Bound for Barcelona - April 10, 2010 EB TA - Part 4

[MissErin]

I figured I'd do my part to get us to page 250 before Saturday! I spent about an hour this morning torturing my three little ones by making them try on clothes. My twins are peanuts - I'm bringing a couple of pair of shorts for Drew that are size 24 months... and he's 3.5! My oldest DD, on the other hand, is crazy tall (90th percentile for her age) and stuff we bought for the start of school is too short for her.

I am having the same struggle with packing for this trip as I did for our January WDW trip. DH and I are easy, but I hate figuring out what to put the kids in for 'in between' weather. For our Jan trip, where it was mostly high 60s/low 70s, I did lots of summer stuff with sweatshirts. I am planning the same for this trip, but I will likely second guess myself all week. I have lots of capris for DD3, dresses and sweaters for DD5 (all she'll wear), DS is stuck with either jeans or shorts bc they don't make capris for boys. (Why? That would make my life so much easier! LOL)

At this point, the kids are very close to done except for undies and socks. I hate to iron, so I 'volunteered' my retired dad to do that for us this week and so we're handing off two suitcases of stuff to him today. I'm about 50% there... still missing formal stuff, running stuff, and jeans. DH is 0% done... and I'll likely bug him about it until Wed and then break down and do it myself.

Our goal is to get our stuff into 4 suitcases are our fifth 'bag' is a speciality box designed to hold a case of wine that we use when we go on wine buying trips. (My MIL commented that that was a lot of wine - my response to DH was that, with 14 days, I still reserved the right to have a bar bill!!!)

In flood news, we are STILL getting water in our basement, but slower. Maybe today will be the magic 'no more water' day. It has made doing laundry for the trip a challenge: our washer area is flooded, so I can't use a laundry basket AND when I get stuff out of the drier, not a single item can fall. It's way harder than you'd think!

Ok, enough procrastinating. I'm off to run a quick 10 miles and then to dive into "cruise preparation panic" mode!

Erin

 

[grlzmom]

Too far behind on the thread to catch up.

Had two days in Disney this week was fun. Great weather.

Safe/happy travels to all who are getting ready to depart.

Still not packed, but did get euros and most paperwork together.

Our prescription company is giving us a hard time with getting a month worth of meds to take (we are on both cruises). Since it is like a 30 day issue thing and our 30 day mark comes up in a week they can't do it Yes, we could buy the meds and probably will have to but dd meds are so expensive (no generics) and we are looking at about 1k out of pocket to make sure meds are covered for the month. Not making me a happy camper.

Happy weekend to everyone!

 

[mommyto3princesses]

Thanks Lynne this was very helpful. But I was looking for the FGC train schedule from Placa Espanya to Monteserrat. I haven't been able to figure out their official website www.renfe.es. I think the "origin" is Barcelona, but I can't find the "destination" of Montserrat.

Looks like Lynne got you the info you need but I was going to mention that my travel agent told me that the Rick Steves' Barcelona book has details for getting to Montserrat by train. She did it and said it was very easy to do and loved every minute. Need to put that on the list.

I'm all packed. We leave tomorrow.
One checked bag, 27 lbs.
Woody

Impressive!

My DH is asking if the ship has a pilates class. Anyone know?

I believe I read somewhere that they have a Reformer. The DCL website mentions Pilates.

***************

My before-trip insomnia has started... must get organized today so that I can sleep this week.

 

[grlzmom]

I got my tiara at Walmart.

Kristi

I want to get tiara's for my teen girls, maybe a Walmart run is in order!

I figured I'd do my part to get us to page 250 before Saturday! I spent about an hour this morning torturing my three little ones by making them try on clothes. My twins are peanuts - I'm bringing a couple of pair of shorts for Drew that are size 24 months... and he's 3.5! My oldest DD, on the other hand, is crazy tall (90th percentile for her age) and stuff we bought for the start of school is too short for her.

In flood news, we are STILL getting water in our basement, but slower. Maybe today will be the magic 'no more water' day. It has made doing laundry for the trip a challenge: our washer area is flooded, so I can't use a laundry basket AND when I get stuff out of the drier, not a single item can fall. It's way harder than you'd think!

Ok, enough procrastinating. I'm off to run a quick 10 miles and then to dive into "cruise preparation panic" mode!

Erin

So funny, my plan is to torture my littlest 3 this a.m. with "try ons". My youngest are dd8, dd7 and ds7 (twins are tiny and finally getting a growth spurt).

