August 13, 2011 Med - Mickey's Marauding Mates

[BWV Dreamin]

Hope - of course ALL of these flight schedules are subject to change drastically between now and next year BUT...just wanted to say that you can also look for a cheap flight on Air Tran or SW to say NYC (JFK) or Atlanta or Philly and then you CAN get direct flights between BCN and those cities if you'd rather transfer on American soil. From Atlanta you can go direct on Air France / Delta (codeshare). From Philly on Spanair which codeshares with US Airways and from JFK there are multiple choices - AA, Continental, Delta & United I think all offer non-stops. (Delta round trip is currently $1,004 thru JFK.) I will consider this option when it comes time to book which won't be before Sept. anyway.....

Please keep me in the loop before you book your airfare. That is a good idea about catching a short flight in the states than staying on the plain non stop. How far ahead do we need to book?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Great, there is one 5 minutes from my house!!! Will check it out! I just bought a third matching 25 inch piece of luggagefor the trip, 65% off thru Kohl's. So I have a 19 inch carry on, big oversized tote bag, and now this 25 inch bag. Everything better fit!!

Ya'll will never guess what I found today! I went shopping to get some new shorts for DS (he recently had a growth spurt & got a lot taller...so some of his shorts from last year are too short on him & his gangly skinny knees are poking out the bottoms & he looks silly). ANYWAY, I found REVERSIBLE shorts for MEN!!!! The were cute (I thought). Solid on one side & plaid on the other. They were on sale half off (only $15) so I got a pair for DH to see how he likes them. I got sort of a khaki color & the inside is khaki, white & orange plaid. They also had cheap lightweight polo shirts for $15 so I grabbed an orangey color one of those too to be sure he had something to match... But how perfect is that for packing on a trip like this one next year!?! Two shorts in one! I hope he likes them - they had them in a gray color with a blueish plaid inside too...I could go back for more!! Our anniversary is this Sunday so I'll give them to him then. We had agreed not to exchange gifts - I just want to go OUT to eat rather than order take-out for once but this doesn't really count as a gift, right? It's really just a little wardrobe maintenance, right?!

(Hope - this was at 'Old Navy' if you have one of those near you...)

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=45495&vid=1&pid=750898

 

[Anal Annie]

Hey there peeps! What's goin' on?! Where are our UK peeps these days?!

So I start my PT Temporary job on Monday... Work! I have become so lazy!! I am trying to get a lot done this weekend in preparation for going back to the real world next week. No days next week to throw in a load of laundry whenever I feel like it. I really hope that I DO end up getting a fair amount of hours to work though. I heard this morning that they received a 72% return on the census forms. So I hope that translates into 10 weeks of work for me to find my alloted 28%!!

After searching EVERYWHERE I have decided on the patio furniture that I want but have not made any purchases YET. I think it will have to be purchased in chunks - some here...some there. I found the best deal on a "Hanamint" fire pit at a patio store down in Rockville (Offenbachers) and have found the best price on the rest of the furniture at an online retailer out of of Arizona. I orig. wanted some all weather (faux) wicker but have since decided against getting cushions. So I now want this "Tropitone" sling set with recliners & ottomans etc. I have picked one fabric for those...then LATER, down the road I want to replace our outdoor table & chairs with the same style furniture but have picked a slightly diff. fabric for those chairs - just so everything isn't TOOOOO matchy matchy. But so I am hoping what I picked out doesn't get discontinued b4 I get around to buying all of it...my plan is to purchase this fire pit and seating group sometime over this summer and then hopefully get the dining set for next year.... Not the IDEAL way to do it but I want to make sure I have the $$ saved up before I spend it!! KWIM?

Well, off to do more and some housework....

Ciao!!

 

[Kels Sem]

Hi all I've been at work the last couple of days and also out in the evenings so I haven't been on line.
I've just been on facebook and today The Magic sets sail for it's first Med cruise of the season. They had the drill about an hour ago so I'm sure they have now left Barcelona. Someone is giving a sort of picture commentary on Facebook. it said that the terminal is pretty boring and nothing like Port Canaveral.

Good luck for starting your new job this week LeeAnn

I really like the idea of those reversible shorts my DH would probably love them. What did your DH think of them? I must look out for them when I'm in Florida. There is an Old Navy in the Premium Outlets I think.

I told you all before I had ordered the Passporter guide to Disney Cruiseline. Well Amazon have now cancelled my order as their supplier have been unable to supply the new book, so I'm very disappointed I add been really looking forward to reading it. I might see if I can source it from somewhere else.

