Christmas Cruise 2005!!!

[FletcherMem0rial]

Ok...that's wierd ...

On my CP, KKB was the 999th post on our thread, so I'm thinking...Cool! I get to be the 1000th post on our christmas cruise thread...which we by the way are almost to the 6 month mark!

And I get in here, and KKB IS the 1000th post already : ... Oh well!

Happy 1000 Posts Christmas Cruisers!!!

I started to summarize my index cards...I was right when I said we have around 15 DISer families who all have posted on this thread because they are cruising with us...Yay!!!

Tori...you may already be included in that count...

I'll start posted some details from my "said index cards" soon...
I've gathered this information by being on this thread that Franco made...thank you Franco and printing out and writing down things that everyone has shared here. I'll do this for our newcomers and for those who have been mia for a while ...

I fully intend to coordinate gathering opportunities for us, so we may all to get to know each other and keep each other company during our wonderful upcoming cruise.

My turn again to babble...so I guess that's all for now...

~TTFN~
Colleen.

Happy Memorial Day!!! to all our cruising vets and honorable military members!!! Cheers to you all!

 

[trinibjill]

The greatest thing about your post it is the same left to right & right to left.

 

[FletcherMem0rial]

Hi Mom!

#1-Did you enjoy your day
#2-Congrats on your placement in states!

 

[Aisling]

Unfortunately I cannot do camis. Tried the ones w/ built in bras, but its like putting on a straight jacket!

Kristin, you lucky girl! <-----------As in figure

Since Tig is gathering info about us all for the cruise, I'd like to add that DS20 (by then) and DH will be doing the Mountain Bike Excursion on St. Maarten, if any of you want to join them. Jesse and I are passing on that one, because it's too rigorous for us, but if we have any athletic, adventurous cruisers out there, Mel and Chad would welcome the company.
I remember last summer when we went to WDW, a group from the Disboards decided to do the Segway Tour together at Epcot, and it was tons of fun.

Right now I'm watching the Miss Universe Pageant, mainly to see the beautiful gowns and the hairstyles. I'm wondering if I should cut my hair into long bangs in front. Right now, it's all one length, straight, past my shoulders. I think bangs may be out of style, because none of the final 15 in the pageant have bangs!

Today we went to Coney Island beach, so I didn't get to snap the QE2.

I had to worked today, but I hope you all had a nice relaxing day off.

Gotta go get some rest...nite nite!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

First and foremost...

Aisling, my friend, cut your hair in a style you want...not what's in style

Do you have a regular hairdresser?

...

This post is a prelude to something BIG! I'll be right back...

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Christmas Cruisers-click on the thumbnails to see larger photos...

Nskjerven=Nanette (Nan), Paul, Molly 8, Wilson 5. From San Jose CA, 1st cruise. Family does DL 2 times a year. Staying at AKL 12/18 to 24, then cruising, then to GF for 12/31 to Jan 6. Assigned cabin #8558. Tuxes on Nan's guys for formal night.


Grimgrinnin & Minniegrl=John and Dede, staying at the MCO Hyatt the night before the cruise, proposed to DW in the Magic Kingdom. Staying at BCV after cruise. Assigned cabin #2576, lives in Phoenix, having new house built. Has done the champagne catamaran. Has Tux for formal night. (Bought it on Ebay )


KKB=Kristin, Dan, Marcus 10, Jack 5, Hailey 7. Staying in the family suites. MIL booked trip. From Nebraska. K=5th grade math teacher in a small school. Dan=7th grade social studies teacher of 19 years in Lincoln. K=studying for masters in math til 2006. Marcus likes math, PS2 and sports. Hailey likes school, friends & dance. Jack is the ornery animal lover. Doing Tea Length dress. Staying in suite on deck 8.

Jgalecpa=Jim, Rieann, Caitlin 16, Shannon 13. From Maryland. Repeat cruiser, did 03 Christmas cruise. At WDW Dec 20 to 23rd, in Melbourne w Brother the 23rd to the 24th. Avid fisherman and CPA.