When ds turned 5 we had to start cutting tags out of clothes because he wanted to wear the same size as his age.

So sorry the water is still a problem

 

[dster113]

Oh that would be so great! Thank you!




You mean there are people who do not know about this program! LOL I think it is one of the best and would not know what to do without it!




Ohhh had not thought about that but you have to have internet on the phone I think or do you? That is extra - will have to go by verizon today and see what my options are. My kids have phones that will work but we do not have internet on their phones - one more thing to add to my to do list

I'm not 100% sure but I think as long as your phone is 3G then you can get an international plan. Your best bet is to ask the verizon guy. I'm telling everyone to email me since I will have my laptop with me and not to depend on me being able to pick up messages or return calls. This is the probem with technology now is that people expect you to be in touch 24/7 even on vacation.

 

[Missymowse]

After being away for two and a half days I decided to catch up. I fell asleep trying!! Two and a half days was about 15pages!! (Glad you guys weren't chatty!! lol)
I started packing with purpose last night.
The teen and tween who try to maintain the "yea this is cool" facade are even getting excited.
I can't begin to believe how fast these past two months have gone by!!

 

[emma'smom]

Rite Aid took care of this with our insurance company for me. I had the same issue-- 30 day mark was after we left for our cruise. They were able to do a one-time vacation over-ride to get fill two rounds of the same prescription within the same time period.

Our prescription company is giving us a hard time with getting a month worth of meds to take (we are on both cruises). Since it is like a 30 day issue thing and our 30 day mark comes up in a week they can't do it Yes, we could buy the meds and probably will have to but dd meds are so expensive (no generics) and we are looking at about 1k out of pocket to make sure meds are covered for the month. Not making me a happy camper.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Lets see:
Got Pounds and Euros
Got luggage scale
Have all FE and SM stuff
Got docs
Got some "foundation items" too Jackie and toiletires
A tie for the boy....

I am several items closer to leaving ....now I have to start packing them all

I'll be on the luggage scale quest again this weekend. This time will be makeing a few phone calls before I head out. I'm betting I'll have luck with either Bed Bath & Beyond or The Container Store. Just waiting for them to open so I can call.

Realized all errands should be done TODAY since lots of places will be closed tomorrow. So Sunday morning will be tax day. My sister just told me last night that the state of AZ might not have enough money to give everyone their refunds!!! I don't want a tax credit...I want $$ to give to VISA!

 

[Happy Goofy]

For those that asked I was told the pool closes at dusk- which probably means around 8. I know that 6 oclock was mentioned as a start time but is anyone there that early? IF anyone needs a ride to get something we would be happy to take you. We should be there for 6 . If anyone wants us to pick up something for them PM me and we will bring it with us to the hotel.

We are pretty much packed but there is no way I could go 25 days with one suitcase. I guess we are going to have to bite the bullet and pay Delta for the extra bags. I am not a happy camper.

We usually go back to CT in April but since we are going on these curises we will be here until the end of May. This is the first time we will be away from our daughters and grandchildren for a holiday. I was kind of down yesterday thinking about it, but we have wonderful friends here that we invited over for Easter dinner. So I will be cooking for 8 people and then using Skype to see the grandchildren open their Easter things.
Could we use Skype on the cruise ship?

Hope everyone has a nice holiday and now the big countdown begins.

 

[brack]

Rite Aid took care of this with our insurance company for me. I had the same issue-- 30 day mark was after we left for our cruise. They were able to do a one-time vacation over-ride to get fill two rounds of the same prescription within the same time period.

Doing the same thing but I'm waiting until Tuesday to order mine.

 

[Donaldcp98]

Ok, enough procrastinating. I'm off to run a quick 10 miles and then to dive into "cruise preparation panic" mode!

Erin

A quick 10 miles???Quick???? When I was in better shape in October I ran a 10k and it took me an hour and a half and I was dying afterwards. You are probably like on of those crazy people that did it in just over a half hour! I am laughing but truly in awe of anyone that can run that well!

 

[Donaldcp98]

Ok. So car is cleaned. (Yes I am sure you are wondering what that has to do with preparing for a cruise. I am one of those people that hates having messes to come home to. You go away for vacation, come home all nice and rested and see a huge pile of things to get done. I try to avoid that with a passion)

-Getting ready to do more work on our magnets. DH has drawn 4 of the 6 and they are scanned in but I get to go in and be his clean up artist since the scanner doesn't alway pick up all the colors correctly.
-laundry in the process
-DH pulled out all the clothes he thinks he is taking with him on the cruise. I am looking at the pile and getting worried. I haven't even packed most of my stuff yet and our suitcases are getting full. I am going to need to widdle this down a bit. Luckily Swiss Air allows two checked luggages a piece just in case.

