Christmas 2003 - Who's sailing (20-27 Dec 03)?

[jgalecpa]

Lynn,

Your email didn't come through yet.

If you pm your email I'll get it out ASAP

Jim

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Jim - can you forward me a copy also? This will keep someone busy this weekend!!

Thanks!

Bon

 

[kolakdaw]

Hi All,
Looks like I will win the award for the last person to get their docs. Not here yet! My TA site said they come 10 days before the trip. That would be yesterday, right? I'll give it a day and then call to complain... My DD-17 has the flu. This is one sick kid. She's missed four days of school this week. Today 385 kids were out sick. Becky and I are washing our hands like crazy and spraying around the other one with Lysol all the time. Hopefully we will stay healthy for the trip! I hope the flu won't be a problem on the ship like it seems to be up here. Whole school districts are closing down. Anybody having this problem in your neck of the woods?

Dawn

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Hi Dawn - my DD-17 had it the week before Thanksgiving - it is BAD! She went to school Monday, called me to come and get her during lunch so she could come home and go to sleep, and then go back for her last two classes. Tuesday, made it until 1:30 p.m. Out the rest of the week. Our students do not have to take finals if they miss two or less days per semester- Wednesday was Day 3. Now we are trying to get her Spanish final (12/19) changed so that we can still leave on12/18. When I called the Pediatrician's office for cough medicine, they told me there were 125 children out sick at the other high school in town.

I thought my DD-13 was getting it over Thanksgiving -- didn't want to shop on Friday!! Slept all the way home in the car from the beach on Saturday. Turns out she had one awful sinus infection - which is something no one else has had in our house ever. Put her on antibiotics and narcotics - she had 2 nights in a row where she coughed so much and so hard that she was up until 2:30 - 3:00 a.m. and woke at 5:00 a.m. - Mom didn't get much sleep either. Neither seemed to do much good. I am just hoping she is not so worn down that she gets the flu. There were over 100 children out / checked out sick on Monday after Thanksgiving at her school.

Hope we all get to the ship healthy and that we stay that way!

We'll be at WDW one week from tonight!

Bonnie

 

[Ginny]

Hi all -

Dawn, I hope your daughter is better quickly and that you and your younger DD stay healthy. I just keep taking my vitamins, sticking to healthy foods, washing my hands (like a zealot) ...............and trying to sleep enough (not doing well on the last one). I have been sick at WDW once before and that was enough. That little clinic just off property was great BUT I would like to avoid that "E" ticket ride if we can.

We were home yesterday with Erin and we are staying home today. She was still running about 101.8 last night but said her throat was feeling better so perhaps I have dodged strep this time! I won't make that determination until she wakes up though. She slept most of yesterday and slept through last night, too. This is not the flu that you all seem to have been experiencing but we haven't seen a huge hit at Erin's school yet.

Bonnie, our verandah is actually one of my favorite places on the ship and have always loved it first thing in the morning because we are such "trained" early risers. Chuck will go up and get coffee from the little beverage bar and come back and we watch the sun come up together while the kids are still sleeping. Just remember that "private verandah" you and Lynn and your families will have ready access to at the back of Deck 7. And, if Jamie is really intent on upgrading - ask at the Port. Someone may have to cancel at the last minute and you may find something opening up. That has happened lots of times.

Tell Jamie they, also, have a special "party" for Cigar aficianados one evening. Chuck went last time and really enjoyed himself and plans to go again this trip. It was on Deck 10 about 9 or 10PM one night.

Take care all - Sending Pixie Dust that the Flu Bug goes on hiatus until 1 January.

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Ginny -- tell Erin we hope she is better soon! Sending pixie dust her way!

Dawn - you can call the DCL desk and they will tell you what day they were mailed --


Bonnie

 

[jgalecpa]

Our girls went through bad "colds" over the last two weeks. First Caitlin (dd-15) then shannon (dd-12).

Both out of it now.

