Christmas Cruise 2005!!!

[tiggerwannabe]

I'll take the answer from DCL...

They say we can use our raised seal birth certificates and driver's license. I even printed a copy of the email to put in my cruise folder jic

 

[KKB]

Sounds like DCL is giving the same answer they have always given, which is still accurate since the new regulations aren't official yet.
Passporter sounds like the DIS thread on passports--better get them, just to be safe...
Look, for nearly $500 I want to KNOW that I need them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have nothing against having a passport, and likely it is a good investment for Dan and I. But I would say it is highly unlikely the children would need them in the next 10 years--I don't think we'll personally be funding a cruise for the family anytime soon. We have plenty of traveling to do in the states as a family first! Plus I haven't been to Hawaii first! (not to mention quite a few other states!)
Sorted cruise stuff...flipped through scrapbooks and found about 10 layouts I never did--finished those. Now thinking of a break w/ a little computer poker. I have a confession--I am a Texas Hold 'Em addict. Online is too slow, but the CD-ROM is fun. Dan and I like to play "bar poker" hear in town. You can play most any night of the week. Best part is that it is free!!!! If you play enough you can earn spots up at Harrah's monthly tourneys, but we play once a month or so. My stepMIL says 1-800-allbetsoff everytime we go. That is the problem gambling hotline. I have to keep reminding her there is NO money involved! I'm too much of a chicken to go to a casino and play! The money could add up TOO quickly!
Actually, Dan and I made it to the final table at the blackjack tournament on Princess--Dan won it. He made it to the 3 card poker final table, too, but didn't win. I like tournament style. Pay my $20 and play for potentially a lot longer than that $20 would last playing regular!
So now you know my dark side... Guess we can only indulge that hobby on bingo or on St. Thomas!!!!
Have great day all!
Kristin

 

[nskjerven]

So.. I thought my little janut to AAA would get my work done, no luck they only handle "individual" DMV stuff not corporate, so much for that trick. Fortunately, the real DMV line can be handled by one of the "guys" says my client...

Now for the really bad news...I went the dentist to see why my tooth/gum was hurting. I torn my gum, & I need gum transplant surgery (the dentist called it something else but that is the jist of it) Not only will it hurt but it will cost money!!! Of course being self-employeed we don't splurge for dental insurance, so it's out of pocket (more like out of Disney pocket) I guess I have to rethink that upgrade after all....

I think I should have the rest of the day off for mental health reasons (being self-employeed, that the life, all the time off I want just no money to go with it)

Ok, enough crabbing. I'm headed over to our local favorite children's bookstore Marc Brown the author of the Arthur books is coming, I must get tickets for the front of the line. That should be fun, crowded but fun.

bye bye for now,

Nan

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Life has such a way of creeping right in doesn't it...

P&PD to ya Nan-I hope you get better soon.

Kristin: a gambler huh?! I love to play cards, I just hate to lose money
DH and I play for fun, he'll bring the cards in and say "what game would you like to beat me at today?"

and I agree about the cost of the passport...TBJ sent me the government link for passport info and they are $97 each!!!! Unless I amazingly get the opportunity to go to Europe in the near future I will have no need after this trip for one. DD applied to go on wider ops with girl scouts to London England, so she might need one.

Aisling: I got another piece of my cruise wardrobe-remember the Mickey swimsuit cover up? I bought one! It was originally $27, they put it on sale for $17.99 and I used a 15% off coupon with that. I got me the Baby Blue Mickey sneakers too! (the sneakers are for now, the cover up is for my summer vaca and the cruise) They were on sale for $14.99 and I used the 15% off on that as well. The two pieces together barely cost me $40. My last pair of sneakers alone cost me $50!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I've been reading sooo much lately...
and not being able to reply. So here are a few things I've been meaning to say all week already

Kristin's made it up to Mousketeer!

Great luck for you, finding exactly the house you wanted. It's definitely worth the extra $$. IMO-families need space. I think mine works out well because everybody has their own space.


I guess Babbling could prevent overeating whatever works my friend.


The Norweigan Cruise Line wave incident was kinda scary...now the news is saying it happened because the captain was rushing his return to port.

If someone in my family goes parachuting, it'll be me! DH and I would go in a heartbeat.

