Cranberry or Pineapple??

[ImMarcik]

Lulu, thank you so much for sharing your 911 experience. All of your thoughts and words have helped me. I am better today, knowing he is helping people. He is able to call me, I just talked to him and he is about to ride over the loop in New Orleans. He's taking pictures so I will get to see. Sounds like he will be able to call me everyday. I did ask him about our cruise and the possibilties of us having to reschedule and he told me that he will tell his boss how we've had this package for a year and that's when he wants his time off if they are still working. I did hear that a lot of people already do have their power back so maybe it won't be too long.
Aerial got another kid in her class yesterday from New Orleans and she said he never smiled. I feel bad. I've really talked to my DD and told her how much these kids have got to be going through and she needs to do her best to make them welcome. She goes to private school and has been in the same classroom with a lot of the same kids her whole life, so they really might feel like outsiders. They were told if they get 1 more kids they will be splitting classes into smaller classes because they are at limit for class size. Lulu let us know if you get any kids. I sure hope all the kids welcome them.

Selena, Your pictures are great!!! I want to go now worse hehe. You said before that you do not take good pictures, but you are so cute. Every picture looks good to me.


I want to taste the martinis but I'm really not a big drinker. Will I get drunk drinking that many? LOL.

Sandy & Heidi...Have fun canning salsa this weekend. I talked to my DD last night and we made a grocery list, we are cooking chicken cheese spaghetti Saturday, for something to do since we are alone, I figure it will last a few days

Now for the good news!!!!Since I've never cruised before I had to wait until 75 days out to make all our ressies and that day was today. I set my alarm for 2 am and got up and they were ready to be made. I made everything I wanted. So I am very happy. I made Palo brunch and dinner on our anniversary, and the dolphin encounter in Nassau and registered Aerial for the kids club. Everything is coming together rather nicely.

Karen, just wanted to say hi this weekend I will send my email so I can finally see the pictures.

Thank all of you for listening to me through all of this. Have a great weekend.

 

[mmouse37]

Welcome back Selena and Sandy! I am glad to hear of all the wonderful fun and occasional drinks in Disney! Martini tasting sounds *awesome*. I haven't been around lately (getting ready back at school, I've been sleeping 2-6 am every day lately and am "crazy busy" with all the "teacher stuff".)and reading your awesome reports was a great way to catch up with this thread.

Selena it's great to hear that Jeff will not have to go. No matter how busy you are, it's always nice to come *home* at the end of the day. And happy belated birthday!!!

Marcie- I am very sorry that you are going through a tough time right now. People always thank the task forces, but their families sacrifice just as much and are a huge part of the help. It's especially hard when you can't really even contact him much. Just remember how important what he is doing really is. I live about 10 minutes away from Manhattan and from the 2nd floor, could see the smoke from the Twin Towers on 9/11. 2 of my 3 brothers were part of the rescue effort. (They came after both collapsed and were not inside at the time of the second collapse, both were never injured) It was really extremely tiring- they were working 15-20 hours a day, barely coming home to get a nap and change clothes and were back again. They weren't even themselves for a long time after "what they saw". But I think now they are stronger people and my whole family is really proud of them for what they did. I know my nephews idealize their dad for his part in the rescue and really look up to him because of it. Hopefully, things will turn out well for you, too. And I certainly don't think you're being selfish- in times of crisis, we all want our loved ones closer. Your emotions are totally understandable. I will be thinking about you and your husband and praying all will be on the road to recovery by November and you will be able to Cruise- you'll need it!

P.S.
It also happens my high school (in New Jersey) is getting several students from New Orleans as well. I.M.T.T. has been giving financial help to the high school for many years and their plant in New Orleans is obviously destroyed. They are sending the employees and their families to the I.M.T.T. plant in my town and enrolling their children here next week. I don't know if I personally will be getting any students, but I am not sure what to do to make this transition easier if I do- they will have lost their home (even if it's repairable, they are still sent to live here due to work),and likely some family members. They will not be at "their" school, or see "their friends. A Louisiana accent is totally different from a New Jersey/ New York accent, food is different, everything's new to them and I am nervous kids from NJ will not be as kind and hospitable as I hope they would be. I don't know what to do to help them.

Hi everyone...

sorry to hijack your thread but I just had to say what a great time we had meeting Sandy....we spent a few afternoons in the pool together soaking up the sun!!

I can also attest to the fact that in a crisis families of task force workers do suffer as well.....during 9/11 my husband was on the job almost 24/7...came home an hour or two at times for naps then back to work...this went on for months...he is a police officer for the Port Authority of NY/NJ stationed at the George Washington Bridge (the #1 terroist target in the country currently) and lost 37 of his fellow officers that day, as well as many friends....it was really tough. I realized out deeply it affected our oldest DD when she wrote her college essay on it...brought tears to my eyes but she was so proud of her dad....will never, every forget that period in our lives....one of hubby's friends, an officers from the Port Authority (actually the last one pulled out alive), is being featured in a movie being made about 9/11....Nicholas Cage is playing his part so look for it in theatres next year.

