August 1st 2009 - Eastern 8/1/2009 The Eastern Caribbean Castaways

[MelissaLG]

So I thought I was doing great w/cruise plans: paperwork done & ready, check. Passports, check. Mail hold and parking reservations, check.

And then yesterday the packing began. Several hours and 2 emergency trips to Kohl's later (first for DS12 who had outgrown ALL of his long pants, second for DH who had outgrown most of his slacks*, lol), I'm only about halfway done. Yikes! Usually when I travel it's just me for 3-4 days and I'm super-packer. The extra people and the extra days are really throwing me off!

Last night I was headachy and cranky, but when DS12 told me goodnight, he also said how excited he is about the vacation. This was a good reminder to me to R-E-L-A-X and not sweat every detail so much.

*In DH's defense, he works at home and a lot of his slacks were from the old office days, so they needed to be replaced w/updated ones anyway .

 

[marcij]

Thanks, Marci! I LOVE your signature!! That is one of the cutest things I've seen...how perfect for the cruise!

Thanks! A friend made it for me a few years ago when moving sigs were the thing and I ran across it going through photobucket.

ScubaD & disneymom - congrats again on the wedding! The video was amazing ...Soon-to-be Mrs. Spin & I are emotional as it is, so there's no way we could have anything like that at our reception...we would be blubbering idoits.

On a completely unrelated note: not sure what affiliation anyone has to baseball on here, but I've spent my whole life growing up on the South Side of Chicago, and well, yesterday was a pretty amazing day. Here's a picture of me with the PERFECT PITCHER, Mark Buerhle! (from a few years ago)

Very cool!

Hi everyone,

Sorry if you've already discussed this, but who has Main and who has Late? Just curious!

We always get Main because we eat dinner early, around 5:30 (which is 4:30 Eastern). Maybe we'll see some of you at dinner, although I realize we may not get the same rotation.

I made my Parking Spot (long-term parking) reservation and set my mail hold w/USPS today. Sorta makes it all more REAL that it's coming up quick!!

We're main and also made our Parking Spot res. Did you get the coupon printed too? Don't forget it!

I'm also in panic packing mode. We haven't been home on the weekend in over a month, so when we got back from our friends house last night I finally got started. We will definitely have too much luggage, as I can't take enough time to figure out what we really need and don't need. Thank goodness I'm an elite status flyer with American so I don't have to pay for bags. Now tips for the people that have to carry all the stuff.

 

[MelissaLG]

We're main and also made our Parking Spot res. Did you get the coupon printed too? Don't forget it!

I'm also in panic packing mode. We haven't been home on the weekend in over a month, so when we got back from our friends house last night I finally got started. We will definitely have too much luggage, as I can't take enough time to figure out what we really need and don't need. Thank goodness I'm an elite status flyer with American so I don't have to pay for bags. Now tips for the people that have to carry all the stuff.

I never realized they had a coupon on their site until just now. Luckily I have always gotten 20% off because, through my employer, I have the Exec Spot Club card. Plus I have enough points accumulated that I will get a couple of days free - Yea!

Good for you for not having to pay for checked bags. I think we will have to check at least three bags (I was hoping for two which is not gonna happen).

 

[joycsk]

Melissa, you totally made my morning! You've already heard my shopping woes. I have one large back packed pretty much for the kids. 2 small bags nearly packed with stuff for Saturday, FEs and a few snacks. I've been working on my packing list for 6 weeks and still want to cry.

My son JUST decided he wants to take a certain shirt - after I've already packed (into the suitcase) all of his outfits. [I'm using the shirt, shorts, underwears, socks in a liplock baggie method - just throw it to him and tell him to put on what's in the bag. Did it last cruise and my DD loved it so much she made me pack her that way for her 3 day overnight dance camp!]

So now I have to paw through the suitcase, get him to choose a shirt to take _out_ an replace with the one he wants now. When will I ever learn? Of course, I try to calm myself by thinking about Spin. It can always be more stressful. . .

 

[MelissaLG]

Hey Joy,

I'm with ya! The guys have been less active in packing than I, but then complained a little when I didn't do their daily outfits in ziploc bags like I did my own. So my kids' assignment for today is to gather their clothes together for my approval before packing. (We'll see what they've actually done when I get home from work )

I guess I'm sort still in shock over the amount of time it is taking to get everything together and packed. Good point about Spin. I would probably explode if I had to deal with wedding stress on top of vacation-packing stress.

See you soon! Oh, and I'm in the process of getting a new cell phone. I should have it tomorrow. I'm pretty sure my # is going to change (long story on why) so I can PM my # to you as soon as I know for sure.

 

[MelissaLG]

Hi again to everyone, been reading through all of the forums and I had to share my thoughts on doing laundry while on the cruise. Now, to each his own, it may be your preference and I don't mean any offense. But for me, there is no freakin' way I'm planning on doing laundry on my vacation!

I keep reading in-depth comments about planning for laundry soap, having enough quarters, etc., and it made me laugh. It never even occurred to me that people did laundry on the cruise ship until I read it here. I guess if somebody spilled something at dinner and needed to re-wear it (like boys' slacks or something) I would do it if I needed to. Otherwise, heck no - the dirty clothes are going in a big ol' pile in a suitcase to come home with me !

 

[MelissaLG]

After much deliberation I decided to book parasailing for DS15 and I in St. Maarten, and chose a place launching from Bobby's Marina which is close to the cruise ship dock. (And when I say much deliberation, I mean a LOT.) Sent them an email this morning to reserve it, and I just received a reply saying they are closed for maintenance that week.

Bah! What are the odds ...