I was able to get the countdown timers to you so quickly because I saved them in "my favorites." so I guess I kinda cheated.

The Pampered Princesses rules-
You will relax
You will take your time
You will allow yourself to be pampered
and You will have memories to last a Lifetime!


Hey Nan's got, not one, but TWO countdowns !!

You gotta grab opportunities as they come, you'll never enjoy them if you let them slip by.

Party at Jill's House!!!!!!! ~In 2010~ :thewave:

Requested Reminder: Skinny tastes Better than Anything!!!


Love the pics grim! True Arizona style, very nice!!
Using time lapse photography-oh so cool!

I DIS at my desk and probably only work half the day now

I plan to see my kids on the boat, I have requested of them that they at least attend Dinner with us every night. Mine will both be 17, so keeping tabs won't be an issue. It's so nice when they get older-independence is a good thing

We're still working on NYE plans-the options right now are; Cirque de Soleil, a plain old gathering (ice cream socials can be organized thru Disney), DTD-my girls were asking if they could go to DQuest, if they do then Mom and I could wind up at Pleasure Island or Cirque. Anybody else have ideas, let me know. We're most likely going to MGM on Sunday and going home on Monday.


Aisling: did the mechanic actually explain to you the difference between a rotation and an alignment, just curious.

Chad's getting a place of his own? He's growing up right before my eyes

Yes, I'll be the keeper of the lists! PPCs-I got you covered!
Current PPC members; Colette, Aisling, Brittany, Stefanie and me. Anybody else? [size=-2]TBJ has declined my offer of membership.[/size]
Wonderful pic of your friend and the Pope! You both should be proud...

How was your visit with Mom? Is Penn station in NY or PA? NY right?


~I've been watching those midwest storms-stay safe Kristin~

Kristin: You and your mom are funny too...hasn't she been a gmother long enough to know the kids make the rules

 

[Aisling]

Hi Gang,

Thanks for the birthday wishes for Jesse (and for me, Nan .) We had a nice evening...nothing big, but fun and memorable. He was very happy with his gifts, which were mostly video games and clothes. Now he's off from school for a week, with schools closed for Passover, and I hope the weather is nice so I can get him outside for some fresh air away from the games! I told him I'm going to throw him out the door and tell him not to come home until he is dirty, hungry, and with a scraped knee! I'm going to get him rollerblades, and hopefully he'll want to be outside in the parks more. We shall see. Oh, and he got his report card yesterday...did very well, my good boy! Here's a funny but R-rated story: a couple of months ago, Jesse was behind in Spanish because of a move from another class, and he was very worried about catching up. He didn't know about conjugating verbs, and that was what the new class was doing. I was worried about it, too, so i did the best I could and explained the conjugation thing. Anyway, he was overwhelmed by it all, and so I taught him a new word in Spanish---I hope webmaster Pete doesn't understand Spanish---the word cojones. He was mortified! I started making sentences with that word in it, silly stuff, like La vaca tenga cojones verde. and Los cojones fueron a la playa la semana pasada. Then he started thinking and making up sentences like that, exercising those verbs, remembering vocabulary, and we spent a good hour doing this, back and forth. After that, we had a good laugh, he felt better, and he got comfortable using the verbs properly. So now when I saw his 90 in Spanish, I said we have to thank those cojones! I know, my bad!

I called the passport office from the gov site, but after being on hold for 15 minutes, I gave up. No patience have I today! But I'll try again, I promise

Nan, my grandma was born in Norway, and although she didn't dance, she had a lovely Norwegian folk outfit, the red and white dress with the white blouse, and the hat, and wore it every May 17, which is Norwegian Independence Day. I thought your name looked a lot Scandinavian!

Kristin, you crack me up! Bring a deck of cards and teach me to play some serious poker! Have a time at the concert.
And FletcherMemorial, you, too, if you're reading this! Tig, doesn't it make you feel good to know your teenage DD still wants mom for a concert buddy? I'm not surprised, because you're so And I'm so glad you got the Mickey cover-up! I was going to get it, but I found the tie-dye one. And the Mickey sneakers are so cute. Did you get them from TDS or disneydirect? Have you seen any pretty Disney swimsuits? I've seen one here and there, but nothing that made me woo hoo, even though I almost bought the black one with the white Mickey heads, just to have one.
________________________________________________________________

I just got a call to pick up my nephew to sleep over tonight, so I have to run, but I'm not finished with my post yet! I'll be back to continue later!

