August 18, 2010...Can't wait for the MAGICal Mediterranean!!!

[K8T]

Hi

This would appear to be almost the final list. Please PM me with any changes, or if you have decided not to take part, as everyone will be finalising gifts and numbers.


Currently 13 cabins (22 adults) 18 children

K8T
Room 1044
Mike
Kate
Charlotte (51/2)

Goofy559
Room 2022
Lisa
DD Sage (11)

Crzy4dals
Room 2537
Erin
Rich
Nick (11)

Pixie08
Room 2547
Mary
Dan

3girlycruiselovers
Room 2606
Amy
Chelsea (11)
Evelyn (9)

Vicky29
Room 2641
Vicky
Helen
Elizabeth (nearly 3!)

graysm
Room 6136
Stacey
Stephen (16)

Susiemmfan
Room 7096
Susie
Sharon
Heather (13)
Thomas (11)


GratefulDad
Room 7578
Mike
Christine
Sara (9)
Ryan (7)

ejw
Room 7629
Ellen
Kenny
Melanie (13)

Mindelmouse
Room 8100
Mindy
Jim
Haylee (9)
Sammy (9)

Jel0511
Room 8088
Lori
Darren
Julianna (12)
Brandon (9)

Smores
Room 8602
Karen
Hannah (13)
Ethan (6)

I intend closing the list next weekend. If you want a copy of it in Excel then, please PM me with your email address and I will send it through to you. If you are happy to work with this list, then you don't need to email.

The list on 145 is also up to date.

Kate

 

[Goofy559]

Hi Erin
We have both a Fuji and a Sony. I find that the Fuji cameras are not as good for action shots. They use xd cards which are slower than the sony memory sticks. There are new xd cards that are faster but still not as fast as the Sony. The other thing to check is the zoom and megapixel rating. A lot of the really small cameras have low zooms.
We just got DD a new camera for the trip. It's a Sony with 14mp and a 10x optical zoom (digital zoom doesn't count). It also does this cool panorama thing. It's a dsc h55. You might want to check it out
Lisa

 

[pixie08]

Except for 2 grommets I was shorted in the package I bought, our pirate costumes arrrgh complete! (get it....arrrrgh )

Even got a swimsuit coverup for DD made!

Started throwing stuff to pack on the spare room bed.

Any one have a travel hair dryer to recommend?

kim

I just bought the infiniti by conair it's really small and foldable, dual voltage so i can use it in Paris and Barcelona. Those wall ones do not work for me, I have too much hair. I used it for a test run and it worked really well. It was only like $20 on amazon.

 

[pixie08]

Am now half way through making the homemade part of my FE gifts for grown ups - hurrah Hope you all like them Next mission the girls - still haven't quite figured out the boys yet Hope everyone has had a good weekend x

I know the biys are so much harder...I decided to go "unisex" on the gifts


I updated the FE on the site!

 

[mindelmouse]

Kate - I know you have the fish extender list (i think post 145) Is this the updated list.. I seem to recall seeing someone dropping out - I just want to make sure I have enough gift bags available.

On the kids journal - I have received the following stops:

Sea Day 1 - Settinsail
Corsica - me
Rome - MinnieDiva
Tunis - Mindelmouse
VilleFranche - Pixie08

Looking for :
Goofy559 – LaSpezia
Susiemmfan – Naples
Cliffside - Malta

I am putting together a page for Barcelona with some blank journal pages and I will work on a final sea day journal entry as well.

Remember you do not have to design the page.... Just send me the facts and information..... I have the formats ready. I also have the folders ready for each of these. Please send me a PM to let me know how many you need for your cabin. I will need to deliver these embarkation day because I have PALO ressies during the meet on out SEA DAY.

Mary - I hope you got the last navigator. I just realized I did not put anything in the email.... I did not intend to be rude... I hit send so quick...


Now I need to decide on a new point and shoot camera to pick up ... looking at the Sony W350 - with the sweep feature! or the Fuji F80EXR Anyone with thoughts????