LynnTarrant=Lynn and Keith. From England Hampshire above the Isle of Wight. Repeat cruiser-did 03 Christmas cruise. Arriving day of departure, not staying after. Lynn is an elementary school principle. Also cruising on the Magic Western in August and California cruise.

3xthecharm=Kandice, hubby & three kids. 24 in family group, boys: 11, 10, 8, 7 and girls are: 10, 9, 6, 5, 4. Military family-Navy and Army reserve. Sis on DIS shelly3girls, sis also has concierge. From Pitman NJ. Staying at BCV Dec31 to Jan 4. Doing Tea Length black chiffon & sparkly. Does “Curves.” Staying in cat10.

Now only doing WDW
Franco56=with Brazilian wife, Helena and step sons Leonardo 15 and Daniel 11. Assinged cabin 6062, early dinner seating. Disabled Vietnam Army Vet. Bday is Jan 4th. Staying at SOG Dec 23 to Jan 4. Takes care of 86 yo mom in his home. Flying in on Dec 23rd, staying at motel6. Lives in Mass. 1st time cruiser. Leo is Japanaman and Daniel is Goofy10101 on DIS. Franco is also father of son and daughter and has 5 grandkids. Not night-owls.

Colkath2005-Colette, Bill, Billy 7, Jayden 4, and Mom Kath (organizer)…Colette is a shopaholic, Bill drives for a living, billy is into sports and jayden (their son) is into the princesses. From the UK. Staying at Holiday Inn Sunspree for 12 nights, then cruising, then at Pop til the 4th. Assigned cabins 6633 & 6635. In her words, A Mad Bunch and avid planners.

Aisling=hubby Mel, Jesse 13, Chad, 20. First time cruisers. Aisling is a music therapist for the elderly and a catechism teacher at Jesse’s school. Jesse is on the DIS as Aladdin’s Clone and Chad is on as Wick. Assigned to cabin 6540, staying at the Hyatt MCO Dec 23rd, arriving around 8pm. Doing late dinner seating, hopefully sitting with my crew. Using DCL transfer to get to port. Doing tea length dresses and the guys are doing tuxes. Was looking to do snorkeling at Trunk bay and the 12 m regatta at St Maarten. Now Chad and Mel are doing the Mt Bike tour. Aisling is looking forward to doing the banana boat at CC. Live in Manhattan NY. Chad is ROTC, AForce officer training, and studying political science. Mel plays in a paddle tennis league.


Belle&beastcrazy=Kim and Matt, Katherine 15, Megan 21, also with parents Ken and Mary. Katherine is Tinkcrazy62890 on the DIS. They have early dining rotation and are assigned to 6511, 6512 & 6514. Doing WDW-MK for NYE and like family activities. Also repeat Christmas cruisers from 03.

RRB=Randy, his wife, DS 18 and DS 21 are going with 4 families. Randy’s Dad and his wife are cruising together. This is his Dad’s first cruise, he is a WW2 vet. Assigned cabin 6630. Randy’s bro is bringing his DW, DD 13 and DD 16. His sis is bringing her DH, their DS 21 and DS 24.

Dannyb=Danny, Linda, Lianne 13, and Eric 12. Staying at the Radisson 12/23, has done Palo’s brunch before. May stay in Vero beach for NYE. Assigned to cat9 w porthole. Has chartered a sailboat in St Thomas and snorkeled in St Thomas.

Domiii=cruising with DH and DD and Mom ( a total of 12 going with them ages ranging from 13 to 79 ) Pintrader from the Flemington area. Stage & Studio Stars. Assigned cabins 6116, 6118 and 6120. Taking a direct flight on Dec 24th to the cruise.

Dclcruzer=Tori 14, with bro 10 and Mom and Dad. From Indiana area, 3rd Disney cruise.

Disneylover4= Jessika 13, cruising with a friend.

Grumpy’s Mom=Bonnie, Jamie, Megan 18 and Mackenzie 14. Repeat cruiser from Christmas 03. Did DIS brunch on 12/17/03 w 17 people at Palo’s. From NCarolina area. Renting tuxes for formal night, enjoys planning.