Again, sorry to hijack....Sandy....had a great time!!!

MJ

 

[ImMarcik]

Hi everyone...

sorry to hijack your thread but I just had to say what a great time we had meeting Sandy....we spent a few afternoons in the pool together soaking up the sun!!

I can also attest to the fact that in a crisis families of task force workers do suffer as well.....during 9/11 my husband was on the job almost 24/7...came home an hour or two at times for naps then back to work...this went on for months...he is a police officer for the Port Authority of NY/NJ stationed at the George Washington Bridge (the #1 terroist target in the country currently) and lost 37 of his fellow officers that day, as well as many friends....it was really tough. I realized out deeply it affected our oldest DD when she wrote her college essay on it...brought tears to my eyes but she was so proud of her dad....will never, every forget that period in our lives....one of hubby's friends, an officers from the Port Authority (actually the last one pulled out alive), is being featured in a movie being made about 9/11....Nicholas Cage is playing his part so look for it in theatres next year.

Again, sorry to hijack....Sandy....had a great time!!!

MJ

Don't be sorry, join in. Anyone is welcome. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Welcome mmouse you didn't hijack the thread, like Marcie said anyone is welcome!!!! Stop by and post again!!!

 

[dreamakermom]

Mmouse ~ Welcome!!!! And a big group hug from all of us here!! Please hang around a while.... you may even get to acting like the rest of us!!! CRAZY!!!!

Selena ~ LOVE the PICS!!!!! You ARE tiny!!!! I was jealous!!! But you look great! Your Dh is somewhat built like my Dh and I can see how they have alot in common. I loved the pic of the ship... they were beautiful and exciting. I also liked the one of you on the beach... wanted to join you!!! They all were great. Those drinks looked wonderful and I just cannot wait to fdo the martini tasting!!!! Glad you ar ebak.. glad you had fun!!! Missed you.

Sandy ~ Glad you are back also... Heidi was getting out of hand!!! You need to put her back in her place!!! Actually, she tried to post that email I sent so we really need to keep her around... she is a doll!!! Make sure she shows you the email. If not, let me know. I cannot wait to see your pics also!!!

Marci ~ You are going to end up a stronger person. I wish I could go and help people, but some of us just need to stay put while others have jobs to do. The best we can do is learn, share, listen and live. I definately feel like if events like this don't change a persons life... something is wrong. Your family is in all of our prayers along with the families of all who were affected by this. Sad. Very, very sad.

OK, I have to go get my daughter from the dentist. C U guys later....PICS... more pics!!! Karen

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Heidi was getting out of hand!!!

You have seen nothing.....YET

I agree...more pictures!!! I saw mmouse pictures and they were great!!! Maybe she will post the link over on this thread too!!!!!! Although my mom won't be able to post pictures until I get over there to help her!!! So I guess you are waiting on me to do it!!! Maybe this weekend if she ever gets tomatoes!!!!!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

What a pleasand surprise to hear from Mmouse37 (MJ). We had a terrific time and I will never forget you and the synchronized swimming. Waaaay too much fun! You didn't hijack the thread. Like the others said, stick around. We are a bunch of crazy people who got together over juice! I didn't realize what you and your family has gone through because of 9-11. Sorry to hear that. We are from the Columbine High School community so we also have been through a tragedy.

Talking about New Orleans, we met a DISer onboard from New Orleans, Pamkass. The storm sure ruined their vacation! They were doing the best they could from a far. Just heard that they got to go to their house for 15 minutes and all is well including their cats. She said that they are skinny but needed to lose anyway.

Karen, I thought that you could keep Heidi under control being you have a daughter the same age. I haven't seen the email with pictures yet. I did see the post without pics and it made me laugh out loud and look like an idiot! Heidi, can you send me the pics, still?

 

[Jsme]

I sent Mmouse a pm. Never are you hijacking our thread please join us.

 

[Jsme]

Marcie,

I want to taste the martinis but I'm really not a big drinker. Will I get drunk drinking that many? LOL.

Well lets put it this way. I made sure I fixed myself a plate of snacks that were at Diversions to eat as I drank. Since I honestly do not drink much and do not weigh much I have to watch how much I drink. I had a nice buzz when I left and it was worth the $15. Although there were a few I did not care for the more you drank the less you cared.

I am going to make a thread asking for a picture of the martini tasting because I did not take one. Wonder why???? I thought to take a picture of our new friends we meet at the bar but not of the actual tasting. Plus Jeff laughed at me alot for the various pictures I did take. I also had a problem at one point my camera got off of automatic and alot of pictures were out of focus.

Boy I am so ready for another cruise. Would like to be kicked back with a drink on the deck right now. Sounds like fun.

I have some time off at the end of October. Not sure if Jeff would go for it or not. Thought about taking the kids out of school for a few days to go with us. At the least I want to go somewhere during that time off!!!

