Christmas Cruising 2005

[Aisling]

Aisling, Good luck with Song and getting those flights changed. I'd worry about not making it at all if you let them put you on a waiting list. How sure are they that you'll not be totally bumped?

We won't be bumped; we're securely booked on our 5 PM flight , but had a choice of being waitlisted for an earlier, or showing up early at the airport for standby. The waitlisted option just means we get a call the day before if something opens up. We'll get there! If we don't I know you'll hold the ship for us!

Chad is starting to B&M about leaving his girlfriend for the cruise week. I told him he can have Mel's 45 (nice surprise, I thought it was only 30 ) rewards points (= $45) for his ship to shore phone expenses. That's a lot of money for phone calls, but I know it's expensive, and I just hope he has some self-control and doesn't go over the limit. I even thought she could take Mel's place, but she won't leave her family over Christmas. He's still excited to be cruising, though. I asked him straight out if he didn't want to go, (NOT that I'd let him back out, over my dead body, no way in hell, freakin forget about it...!!!!!!!!) and he said he still wants to cruise with me and Jesse. So it'll be fine. Young love, I know how he feels , I was the same way with Mel once upon a long time ago.

Nan, don't work too hard!

 

[trinibjill]

Aisling
The using of the phone is expensive. The only time that use of a cell was available was near land. Because of the hurricane we had to call home several times & I had to call work to arrange for more leave time. We used the phone 10 times. The total cost was $243.85. The cheapest calls were $13.90 & that was for a short period.

 

[KKB]

Aisling...sorry to burst Chad's bubble, but it is $8-10/MINUTE for ship to shore calls! That $45 would get him one 5 min. call, at best! Better to pop for the $90 unlimited interenet, and hope for cell calls at port!
Not much else around here. In SERIOUS need of this cruise....maybe just nightly beers will get me through!
Blah night around here...picked up house since grandma is babysitting Fri. (not that she cares, but I do). Gloomy rainy cool night. But Girl Scouts tomorrow, Brad Paisley/Sara Evans/Sugarland concert Fri. ,football festivities at a friends Sat, church, volleyball & Scouts at the Pumpkin Patch Sun, so the weekend is FULL! But happy full!
I wanna go ebay...but we know where that gets us!
(cute jammies, Nan, but alas, I don't think I'm there yet, either...plus I'm a nightshirt girl. Not crazy about pants to sleep in unless I'm freezing, which is rare. Gee, I can hardly wait for menopause!)
I may check in...
Kris

 

[grimgrinnin]

Yes! I did Fear Factor Live at Universal Studios

Sounds fun!

Dede, (and Nan-I'm sure) I'll make the ressies if you want. Boma at 10?

I don't think this will work, seeing how our plane doesn't come in 'till 3:30 PM.



grim

 

[minniegrl]

Hi Everyone!

Tig~ I don't think we get in until late afternoon on Friday, but we were planning on a Boma breakfast on Saturday before heading to the Magic. Were you speaking of Fri. or Sat. morning? I'd be up for Sat. morning!

Oh, and COOL about the Fear Factor...I would've been the first to drop off the bar, so kudos to you!

Nan~ I'll post redhead pictures when I get my costume....hmmm...or maybe I'll surprise you on Pirate Night!

Going to rustle up some dinner....be back later!

Bye Everyone!

Dede

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I am totally flexible...

does everyone want to have a group breakfast on Saturday instead?

maybe both?

What time does the shuttle pull out?

I'm buying the internet package. They give you one password but as long as we go on at different times the girls and I could all use our time on it.

Aisling, according to my mom's math it would be cheaper.

 

[Aisling]

Aisling...sorry to burst Chad's bubble

We used the phone 10 times. The total cost was $243.85.

Holy moly!!!! And I thought $45 was a lot! Well, I'll pass this info on to him so that he can start saving his own money if he wants to make phone calls.

I found a disposable camera in my pantry today, in a box of party paper supplies, and I had it developed today. They were pictures of our NYE party 1998-1999! I know I have a few more like this scattered around, I think one in my car's glove compartment that's been there for years. It's fun when these unexpected pictures pop up. We all looked so different. Jesse was so cute! And Chad weighed 50 pounds more than he does now. Two years ago, Chad decided that he didn't want to be obese, especially since I have many obese people in my extended family, so he lost 50 pounds, and has maintained his svelt self since then. He works out at a gym, plays basketball on a men's team, and jogs. I have a role model/personal trainer living in my house, but I still cant last more than a week on an exercise program. But what I HAVE done is to use 3 lb. weights to trim and firm my arms. I keep them by the bed so that when I'm watching TV in my room, I can do my arm exercises. The rest of me may be falling apart, but I'm going to have nice arms if I can help it!