I need two journals.

 

[crzy4dals]

Hi Erin
We have both a Fuji and a Sony. I find that the Fuji cameras are not as good for action shots. They use xd cards which are slower than the sony memory sticks. There are new xd cards that are faster but still not as fast as the Sony. The other thing to check is the zoom and megapixel rating. A lot of the really small cameras have low zooms.
We just got DD a new camera for the trip. It's a Sony with 14mp and a 10x optical zoom (digital zoom doesn't count). It also does this cool panorama thing. It's a dsc h55. You might want to check it out
Lisa

I have a Canon DSLR that we are bringing that can handle to zoom needs... I think I am going to go with the Sony350. - I love the panoramic sweep feature.. Standing at the Coliseum and using that feature!!!!
DS wants a camera too for "His pics" I do like seeing his perspective - He is very good and getting the picture! Some of his have been better than the "pro" on the ship!

 

[susiemmfan]

I have a Canon DSLR that we are bringing that can handle to zoom needs... I think I am going to go with the Sony350. - I love the panoramic sweep feature.. Standing at the Coliseum and using that feature!!!!
DS wants a camera too for "His pics" I do like seeing his perspective - He is very good and getting the picture! Some of his have been better than the "pro" on the ship!

I just bought a Sony W330. It will fit nice in the case in my pacsafe. Between the four of us, we will have five cameras since I will let my son use my old camera. Hopefully we won't miss a shot and I will have plenty of pictures to scrapbook.

Erin, I will email you the Naples information today. Thanks for formatting the page.

I bought some snacks today for the plane and to have for excursions. I also got some wrinkle spray. I have never used it. I typically don't like to iron, but usually iron before vacations. I use the packing cubes so usually clothes stay fairly unwrinkled. Also, bought some Cologate Wisps to use on the plane ride over. I have never used those, but thought would be easy to give to the kids to brush their teeth before trying to sleep on the plane ride over to Barcelona. Don't have to worry about toothbrush falling in the plane toliet.

 

[crzy4dals]

....... Cologate Wisps to use on the plane ride over. I have never used those, but thought would be easy to give to the kids to brush their teeth before trying to sleep on the plane ride over to Barcelona. Don't have to worry about toothbrush falling in the plane toliet.

Great Idea!!!! I need to start a list.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Great Idea!!!! I need to start a list.

I've got a list for the bills that will be due when gone, reminders about stopping mail, and to call the banks/credit cards, but I haven't thought about snacks yet. In-flight entertainment is kind of lumped in with organizing activities for DD during drive to CA, so I've given it a bit of thought. I need to get a new/used book to read, and load the iPhone with some movies and such.

Sigh...and....I need to think about cleaning the house. I loathe coming home to a mess.

kim

 

[jstin]

Kate - I know you have the fish extender list (i think post 145) Is this the updated list.. I seem to recall seeing someone dropping out - I just want to make sure I have enough gift bags available.

On the kids journal - I have received the following stops:

Sea Day 1 - Settinsail
Corsica - me
Rome - MinnieDiva
Tunis - Mindelmouse
VilleFranche - Pixie08

Looking for :
Goofy559 – LaSpezia
Susiemmfan – Naples
Cliffside - Malta

I am putting together a page for Barcelona with some blank journal pages and I will work on a final sea day journal entry as well.

Remember you do not have to design the page.... Just send me the facts and information..... I have the formats ready. I also have the folders ready for each of these. Please send me a PM to let me know how many you need for your cabin. I will need to deliver these embarkation day because I have PALO ressies during the meet on out SEA DAY.

Mary - I hope you got the last navigator. I just realized I did not put anything in the email.... I did not intend to be rude... I hit send so quick...


Now I need to decide on a new point and shoot camera to pick up ... looking at the Sony W350 - with the sweep feature! or the Fuji F80EXR Anyone with thoughts????

I was not on the board when you assigned the pages so please let me know if you need me to do anything.