 

[nskjerven]

home from the bookstore, it was awesome, I love meeting authors it makes me feel like I'm meeting a magician or something like that.

I have to say THANKS & to all of you. This group has been so inviting and so much fun to join into.

I think, oh no, I know that I'm a PP please add me to the list.

I'm headed in the house to grab a nap and asprin, the tooth thing actually is hurting a bit more than normal today. (do you think it was because the dentist poked at it so much???)

bye:

Nan

 

[FletcherMem0rial]

Hi Gang!

It's me, Tigger...DISing from home.
(For those new to our thread, this is my DDs sign on. My computer won't let me sign out of her name )

I was going to go to work, but decided staying home is better.

I'm supposed to take DD out dress hunting-again-and then she has a play to go to at the High School tonight. She stayed at a friend's house last night and I'm just waiting for the "pick up" call.

DS just left. FIL and DH are both at work. FIL is a machinist and 63 yo. They wanted him to put in 10 hours today-but he won't. He is dedicated to his job, but not that dedicated DH is in the pool business, he's manager for parts distribution. Inground Pools are his specialty. Spas, Jacuzzis and above ground are handled by other people. He can be there til 2 today, depending on how busy they are. Since it's dreary out, the crowd will (hopefully) be light.

~~~
Aisling: I looked at the swimsuits but they only offer a one piece for adults. I have a "long torso" and prefer the tankini's. I did like the black and white design best. (I remember seeing your tye dye-we'll be easy to spot in a crowd) I have an all black tankini already. I need a new color for my next one, I'm thinking red (I can't wait to hit the clearance racks in August!)

What a great way to get Jesse into his homework! Like I always say, when it comes to the kids-ya gotaa do whatever it takes

I'm grateful my kids like to take me to concerts. We all enjoy the same music and I'm a sun worshipping people watcher Where better to do both than at an outdoor concert, that starts at noon, and has an eight band lineup!

Nan: You're in. I've got you down for the PP
Glad you had fun last night, sorry to hear you're not feeling well. and dentists wonder why people don't like to see them. go figure...

If I can speak for most of us, we welcome new friends-for me, it broadens the horizon...

I'll be lurking around today, Have a Great Saturday All!

 

[nskjerven]

Hi there, have any of you used or heard of Tour Guide Mike? I have to get myself back to WDW planning. (even though I'd rather cruise chat with you) Who is planning on being in WDW before we sail?

I looked at our info we are taking a red eye out on 12/17, so arrival on 12/18...that leaves me 6 days to see it all (& then a few more after we get back to double back to our favorites)

I'm going to try to get a Princess breakfast and perhaps see if I can book a spa treatment in there somewere for me (see I really am a PP)

Kristen, I hope when my little ones are old enough to enjoy the teenage rocker sceen that they'll still want to have old mom around with them to enjoy it. You've made it to cool mom rating, what could be better than that

Tigg - I want that cover-up....now I must find it and buy it, disney envy I've been found out...also that cooler on the rollers, where did that one come from? that was you right?

Aisling your spanish story made me Molly(now 7.5) is in a dual immersion school, 50% taught in english 50% in spanish...I'm sure she'd loveeeee to hear your verb story (not!) I can only pick up a few of those words...she is my resident translater, I figure one or two more years and she can get me thru any Spanish speaking country. The only bad part is next fall little bro starts school there too. That means I *have* to learn to understand what is being said or my kids will talk about me in another language and I won't understand...oh yeah they kinda do that now don't they ???

DH instructed me "no to stay up all night again" so I better say my good nights.

bye bye

Nan

p.s. 2 counters = one for WDW one for cruise....okay I cheated.

 

[trinibjill]

You're never too old to go to concerts with your kids. Mine are in their 30's & we went to see Cher.

For my swimsuit coverup. I have a plain white cotten one with sash & I sewed Disney characters on it.

My favorite Mickey dress. It is black, sleevless, ankle length & has Mickey silhouttes all over it. There is a black sweater to match, but Minnie is on it. & of course my Tigger shirts. I believe I have three. It's called design by Mickey.