And of course my group…
Tiggerwannabe=Colleen, my Mom Jill, my daughter Brittany 17, and her best friend Stefanie 17. Assigned to, I believe, 6610. On the DIS, Mom is Trinibjill and DD is Fletchermem0rial. As for our cruise details…our itinerary is in my sig.
Mom n me...Brittany and Stefanie-

Wow!! What a list!!!
I edited my itinerary just a little, getting down to the details now that we’re at the 6 month mark. Yay!

Any questions, comments, additions or corrections to your details-please give me a holler…I’m always lurking here somewhere

~TTFN~
Colleen.

 

[Aisling]

Tig, you should work for the FBI!
But seriously, great list. I feel better "knowing" a few people upon boarding, making it less awkward for some shy cruisers like my DH. Now he has built-in pals!

I do want to remind everyone that there's no pressure to spend any amounts of time together. I read a WDW TR where the family wouldn't wear their lime green so as not to be identified as Disers because they thought they'd feel obligated to spend every second together. We're all free to say yes, no, or maybe. But count me in for some big yesses!

Wanna see what I just bought?

I love white gold.

Now I'm going to take another look at Tig's revised itinerary to get some ideas!

 

[KKB]

Field trip wore me out!
Aisling---I do have curvy top & bottom, unfortunately Mom & I are very short waisted--ribs & hips only a couple of inches apart, so tough to get that waistline! And 3 C-sections hasn't helped...told DH I wanted a tummy tuck for my 40th. I think he thinks I'm kidding--I'M NOT!!!!! I do A LOT more sit ups than I've ever done in my life, and while there is less pooch, I don't think working out, losing weight & sit ups are going to finish the job! I'm not looking at getting into a bikini again...just an easier job finding pants to fit!
DH wants to surprise me w/ a trip for my 40th like I did for him. OK....less painful & cheaper, too...and he gets to go!
TO BED....
Only 2 days to go WOO HOO!
Good night!
Kristin

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Tig, you should work for the FBI!
But seriously, great list. I feel better "knowing" a few people upon boarding, making it less awkward for some shy cruisers like my DH. Now he has built-in pals!

I wrote what you all wrote...

When I reply to a thread, especially one as long as ours, I like to write down key points so I don't miss anything important...that became a notebook...which then became index cards

I wanted to remember the little things like who's wearing what for formal night, who's done palo's, who's done the cruise, etc.

My hope is that you each could take your portion and expand on it for me

I saved the list into my signature and would like to edit it to include what each of you add to it...please...I am not a stalker, I don't work for the FBI, I am merely, rediculously organized

I do want to remind everyone that there's no pressure to spend any amounts of time together. I read a WDW TR where the family wouldn't wear their lime green so as not to be identified as Disers because they thought they'd feel obligated to spend every second together. We're all free to say yes, no, or maybe. But count me in for some big yesses!

I absolutely agree!

I publish my itinerary so other DISers can see where I may be This schedule is not absolute, but it is pretty close. I'm not going to hide on this boat...noone is expected to spend 24/7 with me either. Not even my family

Wanna see what I just bought?

I love white gold.

Very Pretty Aisling!

I like white gold too...Brittany and I have sensitive ears (can't wear the "cheap" stuff) but prefer the look of silver. Hearts are also my favorite...most of my jewelry is of hearts, dolphins and indian motifs.

Now I'm going to take another look at Tig's revised itinerary to get some ideas!

Wanna go to the beach with us when the guys go mountain bike riding?

I do have curvy top & bottom, unfortunately Mom & I are very short waisted--ribs & hips only a couple of inches apart, so tough to get that waistline! And 3 C-sections hasn't helped...told DH I wanted a tummy tuck for my 40th. I think he thinks I'm kidding--I'M NOT!!!!! I do A LOT more sit ups than I've ever done in my life, and while there is less pooch, I don't think working out, losing weight & sit ups are going to finish the job! I'm not looking at getting into a bikini again...just an easier job finding pants to fit!
DH wants to surprise me w/ a trip for my 40th like I did for him. OK....less painful & cheaper, too...and he gets to go!