Everone here seems to be more worried about the flu than in the actual throes of it yet.

KNOCK WOOD HERE.

Cigar night, huh?

I have about one cigar every other year (must be cuban or why bother) and this seems as good as place as any. At least the cuban will be legal (this time).

^\/^\/^\/^\/^\/^

(pixie dust for the flu)

Jim

PS How you anwer the question at the pier ("Has anyone in your party been sick lately") is up to you, but if my kids were better, I'd answer very carefully.

 

[kolakdaw]

Bonnie--do the cruise docs come directly from Disney or from the TA?

Dawn

 

[kolakdaw]

Jim--Interesting that they ask that question! I guess the definition of "lately" would apply. I think DD17 will be fine by early next week, in which case she should be perfectly healthy for a week prior to the cruise. You can't pass on flu germs that long after you've recovered can you? Becky and I are avoiding her as best as possible. I hold my breath when I go in her room to give her the cold meds and then immediately wash my hands. Her door is constantly sprayed with Lysol, as is anything she goes near or touches! The poor kid is miserable, but she is getting plenty of rest. She was starting to look a little better yesterday, so I think we've crossed over the hump so to speak. Keep sending pixie dust!! So far, Becky and I feel fine.

Bonnie--I'm just catching up on old posts. I also recommend going with the college student for your adorable doggie. I have two American Eskimos and they are going to be dog-sit by two high school students that live across the street. They are so much calmer and happier in their own home. Ten days in a kennel is a long time and definitely stressful--plus your house will be watched. I pay the girls a total of $10 a day which isn't bad for both dogs and she also feeds the cats. The dogs are more work of course as they have to go out every 4 hours or so. The kennel I use charges $13 per day PER DOG, so this is really a bargain.

I am off to correct my LAST paper--119 down, one to go! YEE HA!

Dawn

 

[jgalecpa]

I think someone said they ask "in the last two weeks."

All I can say is if I'm behind you in line and you answer "no", I'm keeping my big mouth shut.

You know if your kids are ok, and everyone here is smart enough not to endanger anyone else.



jim

 

[kolakdaw]

Thanks Jim, don't worry, we won't go if we're sick! DD17 is doing MUCH better today, thank goodnes. I think we're past it now. I called the TA today and they mailed the docs on 12/9, so I should be getting them soon. Do I get a prize for being last? LOL. Dawn

 

[hawkrn]

last year went we went on the Wonder it was at the same time that the Magic was dry-docked because of Norwalk. We had gone to WDW for 5 days beforehand and I was obsessed with using the waterless antibacterial hand soap. Target has a pack of about 12 little bottles that will fit in fanny pack, etc. We would go on a ride and then use the soap. I am taking it again. As for the wonder, they were constantly cleaning everything, but I still used the soap. Ds has already asked me if I'm going to make him use the soap again! We don't have the flu here in eastern Iowa but a 2 year old died of it in western Iowa. So it's close! Does anyone know if you tip with cash if you use room service? Or do you sign the slip of paper?

 

[LynnTarrant]

We're all Hale and Hearty here in the UK, don't want any of your nasty US flu bugs thanks....so we'll be the ones in surgical masks on the ship.

Is anyone else having a problem containing their excitement!!!

 

[hawkrn]

Ok Lynn, what do you mean you're Hale and Hearty? My last name is Hale!!!!! Is that some English phrase? My ancestors came from Gloucester in the early 1800s.

 

[Ginny]

Hi all -

Thanks for the Pixie Dust!! Between that and the Biaxin & Robitussin, she should be feeling much better by tomorrow. Of the 4 kids in her class, all have been diagnosed with bronchitis. And, the antibiotics will carry her through Christmas Eve. I'm so glad that I was able to get her in yesterday with her usual pediatrician. So, if we can just avoid viruses, we should be doing okay.