 

[mindelmouse]

Ok, hotel problem solved. I got an email this morning from the central reservations office of my hotel (which I found out was closed yesterday) saying that only the original booker could reinstate my ressie. So at 6:30 am I called the hotel yet again. The front desk person understood that I only wanted to either reinstate or book a new reservation, so she gave me her direct email and took care of it. I had to rebook, but I think overall I got a decent rate. It was 150 Euros the first night and 130 euros the night when we get back. All in all it's going to cost us the same, but doesn't include breakfast, which from everything I've read on trip advisor, isn't very good anyway, so we weren't going to go. PHEW!!! That was unnecessary anxiety.

Went this weekend and bought DS a new suit and some nice slacks (he only has jeans and jeans shorts) and some shoes and sneakers. Bought DD new shoes and sneakers too. Started school supply shopping so we don't have that much to do when we get back. I'm anxious to start packing, but I don't want my clothes to sit in the suitcase and crush.

Just found out from DH that we can actually take 2 bags each free with our ressie. The ticket said 1, but he has a Continental CC, so that let's you take 2. I only plan on us having one each but it's good to know. We usually pack light fold up suitcases within our suitcase for any extras we may come home with.

3 weeks from tonight, I board my plane in Newark..it's just so unbelievable that it's so soon.

 

[graysm]

Ok, hotel problem solved. I got an email this morning from the central reservations office of my hotel (which I found out was closed yesterday) saying that only the original booker could reinstate my ressie. So at 6:30 am I called the hotel yet again. The front desk person understood that I only wanted to either reinstate or book a new reservation, so she gave me her direct email and took care of it. I had to rebook, but I think overall I got a decent rate. It was 150 Euros the first night and 130 euros the night when we get back. All in all it's going to cost us the same, but doesn't include breakfast, which from everything I've read on trip advisor, isn't very good anyway, so we weren't going to go. PHEW!!! That was unnecessary anxiety.


Went this weekend and bought DS a new suit and some nice slacks (he only has jeans and jeans shorts) and some shoes and sneakers. Bought DD new shoes and sneakers too. Started school supply shopping so we don't have that much to do when we get back. I'm anxious to start packing, but I don't want my clothes to sit in the suitcase and crush.

Just found out from DH that we can actually take 2 bags each free with our ressie. The ticket said 1, but he has a Continental CC, so that let's you take 2. I only plan on us having one each but it's good to know. We usually pack light fold up suitcases within our suitcase for any extras we may come home with.

3 weeks from tonight, I board my plane in Newark..it's just so unbelievable that it's so soon.

Mindy - I'm so glad your hotel reservation worked out!!! What a nightmare that would have been! I think I'll call my hotel this week to double check also. Better safe than sorry!

We're on the same flights out of Newark, so we'll see you in 3 weeks (and I know, mums the word about the cruise!). I can't believe you were able to keep this a surprise from your kids for so long! I told my son about your surprise and he said I would NEVER be able to keep quiet that long...and he's right!!



As for suitcases, I'm hoping we'll only need 2. I bought one big one for each of us, but have smaller once standing by just in case. I'll need to keep check of the weight for the 2 big ones as I don't want to exceed the 50 lb. limit.

 

[mindelmouse]

Mindy - I'm so glad your hotel reservation worked out!!! What a nightmare that would have been! I think I'll call my hotel this week to double check also. Better safe than sorry!

We're on the same flights out of Newark, so we'll see you in 3 weeks (and I know, mums the word about the cruise!). I can't believe you were able to keep this a surprise from your kids for so long! I told my son about your surprise and he said I would NEVER be able to keep quiet that long...and he's right!!



As for suitcases, I'm hoping we'll only need 2. I bought one big one for each of us, but have smaller once standing by just in case. I'll need to keep check of the weight for the 2 big ones as I don't want to exceed the 50 lb. limit.