Well, enough of sitting & relaxing. I bought a new shed to put my Trike in but first I have to spread some 3/4 stone on the ground before they will deliver it. So back to work.

TTFN
Jill

 

[Aisling]

Who is planning on being in WDW before we sail?

I wish I could squeeze in a WDW trip, but finances right now won't allow it. But the day after we get back from the cruise, I'm making a ressie at the Poly. I'll be depressed unless I have a Disney trip in the works, even if it's a long way off. I'm SO addicted, no kidding. I'm grateful that my kids feel the same way.

We never used Tour Guide Mike, but many have. Do a search, and you'll see. I've heard, though, that some Disers were not too happy with TGM, saying that his plan wasn't specific enough and not personalized for their family. He tells what parks to visit at what time, how to tour the park for maximum time savings, etc. This is information you can get for free just by reading these boards and taking notes.
Whenever I read something helpful, I copy/paste it into a Microsoft Works file, sort of making my own tour guide book that is exactly suited to my family's needs and interests. I have over 30 pages, with the best parade and fireworks viewing areas, where to get free things at WDW, codes, names of helpful CMs to look for, etc. If you enjoy doing your own research, and you have the time, you can do better than TGM. If not, I know his plan has helped people get the most of WDW.

Kristin, how was that concert??

 

[nskjerven]

Jill-

What a good idea! I've added Disney patches (Cinderalla, Pooh) to the kids stuff, but never thought of dressing up a cover-up for me that way. New mission...off to Target, Mervyns, Old Navy or the like to find a plain cover up to embellish.

Everytime I see your signature, I picture you crusing around on your trike. I'm anxious to see a pic of you on this toy.

DH is working on video/movie of our kids dancing yesterday, maybe if we're lucky he'll make a clip to post. It was a nice event, Walnut Creek is about an hour drive from San Jose, into beautiful hilly area. The day, hosted by the Lions honored Special Kids. During one of the circle dances a little kid, 3 year old, come running up and joined the dancing, so cute. Next event is a big one for them, Norway Day in SF, audience of 300 people Good thing the kids don't seem to be the least bit phased by that at all.

Hmmmm...should clean house today, maybe I'll be inspired to get out some scrapping???

I'm lurking if anyone is out there

bye for now,

Nan

 

[KKB]

Casino and concert were a riot! But SOOOO tired today.
Uncle Cracker actually started about 5 min. early--unheard of! Very little time between he and Gretchen Wilson. She virtually sang her entire album, plus one from her new album--unfortunately the still had things a bit loud and we couldn't really understand the rules. I think the name of the song was "Politically Incorrect". It was a good one! Took about 15 min. to set up for Kenny. He opened on a trapeze in the middle of the arena! A real rocking show, w/ a couple of nice slow songs. I think he played 2 hours! So 7:30-11:15, including set changes. Wore me out!
Nan, yeah, I guess I'm temporarily a "cool" mom, but since DS is 9, I'm sure it won't last for long! (They still think I should try out for American Idol and that I have no need for an Extreme Makeover! Ahh,...unconditional love!)
Lots of talk about swimsuit coverups...I use a pareo..sarong...a giant scarf, in other words, wrapped around my waist. Since my best assets are ABOVE my waist, it shows them off while hiding the areas where lumpy isn't so good! I bought a gorgeous new pareo in Cozumel last year for $12. Only negative is I must stick w/ black swimsuits! Not such a bad thing.
Well, gotta go...Mr. Drama King (DD9) is pitching a fit because I am MAKING him write his final draft for a report that was due Friday (remember Mr. sicky--I think he fretted himself sick!). He DESPISES writing, though he is not all that bad at it. But he will turn 15 min. worth of work into a couple of hours, so I must go supervise.
Have a great one!
Kristin
Gee...I am SUCH a babbler...I'm sure I'm not like that verbally.......

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Hello everybody...

Nan: Disney envy huh?!
I see you worked out something for your cover up My Mickey cooler came from Disney Direct last year. Aisling got hers first, then my DH bought me mine for my birthday-I've used it twice already!!! It works great as a suitcase or a cooler

Just an FYI: Did you know??? In order to get a Princess breakfast you'll have to book exactly at 90 days and call as soon as the lines open that morning. 7am ET.

Your staying at AK first right? Is there a spa/salon at AK?