Julie - Inkkognito always talks about getting 2 dollar bills for room service tips so I would say based on her info, you can use cash. I honestly don't remember what we did for room service. I'm with you and the soap! Also, saw your post about not using antibiotic ointment in or around your nose on another thread. That was great info to share as noses are dry with home heating and stuff.

Finished all my Christmas Cards and tried to start wrapping presents but Miss Erin woke up at 0500 so I have had to abandon that for another time. I may just have to pack paper or bows and bags and call it good.

Jim - Another Cuban fan!! Chuck loves them. He is not a frequent cigar smoker but does love a good one now and then. He was impressed with the selection at the gathering last time.

Dawn - Glad everyone is feeling better and that your DOCS are on their way!!

Take care all - Ginny

 

[jgalecpa]

Dawn, Glad everyone is feeling better!

Julie,

I guess you'd be what we call a "Hale fellow, well met"! (even I'm not sure what that means, other than you're very nice.

Yes, You get the "Crikey,I am the Last D*** person to get my Docs on this whole cruise" award. You can step in front of me in line. But don't step in front of Rieann. That could get nasty. She's bigger than me. Heck, everyone is bigger than me).

Lynn,

We can't wait over here either.


Bonnie,

Tell Jamie after the cruise I'm going fishing for Redfish with this guy:

http://www.fishflorida.com/redfish/index.html

Sounds good. He says if you don't catch a redfish, you don't pay!


Anyone Else have a teenager that HAS TO see the Lord of the Rings BEFORE we leave? It comes out Wed here in the US and Caitlin has to see it. I am no Sci-fi?Fantasy buff, but I took her to the first two and am picking her up at school on Wed. and driving straight tot the theater. It has a running time of 3:42!. Thats almost two hrs longer than the flight to Fl from DC.

Sounds like a good time for R to finish Shannons packing.

Talk about numb-butt syndrome.

Jim

 

[jgalecpa]

Julie,


You can either sign the tip or use cash.

We went to the bank and got a bunch of ones and all the $2's they had (only seven).

Jim

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Hi all --

Just sent the girls out to do their Christmas shopping for their friends before the ice storm arrives -

Sent DH out with a list -- suction cups, tree, lights, ziplock bags, over-the-door-holder and walkie-talkies - however, he appears to have balked at the walkie-talkies-

Mollie and Fred and Emmy (the cats) are holding down the home front, hoping to get my three weeks of dictation done in two days.

Hoping the ice will melt and we will be able to get to Greensboro on Thursday to catch our flight!

CAN WE SAY "STRESSED" ???

I am so excited - will I ever get it all done and get to the ship? Can't wait for the moment when I sit down in the plane and take that first breath of vacation!

 

[Magic8540]

Been off for a while (mental according to Ann, but o'well) and reading thorugh all I missed will be like me email at work when we get back from vacation. Need the pratice.

Ginny -
Responded to your PM this morning, better late than never, on joining the list for bruch on Monday. Noticed during my travels through the threads that you need our full names and cabin number. Here it is:

Cabin: 7578
Milton Laughlin
Ann Laughlin

Hope everyone is doing fine and in the mode of "get packing". So much to do in the next fews days since we leave next Thursday. Will try and stay up on the activities over the next few days.

Warmest Regards,
Milt and Ann

 

[kolakdaw]

Bonnie--your ice storm is coming in the form of a blizzard up here! Last weekend we got 20 inches of snow. Tomorrow they are predicting 2 feet of the stuff! I can't tell you how excited and elated we all are to be LEAVING New York State next week!!! I bought another decoration last night--these adorable window clings for the sliding glass door. My daughters are horrified! They think I'm nuts.

Has anyone started to pack? I think I will pack up the summer clothing tomorrow since I'll be stranded home with the storm.

Did anyone catch the Wonder on the Travel Channel last night? They were showing the Top 10 cruise ships and the Wonder was #1 for families. They had a lot of clips I hadn't seen before. I'm also going to try to catch the one on Sunday night. Haven't seen that special yet.

Dawn