Nothing much else planned for the weekend.

Chat soon.
Kelly

 

[Anal Annie]

Hi all I've been at work the last couple of days and also out in the evenings so I haven't been on line.
I've just been on facebook and today The Magic sets sail for it's first Med cruise of the season. They had the drill about an hour ago so I'm sure they have now left Barcelona. Someone is giving a sort of picture commentary on Facebook. it said that the terminal is pretty boring and nothing like Port Canaveral.

Good luck for starting your new job this week LeeAnn

I really like the idea of those reversible shorts my DH would probably love them. What did your DH think of them? I must look out for them when I'm in Florida. There is an Old Navy in the Premium Outlets I think.

I told you all before I had ordered the Passporter guide to Disney Cruiseline. Well Amazon have now cancelled my order as their supplier have been unable to supply the new book, so I'm very disappointed I add been really looking forward to reading it. I might see if I can source it from somewhere else.

Nothing much else planned for the weekend.

Chat soon.
Kelly

Awww. I'm sorry about your Passporter...I know you were looking forward to getting it. I'll bet you could find it somewhere else. I can't imagine what it could tell you tho that you can't find out on the DIS?! We all already have the BEST cabins booked!! 3 of us are in SPH cabins & Justine is in a "secret verandah" room.

I will have to go check out the Magic's happenings on Facebook....

Hey ya'll! I've had an evil idea! Just how much trouble would we all get into if we all bought our DH's those reversible shorts in the same exact patterns...then had them all wear them on embarkation day!? We could all meet up at the Sail Away Party & then all the DH's would all be in the same shorts! My DH would be so floored!! The last time we sailed we did B2B's and we were sailing with a bunch of other families that I hooked up with on our meet thread. We "talked" for about 16 months - much like we are now...after awhile we all knew each other pretty good. Well, so someone made us T-shirts for Sail Away...I bought 1 for each of us...DH did NOT want to wear his (he is not a DIS'er) but so he stuffed it into his laptop bag that morning but didn't WEAR it. We get to the port and here is everyone (about 30 peeps) in their "DISFunctional Wonderpeeps" T-shirts and he felt silly NOT wearing his so I turn around to say something to him and he's hastily trying to pull it on right there in the middle of the terminal. It was pretty funny. I am not sure how the peep who made them did them but the design wasn't waterproof & it started melting & running once we boarded & got outside & everyone got all hot & sweaty! So then we didn't all match so much 'cuz we all melted in different places!

Mental note...make sure if we decide to wear matching shirts that they're sweatproof!!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I think I have found the hotel I want to stay pre-cruise. It's "Hotel Continental Barcelona". It has a 24 hour FREE buffet that includes beer and wine!(I think.) it in Las Ramblas and close to lots of places. It has a great website. Very reasonable.

I'm up for t-shirts but the creative part of my brain never formed!!

 

[MRAven]

Hi Annie, how's the census ? Are you doing this alone ? You should have a partner.

What's the poll on the number of US citizens ? Shall we say: 348,999,999

 

[Kels Sem]

I'd be up for T-shirts as well but as for designing them I would be useless
Hope - I will have a look at the hotel you picked out. In Barcelona it is difficult to get family rooms which sleep 4 people. Also at the moment I'm not sure how much time we're actually gonna spend in Barcelona so maybe an apartment would be better for us. I still have a few months to decide, well until the flights come out anyway.

Everytime I'm on here and the kids see a picture of the ship they say "I want to go on that boat" little do they know

Well with it being Sunday morning here I'm off to do some washing (laundery) and cleaning. It's not a very nice day here today so I don't mind so much.

Kelly

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Hi Annie, how's the census ? Are you doing this alone ? You should have a partner.

What's the poll on the number of US citizens ? Shall we say: 348,999,999

Ha! There are many undocumented citizens, so who knows? I noticed from your signature you've done both of the 7 night Caribbean cruises. Which one did you like better?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Hi Kelly, yes let me know what you think. It's only the hubby and I sailing, so we don't need an apartment. I need to read the reviews, but the food would help offset some expenses.

It's Sunday morning here so off to Church and then to the grocery store.

I'd be up for T-shirts as well but as for designing them I would be useless
Hope - I will have a look at the hotel you picked out. In Barcelona it is difficult to get family rooms which sleep 4 people. Also at the moment I'm not sure how much time we're actually gonna spend in Barcelona so maybe an apartment would be better for us. I still have a few months to decide, well until the flights come out anyway.