(cool idea on using both tickers by the way )

I'd like to see a vid clip of the kids-that would be cool!

TBJ sent me a pic of her new trike...
[size=-2]ps: MOM, resend it to me as an attachment so I can post it for you. [/size]
Cool Bike!!

I may not be going to the concert this weekend, [size=-2]which is ok, really![/size] I told DH where it's being held and he says it's not a very safe area. I think he'll be taking Britt to this one

Kristin: Glad to hear you had a great time at your concert
I've looked at pareo/sarongs and really do like them. Maybe that'll be one of my souvies from the cruise! I'm hoping to do a little bit of shopping!!!!

 

[KKB]

I know nothing of this! Do tell! I may need to get info from MIL to do this! (Not always an easy task..still trying to get our cabin #s from her!)
Does anyone know Shirley's perfect gift website? Is it just theperfectgift.com? I went there, but it lists the owner as Irene or something so I wasn't sure....
I had balked at the cost, but I realized I could do it for things we were going to get/need anyway, then no pack them, and cover Santa!!
Just thinking ahead!
Have a great day!
Kristin

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I know nothing of this! Do tell! I may need to get info from MIL to do this! (Not always an easy task..still trying to get our cabin #s from her!)

~The Princesses are at WDW~not on the boat. Nan is staying on property before and after the cruise...

There is a regular character breakfast offered on the 7 day cruise.

Does anyone know Shirley's perfect gift website? Is it just theperfectgift.com? I went there, but it lists the owner as Irene or something so I wasn't sure....
I had balked at the cost, but I realized I could do it for things we were going to get/need anyway, then no pack them, and cover Santa!!
Just thinking ahead!

I have her phone number and email....
I plan on using Shirley as Santa on the cruise too!
email: snelsonbrown@aol.com
phone# 800-950-4559

 

[nskjerven]

Thanks Aisling: I just saw your post, must have not been looking closely this weekend. I think I get idea that you are saying, I haven't decided it I want to make a list yet. I like the idea of finding stuff when we are at WDW, so if TGM has a book (or perhaps passporter is in order here) I think I might do that. Since this is our 1st time I think I want some extra advise. For sure I wouldn't want to buy something like this for DL, after going there so many times I could write that myself.

This morning DS, Wilson, 5 is lurking with me. He loves the smileys. In his honor I'm going to post a few here now for him to see...

:thewave:

He is a bit shy to say hello this morning... He tells me he is a sleepyhead.

Tigg (or anyone else): If you see another cooler like that somewhere let me know, I'd love one. I'm snooping ebay all the time. Also, yes I figure that we have 7 days to try to get ressie for breakfast. My only concern is that it is such a crowed time of year, that we may try and still not get them. DH, & DSister & I will be all calling each day until I get something. I've read the rules...stick the ressie in our name and with our card otherwise they won't honor it when you get there. Tuff crowd, but makes sense otherwise people would be selling ressies on ebay. (& I'd buy one) I don't think AK has a spa, so I figure I'll go over to GF to check it out in advance.

We are totally open for anything on NYE. Circus de Soeil (sp) is fine, with me DH thinks our kids might be young, but I think they would love it. Just tell me what time and who to pay and we are in (thanks for making this trip so exciting to look forward to I love it when someone else makes plans for me )

Better get out to the office and check my work email. Hope you all have a good Monday.

bye,

Nan

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Nan:
I use Birnbaum's official guide to WDW.
I also have the Passporter and Birnbaum's guides from my Mom for the cruise.

I usually buy them, but I have borrowed copies from our local library as well.

I, like you with DL, could probably write my own guide to WDW


Smilies for the Sleepyhead!
:thewave:

 

[nskjerven]

Tigg: "I hope you have a fun time seeing us on the Disney Cruise, if you have time to see us." From Wilson, (not so sleepyhead anymore) it is after 10:30am here ya know...

thanks for the # for Shirley she is on my call list too

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Hi Wilson!

I want to try to meet you all too! Since your group is coming in late, we'll have to try to meet up on the ship.

Deck 9 seems to get a little crowded for the Sail Away Party...I plan on being on Deck 10, it looks out over deck 9.