I was watching some of those surgery/makeover shows and keep thinking...I think no matter how unhappy I am with my shape, exercise looks soooooooooooo much less painful than that !!!

even if it takes longer...

I recently bought power 90 and he has a 100 plan for abs...10 different forms of situps. I use five...

First set would be 10 normal crunches, with your hands clasped behind your head, lift straight up to the ceiling with your elbows wide enough you don't see them in your periferal vision.

Then take your knees up and lay them to one side, do the same sit up as above...do 10

Shift your knees to lay on the other side, and do 10 more crunches...these work the obliques.

Move your knees to back to center, lift your feet a couple inches off the ground, move your elbows to the front of your face with your hands still on your head (almost like rolling yourself into a ball) and then crunch by lifting your knees and elbows toward each other, for 10.

Then lay your head on the ground elbows out, hands behind your head and legs almost straight out, knees slightly bent, lift just your feet to work your lower abs for 10.

Do this for two full sets each day if you can...

~This is good for a daily jolt of exercise and should heed results for you~

 

[nskjerven]

Tigg:

You win the techno genius award

Thanks for making the list of us all, it really is hard to keep it straight.

And What do you mean, not hang out with us/you...isn't that the idea of the dis group....just kidding.....I totally understand the concept. I hope to enjoy all of your company, but if not, maybe next cruise

I mentioned the mountain bike idea to DH, he didn't say no, so perhaps he will be a taker. Background info....Paul (42) rode bikes since high school until I got pregnant with our 1st (who turns 8 in July) he was an avid bike nut, even had his own bike light company for a while (G-Wiz Industries) but gave it up to support the wife and new baby....I'm so happy to hear him tell me just last week that he wants to start riding again. Seems that getting married and having kids caused him to just halt that area of his life. I've always been sad about this so I'm very happy that he is ready to ride again. (remind me who is doing this, I can't find that post, was it Aisling's DH & Son?) You've all been so chatty lately!!!

Must take the kids for haircuts, TTFN.



Nan

 

[Aisling]

The pooch is my problem, too. My upper tummy is pretty flat. Jesse was my c-section. I was 23 when I had Chad, had a 3 hour labor from first pain to birth, delivered with a midwife, no pain relief, except for the episiotomy (sorry guys!), gained 30 lbs with this 6-14 baby, and was back to normal almost immediately.
Then six and a half years later, we decided we didn't want Chad to be an only-child. I had an excruciating 20 hour labor, delirious with pain, then delirious with pain-killers. I gained 40 lbs with Jesse, who was 8-6. My poor baby's head was not straight down in the correct position for birth, and he couldn't squeeze out (again, soyrry guys!!!) The evil midwife thought it best to wait for the baby to move his head position on his own, and me and my poor Jesse were in medical distress. Mel didn't know what to do. His parents are doctors, and he was on the phone with them in the Philippines, but they of course were powerless. Finally my mother made a scene in the delivery room, just like Shirley McLaine in that movie where Julia Roberts was her daughter dying in the hospital. She was screaming for the midwife to call a doctor, and then he came and immediately sectioned my Jesse into the world. I was in the hospital for almost a week, my belly was so big, swollen for a long time, even though I was nursing, no bottles. I lost the weight, but the @#$%^&* pooch is still there 13 years later. Of course I gained back a few pounds, but I have 6 months and 3 weeks to make a change.

Kristin, 2 more days of school?? Do you mean your teaching or your math class? Will you be off for the summer? This will be the first summer EVER that I'll be working, but I have a cruise to pay for!

Tig, I think we just may want to go to the beach while the guys do the biking. I thought Jesse and I would just do St. Maarten on our own (no formal excursion), taxi-ing around sight-seeing the local spots, but I want to save that for when Mel and Chad come back from the biking. There will still be time for them to shower, eat, and go back into port with us for a leisurely taxi/walking tour of the main parts of the island. Chad wants to have a drink, since drinking age is 18 there, and it's ok with me, but we're going to have a serious talk about it before the fact.