Everytime I'm on here and the kids see a picture of the ship they say "I want to go on that boat" little do they know

Well with it being Sunday morning here I'm off to do some washing (laundery) and cleaning. It's not a very nice day here today so I don't mind so much.

Kelly

 

[Floridasunshine]

And a happy Sunday morning to all. I have not fallen off the face of the earth - at least not yet. I am trying to catch up on all of the postings. I did not get any census information either and I am a UK citizen in the US. Yes, I am legal and have a green card. I am also a full time student getting my MBA and finals for this semester are next week. - I signed up this week for the team in training to run a marathon to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There is a race at Disney in Oct. and we train for several months to get ready. I just wanted to make sure I am not the oldest grandma and the one in the rear that everyone looks back to ----still that is the picture I am envisioning. I so need a vacation. I keep looking at the Florida resident discount rates and think I can squeeze another cruise in there somehow. So sorry to hear about all the challenges everyone has had with the traveling in Europe. I have never bought the insurance for a cruise and now starting to second quess this. Hope everyone is doing well - will make more time to post moving forward.

 

[Anal Annie]

Oh I love to wake up to our little group chit chating so much! Yay! Glad to hear you're still around FLSunshine! Another UK peep deep down underneath! Wow! I feel so international somehow now! Good luck with all your marathon training and your finals next week!! Here's some pixie dust!! Use it wisely!

I really need to get back to working on the website sometime.... And I was thinking about working on a logo thingy for our siggies.... I haven't fiddled much with photoshop lately so I am a bit rusty...I will bone up sometime and see what I can come up with one of these days. Stay tuned!

Soooo did anybody else see that thread where DCL just cancelled that 10-night cruise that was to be on 12/29/10?! They're now making it into 2 5-night cruises!! It was apparently not selling very well (it was VERY pricey) but there is at least one person who is totally pissed 'cuz they had already booked non-refundable airfare and they don't to do the B2B's, which having already DONE B2B's I can understand that. But holy crap...it makes me afraid to book our air TOO early as I know I would book non-refundable 'cuz it's always the cheapest! I of course have been watching fares for this summer so when our 331 days hit in Sept. I would be ready to recognize a good rate. But I may hold off on making any purchases until after the first of the year...I do not trust DCL at this point to not jerk us around again. I mean, you would THINK the Meds would be different - I mean, there are repos involved...which I would think can't simply just be changed on a whim...but who knows. It just makes me nervous that they would cancel a cruise 8 months out!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Everytime I'm on here and the kids see a picture of the ship they say "I want to go on that boat" little do they know

Oh what fun! I don't think you'd said that the cruise was a surprise for your kids!! That must be a hard secret to keep!! That's awesome!!

 

[MRAven]

Ha! There are many undocumented citizens, so who knows? I noticed from your signature you've done both of the 7 night Caribbean cruises. Which one did you like better?

Hi, personally I liked best the Eastern based on places to visit. But there are also other factors that influenced me:

Eastern:

- Before Christmas,The Magic was decorated.
- Eastern Caribbean was our first DCL Cruise, so we where overwelmed
- DD was eight on the Eastern and she liked it very much
- Ports where very much nicer
- Didn't like to wake up at 4 am to do inmigration when arrived at St. Thomas this has to be done by everyone, including crew members.
- St. Thomas is defenetly one of the best caribbean islands tp visit.
- You get three days at sea, less ports
- Wanderfull time on Castaway Cay.
- Tears of joy on our eyes when we got off the ship.


Western:

- Before Christmas with the Magic decorated
- Second time around on the Magic, everything was so much familiar when moving around the ship. I really felt like "Welcome Back Home"
- The first night we had a thunder storm, so the ship was really rocking, made a lot of people sick.
- DD was 16 and she really had a great time. She came back to sleep every night around 3 am.
- We didn't spend too much time persuing Disney Characters to take our pictures.
- Defenetly much more relaxed on this cruise
- Two days at sea, you get one more port tham on the Eastern.
- It was raining while on Castaway Cay
- No tears this time around since I had booked Mediterranean Cruise


Hopefully this helps.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Wow Leann! I can't believe DCL cancelled that cruise!! Well I think we will be okay because they have already changed our cruise. I am definitely waiting to book airfare untill after the new year. Is refundable airfare alot more money? In the grand scheme of things, it might not be. I'll have to get over to the cruiseline boards.

 

[Kels Sem]

Hi Kelly, yes let me know what you think. It's only the hubby and I sailing, so we don't need an apartment. I need to read the reviews, but the food would help offset some expenses.

It's Sunday morning here so off to Church and then to the grocery store.