To those worried about having no one to talk to this week. I will be working through Friday and probably late into the night that night too. So don't worry I will popping in frequently to get some Disboard therapy from the stressful days at work.

 

[Missymowse]

To those worried about having no one to talk to this week. I will be working through Friday and probably late into the night that night too. So don't worry I will popping in frequently to get some Disboard therapy from the stressful days at work.

Ohhhh no worries. I will be here on and off also for a lil dose of "online valium". I have had bouts of what I like to term "vacation remorse" this week along the lines of....Ok, Just how nuts am I??

Anyone else??

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Good Morning (just barely!) EVERYBODY! We are laundering and packing today. DH and I made a run to the bank this morning and now (except for this little visit to the boards...) we are busy little bees.

We will be leaving home on Thursday. I expect this thread will be all but deserted Thursday and Friday. Fortunately my home won't be. I am so grateful that my little brother agreed to watch our cat, Josie while we are gone. He saved us a TON of money and I don't have to worry about her.

things that need to go on the list of "in danger of being forgotten last minute"

refrigerated meds
jackets
passports
cell phone/camera chargers

perhaps I can keep posting this all week and remember them!

Whatever it takes to remember the little things. I have taken to writing the last minute stuff (toothpaste, cell charger...) on my bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker. It helps me to see it first thing in the morning.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Whatever it takes to remember the little things. I have taken to writing the last minute stuff (toothpaste, cell charger...) on my bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker. It helps me to see it first thing in the morning.

Now that's a scathingly brilliant idea! Adding a dry erase marker to my shopping list! I always get my best ideas and remember stuff when in the shower.

Found out my nearby Bed Bath & Beyond has the luggage scale ($10 and $20 versions) and I have to pass Lane Bryant on the way...looks like shopping and lunch out are now my plan of the day! Off to hit the shower and get the show on the road.

.

 

[mackeymouse4eva]

Ohhhh no worries. I will be here on and off also for a lil dose of "online valium". I have had bouts of what I like to term "vacation remorse" this week along the lines of....Ok, Just how nuts am I??

Anyone else??

I'm VERY excited for this trip BUT I'm nearing panic mode!! Stressed about weight of suitcases, getting suitcases packed, and a lot of last minute purchases that are adding up!!! I was also excited that I completed my taxes and was getting my refund deposited on the 9th ( which would have been great for trip and pre-paying some bills). Well there has been a SNAFU and looks like that refund will be delayed...maybe by 2 months!


It will all work out - the trip will be fabulous!!!! I was just hoping that this week would be a little less stressfull

 

[mackeymouse4eva]

Now that's a scathingly brilliant idea! Adding a dry erase marker to my shopping list! I always get my best ideas and remember stuff when in the shower.

Found out my nearby Bed Bath & Beyond has the luggage scale ($10 and $20 versions) and I have to pass Lane Bryant on the way...looks like shopping and lunch out are now my plan of the day! Off to hit the shower and get the show on the road.

.

Thanks for tip about Bed Bath & Beyond. I know Macy's also has one for $25. I wanted to get one from LL Bean but I waited too long. I work til 3pm...lots of errands to run after!!!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Thanks for tip about Bed Bath & Beyond. I know Macy's also has one for $25. I wanted to get one from LL Bean but I waited too long. I work til 3pm...lots of errands to run after!!!

I'm turning today's 'errand day' attitude into a 'spa day' attitude. Lunch, shopping, pedicure.

BOOKS...read all mine, now I'll have to go buy TWO...one for this week and one for the cruise. Hmmmm....will stop in at the second hand bookstore on the way to the mall!

OK...REALLY...getting off the computer and into the shower

.

 

[brack]

I've scanning old photos today and ran across this ....

our first WDW ticket. The one that started all of our craziness.

 

[Donaldcp98]

I've scanning old photos today and ran across this ....

our first WDW ticket. The one that started all of our craziness.

Wow!! LOL! I remember when they had the stamps on those paper tickets!! Brings back memories. I am just happy that they now have the ability to scan the barcode on the back of your ticket because invariably my annual pass's magnet strip would always go bad and then I would have to go get a new one.