sun/Mon & they are not sure if it will stop by Tues. - yuck.... RobinMarie, you do it too at your end of the state. Maybe Jan's trick will work here in CT too!

Maybe we could send the snow to Houston for the Pats next Sunday? They could use the bad weather- they always do well in it!

RM- The rainforest room is one of my fav. places on the ship. I get the week's pass & use it 5 or 6 of the 7 days. How nice it will be free for you!

6 years ago we went down on one of those timeshare deals... The place was nice & we had a great time. The problem was it provoked us to see the vacation club at Disney to compare... 3 contracts and 500 DVC points later.... How did such a cheap trip turn into such a big purchase? We've never regretted purchasing DVC, so it's a good thing...

As for Fri. nite, bid on Priceline for the Hyatt & come on over to MCO with us. We got it for $39+tax = $50. We were going to stay there anyway, so I am so pleased.

Jan~ Can't you just stow away in Estelle's bag & join us? We'll never tell... Just wear all her clothes & get in the bag. This way there's room for you & all her stuff too! Maybe you'd just need to bring water & food for the flight down & back. Not the whole survival kit- it's warm down there, so you don't have to worry!

~ Linda

 

[ehtpnt]

LOL ---Yeah Jan you can wear my clothes. And stow away in our cabin. Can you see Phils' face!! I open my carry on and our you pop. Actually if there were any way to do it I'd probably try it.

We are in for the storm too. Starting late today and into tomorrow morning. Then it will stop and may start again on Tuesday morning. Forecast for 5-7 inches around here. Where is the brown grass when you want it. Seems like we'll still have snow on the ground when we leave for Florida in 83 days.

Rae-- if Michael doesn't like this chick something is definately wrong. Children have some sort of inner radar which says, " no not this one."

Off to church and then to lunch with our friends who are cruising with us. Have a nice day, until the snow flies. Estelle

 

[rae519]

My dear, dear friends - how you replies made me laugh and smile this morning! I had a long talk with a visiting priest yesterday and he said, "Obviously there is something that attracts them to eachother and it's out of your control." What truth lies there!

Yes, it is out of my control - and I do like that control. Possibly because it has been my experience that when I don't have control and make the decisions, that something is messed up and I am the one who gets the call to fix it regardless! Yes, control issues - we tend to forget that we are not in control, God is.

My friend Gloria came up with the perfect reply, "Just think of it this way, they are keeping two other people from being miserable. They deserve each other!" How apt!

No, she doesn't like shrimp. She does like horses. My horses didn't like her though - neither did my dog or cat. So Michael's radar is pretty accurate with the furbabies assessment!

She never had a job til last summer and she was 21 - worked 3 months. Now she's working 4 hours a week and it's stressful. Does not have the words "please" or "thank you" in her vocabulary and is unfriendly/cool to everyone in the family, including my Mom (who REALLY REALLY doesn't like her). It's rare to get more than a word or two from her and forget any type of conversation. No, she isn't shy. She is "superior" to us - or at least that's what she wrote to Chris in an email that we saw.

We furnished their apartment, brought them groceries and supplies for the past 2 years yet we are the "bad guys". We always give her Christmas and birthday gifts - have never even received a "thank you" so you know we never got a return item (not that we were looking for anything). You'd think after knowing us for 3 years, she'd at least attempt to be cordial to someone in the family! Or at least my animals would like her!!!

My son thinks the world rises and sets on her and for what it's worth - he has changed a lot. But life goes on and so will this wedding, with or without our approval.

So there it is in a "nutshell" - my issue is "control" and my feeling is that in a few years I'll be helping him get a divorce.

Sad because I always hoped that a daughter-in-law would be a welcomed part of our family since we lost our daughter, but this one is much happier when we don't have any relationship with our son - so it's going to be a long, long wait because he is going to be her husband, but he is still in our family as son, brother and grandson!!

Wish me luck!
Rae

 

[tinkattitude!]

I posted on the priceline thread on the other bulletin board, and dianthus told me to come introduce myself!
So here I am!!

Me, DH and DD (who will be turning 8 the day after cruise ends), are all sailing on this one, It is our 10th Anniversary (on the day before the cruise!!), and birthday cruise in one!

We have never cruised before, always opting for the parks, but needed a little change, and decided this would do.

We're in a 9 cabin on deck 2.

See you all there.

 

[dianthus]

Hi Tink! Glad to see you made it over here! Welcome! We should try to meet on Fri. nite at the Hyatt to say Hi! before the cruise. Anyone else at the Hyatt 4/16? Where are you from? Don't forget to have DCL, or your TA note that there is an anniversary & B day on board. They give you cute little chocolate cakes, with a white choc. ribbon on top with the ship on it! Your DD will love it!

You will love the DCL cruise. Your DD is at a perfect age. Same as Michael- Rae's son. He's been on a few, so he can show her the ropes in the club/lab.. ( unless he's at the girls are yucky stage yet... doesn't that start around 10 or so...)

Rae- you are in the DIL's are yucky stage ( LOL!) , but from the sounds of it, you have good reason to be... Too bad she wasn't the shrimp eatin' pirate type you had hoped for. It's a shame she doesn't realize how nice a MIL you could be... When are the nuptuals? Maybe there is time on your son's part to rethink this?! Michael sure sounds like a really smart one... Your horse too!