Hi Hope,
I had a look at the hotel and it looks great. I read some reports on trip advisor and all the reviews I read were very positive

Kelly

 

[Kels Sem]

Oh what fun! I don't think you'd said that the cruise was a surprise for your kids!! That must be a hard secret to keep!! That's awesome!!

Well, I haven't told them yet! I don't think that I will be able to keep it a secret until we go. I think it would be great if I could though but I do like to see the kids getting excited before a trip

We will all just have to keep all fingers and toes crossed that Disney don't change this cruise. I agree with Hope I don't think they will as they have already done so. It must be awful for those people who had been looking forward to a 10 night cruise and then getting a B2B.

Nathan's school is closed today (hence me being on here so early in the morning) so we are off to a soft play area this morning and I'm meeting some friends there for coffee

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Well, I haven't told them yet! I don't think that I will be able to keep it a secret until we go. I think it would be great if I could though but I do like to see the kids getting excited before a trip

We will all just have to keep all fingers and toes crossed that Disney don't change this cruise. I agree with Hope I don't think they will as they have already done so. It must be awful for those people who had been looking forward to a 10 night cruise and then getting a B2B.

Nathan's school is closed today (hence me being on here so early in the morning) so we are off to a soft play area this morning and I'm meeting some friends there for coffee

I miss those "coffee" meets with other moms! I hope to find good coffee on our Med cruise. I can't find that thread about the cancelled cruise. Would DCL help compensate for that cruisers lost airfare?

 

[Anal Annie]

Wow Leann! I can't believe DCL cancelled that cruise!! Well I think we will be okay because they have already changed our cruise. I am definitely waiting to book airfare untill after the new year. Is refundable airfare alot more money? In the grand scheme of things, it might not be. I'll have to get over to the cruiseline boards.

Yes, refundable air is a lot more expensive - because it's more flexible. I certainly HOPE they're done messing with the Meds!! As anxious as I am to book I also know that booking TOOO far out is just asking for schedule & itinerary changes. I booked air to Hawaii really far out once (used Delta Skymiles) and then they kept futzing with the flights. I expect that with our little flights to FL that we book on Air Tran but for something like THIS...ummm...no thanks! I want to keep what I book. HOWEVER, if I would see a fantastic unbeatable price I would book it to snag the price. At this point it's looking like $900-950 would be an unbeatable price. We shall see. I just hope the airlines don't impose any more fuel surcharges or anything.

Well, I have had 3 days of Census training now. They told us 9-5:00 but I've only gotten 20 hours so far in 3 days. It's been a real mix of BORING (safety, EEO, employee handbook stuff) and interesting (procedures on actually completing the forms). There's a LOT of stuff to read & go thru (you know the government) & some of it is a little complicated. They want everything done X, Y, Z. No deviation from the script. Tomorrow we're supposed to get sort of a test case to go out & work on and then get our assignment binders. The first few cases will be laborous I'm sure until I get the hang of it. We are allowed up to 6 attempts to contact someone (3 in person & 3 by phone). They don't provide us with phone numbers tho so I'll have to look online or something... I am worried about running into big nasty dogs!! I am not a dog person and big loud barking ones scare me.

I am ready for this weather to improve again! SPRING!! HA! I was back to wearing fleece these past couple of days...but I hear it is supposed to get up into the 80's this weekend!! Yipee!! That's what I'm talking about!!

OH!! Verdict on the reversible shorts! I GAVE them to DH with the plaid side out. I said LOOK! They're reversible!! He PROMPTLY turned them plain side out! He is not so fashion aware & I think HE thinks the plaid is for younger guys! I will probably not buy any more of them with HIS attitude but I thought they were neat!! So buy at your own risk...you'll have to assess your own DH's fashion sense!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Hey guys! Happy Friday! Just a quick bump back up to page 1!

Well, my census training is still ongoing sort of....they didn't get our assignment binders completed until late last night so yesterday we had a short session which concluded with a test and now we have a meeting this afternoon to pick up our assignments. Then I guess we get turned loose to start knocking on doors this weekend.

DH is going away for the weekend with a whole bunch of his buddies (10 or 12 I think). A friend of ours bought a house on the Chesapeake Bay and they're going to play golf, swim & possibly jet ski. IMHO it's supposed to be nice & hot this weekend but I would think the bay water would still be too cold for jet skis...but I suppose if they consume enough beer they won't mind. I have to run errands this morning, hit the grocery store and get ready for my meeting this afternoon...so I guess I shouldn't tary too long here right now! TTYL