Tig, you asked if I have a regular hair stylist. I do, and he's great, but he's off the boat from China and we have a bit of a language barrier. He was a big-shot in Hong Kong, with a salon I wouldn't be able to afford to go to, but he's VERY reasonable here. When I sign-languaged him about cutting my hair into bangs, he had a fit, NO NO I NO DO THAT I NO DO THAT! He cracks me up!

I just found out how to type in words into the computer and have it speak what you typed, so I'm off to make a few prank phone calls to my loved ones.

Be back later!

 

[Aisling]

(remind me who is doing this, I can't find that post, was it Aisling's DH & Son?) You've all been so chatty lately!!!

Yes, my DH Mel (43) and DS Chad (20) will be doing the riding tour to Colombier (sp) on St. Maarten.

From the DCL site:

Adventure and Sports Excursions


Mountain Bike Adventure
Take the road less traveled as you bike on- and off-road along stunning coastlines and exhilarating trails, through the rural village of Colombier, and end up at the secluded cove of Friar's Bay Beach.
Activity Level: Active
For Ages: 12 And Up
Adult Price: $65 (ages 12 and above)
Child Price: N/A
Duration: 3.5 hours

Mel and Chad would love to have your DH join them!!

 

[KKB]

I think I'm more tired tonight! Last day of school (teaching) tomorrow. (So out tomorrow night I am actually between classes for Math--we have class the last 2 weeks each of June & July.
Regarding the whole tummy thing--a tough pill to swallow for me. I was a dancer w/ a flat tummy my whole life. NOT NOW! Now, my 3 C-sections were no big deal for me. I actually preferred it, though they are all I know. (frankly I'd rather they cut my abdomen... ) I would only be on morphine a day, and trotting around as soon as they would let me!
I had my scrapbook shop when I had Jack, and I was back at work after 2 weeks! (just took all 3 kids w/ me to the shop! Usually worked, sometimes not so good...) I remember being at a party a week after his birth, and my girlfriends said they weren't as nimble after "traditional" births! I dunno. Didn't bother me much. Figure a tummy tuck would be about the same!
Oh, well, love myself no matter what! (Luckily DH does, too )
Well, stick a fork in me, I'm done!
Night!
Kristin

 

[nskjerven]

Okay baby birth stories here I come (I did that to warn the guys and teenagers to look away now)

Having spent the first 9 months of my pregnancy with morning (day and night) sickness, I was a slim 4 lbs lighter upon delivery than at conception. Since I natively was due with my first I thought, "ha" work until the day and then have the baby and get on with it. So in my typical over achieving manner I did just that. The day before I had her (unbeknownst to me) a week prior to due date, I woke up at 6am, worked the morning, had 3 client site meeting and *then* went to my OB appt. in the late afternoon. To have my doctor tell me “Go home and rest, try to relax, your blood pressure is up, I’ll check you tomorrow and if you are still this high we will induce.” With the fear of God in me and the fact that I had a desk full of work to do, I went home and WORKED (I had payrolls to run) until 9pm and then walk in the house sat on the couch, watched tv (Caroline in the City) for 1 hour and oops, my water broke. I reached the doc on call for the night and said my doctor told me I had high BP, can I take a shower and then come in? He said a quick one. I had only one slight contraction on the ride over. Upon arrival, to the hospital by midnight, I was hooked up to the fetal monitor and BP cuff. No labor…..3am in comes Nurse Ratchet (pelvic from hell) and tells me they are inducing, I plead to talk with my doc before the drugs, she calls him and I convince him to let me have more time…we wait and soon labor begins. Then the epidural from heaven at 7am and I’m fine. Ready to push at 11:30 am try that for 45 minutes to end up with a forceps delivery. (I was a bit tired from not sleeping for 36 hours) Stay in the hospital for one night, (get me home) and then back at work on Friday (2 days after delivery) I had to review the termination payroll my assistant prepared while I was on my mini-vacation of one day, work never stops for the self-employed. I didn’t take my maternity leave until I got pregnant with Wilson 2+ years later….His delivery, 3 weeks early, (high BP, gestational diabetes) planned induction 3.5 hours from start to finish, a walk in the park…I lost more weight during that pregnancy, I think it was 6 lbs. I call it the pregnancy diet, I get pregnant, barf the whole time and lose weight…(yes, I’ve thought of using that technique again, but then I’d have a baby to deal with) Of course please don’t confuse the pregnancy diet with the eat everything in sight since I’m breastfeeding diet, as that is the cause of my 20+ lbs weigh gain after the birth of my 2nd. For me I’d deliver babies every day for 9 months if only I didn’t have to carry them for 9 months. They say each person has a different pregnancy and delivery experience I’m sure after going thru my 2 that statement is sooo true.