I miss the brown grass too Estelle...

Gotta go grocery shop for the storm coming...

~ Linda

 

[rae519]

Welcome tinkattitude! - Thanks for joining our thread and our cruise! You are probably thinking that we are a motley crue and we are! A mixed bag of people from all over and we will be having a wonderful time together as we get to know eachother both here and on the ship!
So welcome aboard!

Estelle and others - I have decided that I am going to stop feeling sorry for myself and just give her the benefit of the doubt, after all, he chose her - and will have to live with that decision. I am going to just stay the way I am and regardless of what nasty things she says or does, I am going to keep smiling and just be cordial. Because regardless of what she is about, I don't want to change what or who I am because of it!!

So, I'm going to be okay with this. I promise!

Rae

 

[ehtpnt]

Rae-- When your Mother and the dog and cat don't like her there is something wrong...and it isn't with them. Superior? No the superior ones are you and your family. Probably even the dog and cat. I want to cut my work hours down to 4 and claim that is stressful. Boy would my family and friends LOL at me.

Welcome Tink--since no one else asked the all important question. Do you like shrimp?? Rae and I will be the ones lurking over the shrimp with forks poised. Do not get between us and the shrimp.

The storm is due to arrive here around 10 PM and as usual the weather people can't make up their minds as to what we may get. Now they say 1 to 3 but the bad news is they say freezing rain Tuesday morning. Cast Away Cay you are looking better and better.

Off to feed the starving felines. They eat better than I do. Escept when I'm on the Magic. Talk to you later, Estelle

Ps. My DD just told me that one of the weather forecasts says it will be 46 on Friday. Can anyone say flash flood? Estelle

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
Welcome Tink--since no one else asked the all important question. Do you like shrimp?? Rae and I will be the ones lurking over the shrimp with forks poised. Do not get between us and the shrimp.

Can anyone say flash flood? Estelle

Thank you Estelle for putting reality back into my life. Yes, Tink, you must remember that we can become quite viscious when it comes to defending our shrimp! And what about orange-mango soup with rum? It's MY invention! Honestly! Although I didn't name it, another Disfriend did, the Mango Tango is exceptional over ice!!!


FLASH FLOOD!
You remember that from many, many, many years ago in PA, don't you? Who could forget that tragedy. Let's hope not!!

Supposed to have icy mix tonight here. So far, just a dusting of the white stuff. Can't go riding due to the cold, so I have enough groceries, cat litter and toilet paper to hold out for a week or so!

Rae

 

[JLSE50]

I had a nice long reply written but waited to long to post because I was watching the end of ALIAS so now it is lost. Phoooo

Thanks for all the welcoming thoughts.
I don't think I could fit Estelle's clothes as she lost a bunch of weight and looks great! I saw her Thanksgiving and was impressed. But at the time was so overwhelmed by my Mother's mental failings that I could not even express my pleasure at Estelle's accomplishment. I sure hope she has forgiven me. She sure was a great shoulder when I needed one.

I can only imagine the expression on her DH's face if I popped out of her carry-on--PRICELESS

I am sure Estelle and I could share a cabin but if you add both DH's--that would be like trying to solve one of those little square puzzles with the square boxes you move one at a time as we tried to navigate around each other... Again--PRICELESS!!

I bet Michael is one of the boys who thinks girls are decent people his whole life. There are some like that and I think they are assets to the world!

RAE: We are impressed with your determination to remain true to yourself and not let the situation with DIL and DS#1 get you down. You are fixer--it is a gift. Not everyone has it. Hopefully you won't have to help DS#1 through a divorce.

How is the WEATHER!!?? Is everyone prepared like Rae? With

groceries, cat litter and toilet paper

???

Jan

 

[JLSE50]

A new thread about a Cruise Devotional was started:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=495632&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
sounds good.

Jan

 

[dianthus]

Originally posted by rae519
And what about orange-mango soup with rum? It's MY invention! Honestly! Although I didn't name it, another Disfriend did, the Mango Tango is exceptional over ice!!!
Rae

I am the disfriend that named your drink the "Mango Tango" for you Rae! enjoy!

I have this uncanny knack of assigning everything & everyone for that matter my own little names/titles... (Some good, some bad... ) I have earned the title "The Namer" by family, friends & biz colleagues- for some reason they always seem to stick... Maybe it's my marketing background... It's become a friend/family thing. We have little codes/names for everything- it's kinda wierd, but fun! I got busted once really badly-

We had a neighbor years ago when Taylor was little that we didn't know, so we called them "The Bats", as they NEVER had their lights on at night in their house. We took Taylor Trick or Treating & went to their door when she was about 4. The lady said what's your name honey, & Tay replied- I'm Taylor & I know your name- MRS. BAT!!! I almost died! I said - Oh, she's mistaken, let's go! Taylor said- Oh No Mom! This is the house you always say- Oh my god- look the Bats have their lights on! The lady cracked up and said - My husband will love this- The BATS! He thought everybody called us CHEAP! Wait 'til I tell Batman...!!!

Thought I'd share with the "PLU" in this group...
PLU= people like us! )

~ Linda