For my Formal Night dress, it's spaghetti-strapped, and now my plan is shot. My plan was to wear a one piece body girdle under the dress to hold me together, but where am I going to find a strapless one-piece body girdle?? I've only seen the ones with the straps. I have a lot of ebaying to do.

Tomorrow I go for glasses. I've been putting it off for a long time, but I can't get away with it anymore. My eyes are really bad. I just can't stand to have anything on my face, even sunglasses, but I'll just have to get used to it, unless I get contacts. I'll find out tomorrow after talking to the doctor.

Tonight I wrote on our kitchen message board that we have to have a meeting this weekend to discuss clothes and supplies needed for the cruise. It's amazing that it's only 8 weeks away. That's really not a ton of time. I still have to buy a digital camera, have my rewards dollars transferred to the card, inventory the kids clothes, bathing suits, etc. Get Jesse a suit. I know the rule has changed and people can wear jeans to dinner, but I won't let my sons wear them to dinner. They'll wear khakis and polos. Jesse's very into dress shirts with jeans. I told him no jeans, and he was fine with it. The first night, even though it's a casual night, is Christmas Eve which is when we have our big family/friends Christmas dinner party. So we'll probably dress up a bit, just because of what that night is. And the next day is Christmas Day which falls on Formal Night, how appropriate. I really need to get an idea of what we still need. There's no way I want to run around at the last minute.

Now I'm going to check ebay, that evil place!

 

[grimgrinnin]

Hey Aisling! (This is Dede)

I think I saw a one piece shaper that was like strapless across the top and ended about halfway down the thigh. I think it was on Nordstrom.com, but I'm not sure. If you don't find it there, I'll do a little searching and see if I can find it again.

Hope this helps!
Dede

Update: The link below should take you to the product I was talking about. Its called Higher Power by Spanx. It goes from the ribcage to the thighs.
http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product.asp?styleid=2855971&refsid=146042&refcat=2376776~2374327~2373578~2382320&SourceID=&slotid=3&origin=related

 

[grimgrinnin]

Do you know what this is??? I didn't until last year, when my friend got boo-ed.
Nan

We got Boo'ed two years ago! I don't remember doing anything with it, though...we left on Halloween to go on our first Disney cruise!

grim

 

[nskjerven]

Grim/Dede: all the more reason to boo someone this year. I'll have Paul scan the poem for me it it so cute. We got all our boo stuff and did it tonight (see somethings I can do early) We boo-ed our neighbors but no one answered their doorbell(s) we even drive by a couple of times later this evening. Hopefully they'll get them in the morning. Dede, I tried to get to the Nordie site, but couldn't get thru...I need that shaper too!!!! I'll go Nordie soon and snoop to see what I can find on my own, thanks for the idea.

Tigg & other AKLers for Friday night: We don't yet have plans for anything the evening of Friday. I'm hoping that once we check in I can sweet talk my way into planning a get together for us in the concerige lounge. I tend to think this would be hard to plan ahead of time, but ya never know, maybe if I get talking to a nice concierge person between now and then I'll ask and see what we can do. I'm interested in finding out about the illuniations cruise. Does anyone have an interest in this idea for that night? I have no idea what the costs is for this, I do know that they are booked for the night, now (saw it on another Dis board) but maybe AKL conceirge has some pixie dust for this one, ya never know. We of course can always have a pre party in our room and then have a night out together...ideas are welcome from you all who have been to WDW before.

Aisling: Good luck with the glasses, I need to get them too, but just can't seem to make it a priority. For now I just squint my eyes to read what I can't see.

I'm hearing a terrible news story of a mother who has thrown 3 young children into the SF Bay. Please send prayers for the poor children. Its making me cry to hear this news. I just don't understand how a parent can have such a thought in their head.

Off for the night, gotta go hug my babies,

Nan

 

[domiii]

Tigg & other AKLers for Friday night: We don't yet have plans for anything the evening of Friday. I'm hoping that once we check in I can sweet talk my way into planning a get together for us in the concerige lounge. I tend to think this would be hard to plan ahead of time, but ya never know, maybe if I get talking to a nice concierge person between now and then I'll ask and see what we can do. I'm interested in finding out about the illuniations cruise. Does anyone have an interest in this idea for that night? I have no idea what the costs is for this, I do know that they are booked for the night, now (saw it on another Dis board) but maybe AKL conceirge has some pixie dust for this one, ya never know. We of course can always have a pre party in our room and then have a night out together...ideas are welcome from you all who have been to WDW before.