Now we *really* know each other right???

Next topic breastfeeding....that will really turn off the guys and teens

Must do some work today...TTNF

Nan

p.s. Today is the last day of Pre-school for my little guy, I'm a crying mama today, so many sweet memories my baby is growing up.

 

[Aisling]

Now we *really* know each other right???

Next topic breastfeeding....that will really turn off the guys and teens

Must do some work today...TTNF

Nan

p.s. Today is the last day of Pre-school for my little guy, I'm a crying mama today, so many sweet memories my baby is growing up.

I hope I don't shock anyone, but I breastfed my sons until Chad was 2 and Jesse was almost 3. They weaned themselves when they were ready, and turned out to be normal kids, to the surprise of my mom who thought it was "wierd". They also slept in my bed for the first couple of years, and on their own they moved into their own beds. I guess I should have been born into a primitive culture, because for me and my babies, this was the most natural way to go, and it worked for us. I remember when Chad was 9 months old and my grandma saw me nursing him. She said, "you're STILL doing THAT??"

Nan, I think all of us moms, and dads, know what you're feeling about being a crying mama today. They grow up so fast. It makes me sad and happy at the same time. They're still our babies!

 

[nskjerven]

I hope I don't shock anyone, but I breastfed my sons until Chad was 2 and Jesse was almost 3.

Remember Aisling, I'm from California nothing can shock me....I would have breastfeed for much longer, but my little guy knew the bottle brought it to him faster, so on his 6 month bday he turned away and that was our end. That part of having a baby I'd do again in a second. Most of my playgroup nursed almost 'til 2 years old. My dear friend is nursing now her almost 1 year old and is pregnant with #2, I keep wondering how she will manage that, but people do nurse twins so I'll not be suprised if they will both get their mama for a while longer.

As for the sleeping thing, is there ever a point that they will want to sleep in their own beds over ours???? Both our kids are in our beds at least 4 out of 7 nights a week. DH lugs them to their own beds when they fall asleep. Too much teeth grinding and snooring to let them stay with us.

Well the clock strikes noon and I must get the little guy from his last day....



Nan

 

[Aisling]

As for the sleeping thing, is there ever a point that they will want to sleep in their own beds over ours???? Both our kids are in our beds at least 4 out of 7 nights a week. DH lugs them to their own beds when they fall asleep.

Nan,
Yes, they will outgrow the need to sleep with mama and daddy! I know it's a pain lugging them into their own beds, but it gives them comfort and security to be in your bed. My mom warned me that I was teaching my babies to be INSECURE by allowing them to sleep with us, that they'll always need to sleep with us. I've never found that to be true with anyone I know. My 13 and 19 year old kids DO NOT sleep with me!! We all do what we feel is best for our own families!

Gotta go eat. I'll be back later!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Busy day at work today

I'll check back in with you all tomorrow...

again, I have to print these pages to play catch up

Goodnight my Friends

and have a pleasant tomorrow...

 

[3xthecharm]

C section tummies I feel your pain.

Seriously, I can't seem to get rid of the tummy after my C either. I got down to my weight in college. and there it still was. Oh well, my DS was worth it I guess.

I've lost 15lbs.! Of course the stomach virus this week didn't hurt.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I guess I should count my blessings...

No C sections, just alotta weight gain

[size=-2]and loss, and gain, and loss...you get the picture [/size]

I hope you're feeling better Kandice?