As I was looking at my DS in his new suit, I was so dying to tell him. He looked so handsome and he didn't even question why we were buying him the suit (which I think is a bit odd, but he probably doesn't care that much). My DH said we've kept the secret this long, we can make it 3 more weeks. I'm just finding it so much harder now. I think because I want them to be excited with me. The kicker will be, if they tell me they knew all along. I don't believe they could have without letting me know they knew.

I usually prefer to take smaller bags, rather than overpack the larger ones. I've had to repack in the airport before. So if I have to take 2 small ones to be safe, I may do that. DH bought a luggage scale thing...you hang it from a doorway and weigh your luggage on it.

 

[jel0511]

Mindy glad to hear the hotel problem is all sorted out! Darren and I were watching the Tour de France yesterday they were racing on the Champs Elyssee we were so excited. We've watched that for years and always said we had to go to Paris. Now we'll be there in three weeks we were so excited yesterday!!!!!!!

 

[graysm]

As I was looking at my DS in his new suit, I was so dying to tell him. He looked so handsome and he didn't even question why we were buying him the suit (which I think is a bit odd, but he probably doesn't care that much). My DH said we've kept the secret this long, we can make it 3 more weeks. I'm just finding it so much harder now. I think because I want them to be excited with me. The kicker will be, if they tell me they knew all along. I don't believe they could have without letting me know they knew.

I usually prefer to take smaller bags, rather than overpack the larger ones. I've had to repack in the airport before. So if I have to take 2 small ones to be safe, I may do that. DH bought a luggage scale thing...you hang it from a doorway and weigh your luggage on it.

I'm sure your kids don't know about the cruise...they'd be smirking when you talk about your trip. I think I'll buy one of those scales too...to weigh the luggage. On our last cruise, my DD's friend brought a really big suitcase and it ended up being too heavy on the way back so we were switching things around in the airport...not fun!

 

[jel0511]

Mindy where did u get the scale. I think it would be a good idea to have one.

 

[mindelmouse]

Mindy where did u get the scale. I think it would be a good idea to have one.

DH said he got the lugguge scale thing at Amazon. He said there are a bunch of them, they range between $20-$30. The one he bought had a good review. It's called the Louis N Clark Blanzza Digital Luggage Scale - $16 through J&R through Amazon.

 

[graysm]

DH said he got the lugguge scale thing at Amazon. He said there are a bunch of them, they range between $20-$30. The one he bought had a good review. It's called the Louis N Clark Blanzza Digital Luggage Scale - $16 through J&R through Amazon.

Thanks - I just ordered one through Amazon.

 

[mindelmouse]

Ok, I'll start this off with the comment that I'm not trying to offend or tell anyone what to do, but after reading a thread on the main board I felt like I had to say something. I in no way want to tell anyone what to give for an FE, however, I saw alot of people saying what a great idea ornaments were. I for one, think they are cute, but have no use for them, since I don't celebrate Christmas. I don't know what anyone else persuation is, and I'm one that hates offending people, so I'm suggesting that we stay away from ornament giving. If people disagree with my opinion that's fine..it's just how I feel. I just like to make sure noone gets offended.

On another note, I know my DH has spent a lot of time putting together our FE...it went from something that was, what I thought insignificant, to something amazing that he put a lot of time and thought into and I hope that you all love what he did.

 

[Vicky29]

Hi Mindy,

Certainly not offended here On the contrary it's good to know what people wouldn't like

Hi All,

Getting very excited about the FE here too, hope you all like the gifts. For once the idea I had in my head has turned out how I imagined it would in reality so fingers crossed you will. Am planning on adding some English candy (things that I know you don't get on the other side of the pond) to the things I've got for the children/ teenagers. If anyone has allergies, or would just prefer that their children don't have it could you please let me know and then I'll add somethuing extra for them instead rather than cause a scene for you in the cabin when they aren't allowed it If there's anything anyone else specifically woud rather not recieve I'd love to hear that too - as a newbie to this I'd hate to upset/ offend anyone

Getting tempted to start the packing here too, but resisting so far