Don't forget the power of homemade brownies ...... (unless you skimmed over that post too!! You know who you are ...)

 

[tiggerwannabe]

~It's too early to post...I just wiped out my whole reply~

I have some suggestions for Friday night I'll post again later...gotta go get ready for work...bbl

 

[domiii]

Tig - great pictures as usual. I forgot you were down during my most favorite time!! I love the Food and Wine Festival. Kayla, Dom and I have eaten our way around the world a few times ... I have also had a few wines from around the world, too! And we loved WL!

The fireworks pictures were cool. If any one ever wants a different perspective on the fireworks, watch them from behind the castle. Very different view. We also ate dinner at CRT during them - that was fun too.

Ok, I am jealous and stupid all at one time. It NEVER dawned on me to go down the night before ... all of your planning is making me homesick (and jealous) for WDW! Actually, I have been planning Dom's and my 50th B'day in my head so I have that to look forward to. We want to stay at AKL - savanah view. It's not until 2008, but I need to plan now - most of you know what I mean.

 

[Aisling]

Dede, thank you so much for the link, the shaper looks like exactly what I need. In fact, I just ordered the nude one. I guess I was showing my age by calling it a bidy girdle. I'm almost all set. Now I have to decide if I'm going to wear a strapless bra or sew shoulder straps onto the dress to cover a regular bra. I never liked strapless bras, never feel supported enough, but we'll see. Ok, too much info!!! Sorry all you men out there.

Ever notice our view numbers? It's so high compared to the number of posts. There must be a lot of other Christmas cruisers out there lurking, as well, I guess, with people who like to read other people's cruise meet threads.

Karen, I do indeed remember your post about the homemade brownies! By the way, I think your idea of viewing the fireworks from behind the castle is an excellent one. I never thought of that, and I'm definitely going to do this next time.

Nan, how horrible about the kids in SF. I heard something briefly on the news this morning at work, but heard no details.


I'm waiting for the landscaper to come to make my tiny patch of grass purdy for fall. BBL

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Karen, we almost watched from the back...we had just come around from It's a Small World and the castle path was blocked off. We had to go all the way around to teacups and then up to the front of the castle.

Rose did not want to watch from the back and since she took me on this trip her wish was my command

It's not too early to start planning 2008, I average two years of planning (used to anyway.)

If you want savannah I was told the Sunset Savanah has an awesome view at the end of every day. (Told by an AKL host/guest services CM )

Aisling: I tend to buy cami's the same color as my spaghetti string tops. No sewing necessary.

I saw this story this morning after Nan mentioned it. People complain about it but I swear by the DrudgeReport (.com) It is absolutely the best, most far reaching, most thorough news source I use.

I like to read the BBC news and german news for a different angle on American issues.

 

[nskjerven]

brownies....yummmmmm...yes good idea. Do you really think I can make them and have them travel safely from CA to FL???? It is a 15 hour day for us from flight to landing. Maybe I'll come up with an alternative that rings CA? I wish wine was acceptable, but alas, that doesn't travel well or lightly either.

So I better look at the shapers again. I was hoping to find a one piece thing that includes a strapless bra, but that would be hard to make in so many different cup sizes huh?

Going to be surfing the tv soon, and relaxing. I had meeting this morning, so I'm pooped.

Talk to ya later,

Nan

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Our Austrian is going home in the morning, we had a farewell dinner tonight. It was quite nice.

I told Liz I would post the pics in my photobucket and send her the link. I will share the link with you all as well if you'd like. I should have time tomorrow to load them.

I have to take her to the school at 6:30am so I'm headed to bed...

Goodnight Christmas Cruisers

 

[nskjerven]

I have some suggestions for Friday night I'll post again later...gotta go get ready for work...bbl

well, inquiring minds....

I understand if you need to get to bed, tell us tomorrow.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I lost another post

I'll throw my ideas out tomorrow...check your email Nan

 

[tiggerwannabe]

-jk-

this is the third try to post this...cross your fingers for me

Illumination Cruises - approx $10 per person - boats hold approx 12 - not an easy get but might be possible.

Ohana's $25 per adult, fireworks included.

Breakfast, then dinner, then breakfast, all at Boma's.
Friday am, pm and sat pre-cruise
~~~
Jackie, my new CM AKL host friend, did say to get to know your chef I'd like to look for Chef TJ, I'm told he's very good.



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