Yes, I know there are lots of other options but I had finally made a decision. Now I feel like I'm starting over. Castaway Cay's parasailing slots are all booked or else we'd just do it there.

 

[DanielSan]

5 DAYS AND COUNTING!!! Woo hoo!!


I'm gonna get so fat....

 

[joycsk]

Hi again to everyone, been reading through all of the forums and I had to share my thoughts on doing laundry while on the cruise. Now, to each his own, it may be your preference and I don't mean any offense. But for me, there is no freakin' way I'm planning on doing laundry on my vacation!

I keep reading in-depth comments about planning for laundry soap, having enough quarters, etc., and it made me laugh. It never even occurred to me that people did laundry on the cruise ship until I read it here. I guess if somebody spilled something at dinner and needed to re-wear it (like boys' slacks or something) I would do it if I needed to. Otherwise, heck no - the dirty clothes are going in a big ol' pile in a suitcase to come home with me !

I will be doing laundry. But we're morning people so I'm planning to enjoy my balcony while doing so. But TG for those new Pyrex sheets!

 

[joycsk]

After much deliberation I decided to book parasailing for DS15 and I in St. Maarten, and chose a place launching from Bobby's Marina which is close to the cruise ship dock. (And when I say much deliberation, I mean a LOT.) Sent them an email this morning to reserve it, and I just received a reply saying they are closed for maintenance that week.

Bah! What are the odds ...

Yes, I know there are lots of other options but I had finally made a decision. Now I feel like I'm starting over. Castaway Cay's parasailing slots are all booked or else we'd just do it there.

but yeah me! 850! Here's to the Castaways!

 

[MelissaLG]

I will be doing laundry. But we're morning people so I'm planning to enjoy my balcony while doing so. But TG for those new Pyrex sheets!

OMG, Joy - I so didn't mean to imply that you or anyone else is a loser. I apologize. I should have chosen my words better. I guess it just never occurred to me 'cause I really hate laundry (and thus that's why it was funny to me). On the flip side, I'm planning on working out & running on the cruise 'cause I hate to skip my workouts, and I'll bet there are plenty of people who are saying "no freakin' way" to doing that on vacation!

P.s. Congrats on #850!!

 

[joycsk]

OMG, Joy - I so didn't mean to imply that you or anyone else is a loser. I apologize. I should have chosen my words better. I guess it just never occurred to me 'cause I really hate laundry (and thus that's why it was funny to me). On the flip side, I'm planning on working out & running on the cruise 'cause I hate to skip my workouts, and I'll bet there are plenty of people who are saying "no freakin' way" to doing that on vacation!

P.s. Congrats on #850!!

dearest Melissa, I _never_ felt or intended to indicate any offense. My loser comment was totally toungue in cheek - now foot in mouth! 5 outfits + good clothes is enough for me to lug through the airport - and my baby is no use at all in the lugging dept. To each his own.

 

[MelissaLG]

I'm so glad ... I wasn't sure and was feelin' bad if I'd offended

No worries! (Except that blasted packing LOL)

 

[lostatdisney]

This week is passing SO SLOWLY!!! It seems like Friday will never get here. My calendar is pretty open except for DS's senior pictures on Wednesday. Other than that, just packing!!! But I wish the time would go faster!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi guys I'm just checking in from NYC !
We r having an amazing time. Going to see green day tonight! Wicked was brilliant . I'm so looking forward to relaxing on this cruise.
Take care and see you all soon.

 

[MelissaLG]

Hi guys I'm just checking in from NYC !
We r having an amazing time. Going to see green day tonight! Wicked was brilliant . I'm so looking forward to relaxing on this cruise.
Take care and see you all soon.

Green Day - I'm envious! They are coming to KC on August 12 but it's right after we get back and I don't know that we'll be able to go.

Glad you are having a great time. See you soon. We are getting so excited in my house! (Even the almost 15 yo is excited in his own low-key way ...)

 

[MelissaLG]

I'm happy to report that I got the parasailing dilemma solved this morning, and we're reserved with Caribbean Water Sports on St. Thomas.

They've been wonderful in replying to my (4) emails w/questions, and were very nice over the phone making the reservation. DS15 and I are going to do the parasailing, and DS12 and DH are going to ride along in the boat. This arrangement makes everyone happy - yea!

 

[joycsk]

I'm happy to report that I got the parasailing dilemma solved this morning, and we're reserved with Caribbean Water Sports on St. Thomas.

They've been wonderful in replying to my (4) emails w/questions, and were very nice over the phone making the reservation. DS15 and I are going to do the parasailing, and DS12 and DH are going to ride along in the boat. This arrangement makes everyone happy - yea!

I'm really happy for you. Do you know how high you plan to go? I think I was 400 ft in my one experience and it was a blast - not scary at all! I hope you love it.

Helen, good to hear from you! 4 days! Woo hoo!

 

[MelissaLG]

I'm really happy for you. Do you know how high you plan to go? I think I was 400 ft in my one experience and it was a blast - not scary at all! I hope you love it.

Thanks! Their website says they use a 600' towline and you go 350-400' in the air. The St. Maarten company had a choice of 400, 600, or 800. The 800' option came with an "extreme dip" at the end ... pretty sure I didn't want THAT option! Truth be told, I wanted to parasail in St. Thomas anyway so it all worked out. Today at lunch I bought a 2nd waterproof disposable camera so that Ryan and I can take one up with us, and the other two can have one in the boat. I'm with lostatdisney, the next couple of days are going to go by too slowww ...

 

[ScubaD]

To all,
Enjoy Rasul!

How can you not read through the fun threads.