 

[ImMarcik]

Selena, thank you for the martini info. I'm the same, I don't drink much and I don't weigh much. So, I wonder how this will go I will have to remember to take pictures. I plan on taking about 1000 pictures hehe.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Hi everyone...

sorry to hijack your thread but I just had to say what a great time we had meeting Sandy....we spent a few afternoons in the pool together soaking up the sun!!

I can also attest to the fact that in a crisis families of task force workers do suffer as well.....during 9/11 my husband was on the job almost 24/7...came home an hour or two at times for naps then back to work...this went on for months...he is a police officer for the Port Authority of NY/NJ stationed at the George Washington Bridge (the #1 terroist target in the country currently) and lost 37 of his fellow officers that day, as well as many friends....it was really tough. I realized out deeply it affected our oldest DD when she wrote her college essay on it...brought tears to my eyes but she was so proud of her dad....will never, every forget that period in our lives....one of hubby's friends, an officers from the Port Authority (actually the last one pulled out alive), is being featured in a movie being made about 9/11....Nicholas Cage is playing his part so look for it in theatres next year.

Again, sorry to hijack....Sandy....had a great time!!!

MJ

My brother is a first responder for the Port Authority of NY/NJ! Has been for about 15 years. Stationed at Holland Tunnel (Lincoln as well) I will ask him if he knows about the movie, because they may very well know some of the same people. My nephew (this brother's son) was in therapy immediately after for quite some time- very obsessed with guns and "protecting" his house and his family, had nightmares, etc. I will never forget being over their house shortly after, while images were on the tv, only to notice him sitting on the stairs alone crying hysterically- found out it was the tv images. Really heartbreaking.

It is truly wonderful to see these heroes appreciated- the movie is great, but how wonderful your DH is in his daughter's eyes is even more special IMHO.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Marcie- so glad I was able to help ease this for you a little! I'm even happier tohear you've gotten a chance to get in touch w your DH.

Sandy and Heidi- Enjoy your canning adventures! I just got finished freezing summer corn (cutting it off the cob, flash freezing it and bagging it) for Thanksgiving. It's Harvest season! It's nice to see it's alive and well in some cases.

Since I booked REAS (as a surprise for my BF) I get to book Palo and spa reservations this Wednesday! I am so excited!

Also, my bf and I have been discussing . . . a Disney Wedding! I am so glad he is so enthusiastic about the idea. We don't really have a lot of money, that's why I don't have a ring yet,(though we've been together for almost 3 1/2 yrs.) but we decided this is what we want- and we'll wait a few years to save up! Just hoping my Catholic Mother will get over not having my wedding in a Catholic church- I'm in the process of finding out if I can get a blessing or something to appease her. We'll see.

My first week back as a teacher again has been exhausting but I really like my seniors. I was worried because they are inclusion (half of them are standard ed and half are special ed. There are 2 teachers- I'm the English teacher in the room and the other teacher is Special Ed certified) but I am enjoying them a lot. . . so far. I've learned a lot through a little writing assignment I gave them- one wants to be a missionary, two have children at home, etc.

No students from New Orleans yet. They arrived at Newark airport today and are moving into housing today. I believe they are coming to school Monday. Again, I'm really hoping kids make an attempt to include them and are kind and respectful.

I'll keep in touch! I'm off to take a shower!

 

[Jsme]

Selena, thank you for the martini info. I'm the same, I don't drink much and I don't weigh much. So, I wonder how this will go I will have to remember to take pictures. I plan on taking about 1000 pictures hehe.

Just remember to make yourself a plate of food and you should be fine. Remember you do not have to drink all of them and you can always share with your DH. Jeff did not do the tasting but he helped me a little.

The snack buffet in Diversion is pretty good. They have chicken tenders, hot dogs and nacho makings. I had the chicken and nachos. Seriously this helped me a lot!

Guys I am off to Curves.

 

[mmouse37]

My brother is a first responder for the Port Authority of NY/NJ! Has been for about 15 years. Stationed at Holland Tunnel (Lincoln as well) I will ask him if he knows about the movie, because they may very well know some of the same people. My nephew (this brother's son) was in therapy immediately after for quite some time- very obsessed with guns and "protecting" his house and his family, had nightmares, etc. I will never forget being over their house shortly after, while images were on the tv, only to notice him sitting on the stairs alone crying hysterically- found out it was the tv images. Really heartbreaking.

It is truly wonderful to see these heroes appreciated- the movie is great, but how wonderful your DH is in his daughter's eyes is even more special IMHO.

Sent you a PM!!!

MJ

 

[Jsme]

MMouse37 please let us see your link to your repo cruise pictures.

 

[mmouse37]

There are three parts, each part about 10 pages long.....

Here they are!!

http://community.webshots.com/album/443607697xxGpUT

http://community.webshots.com/album/443609344lTQFFj

http://community.webshots.com/album/445448490pSfUnk

They are not in strict order but pretty close....enjoy!!

MJ

 

[Jsme]

Thanks alot. Your pictures are wonderful.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Just wanted to pop in and say HI. Canning was a full time job this weekend but Heidi and I got it done. Now my plans for tomorrow is to make peach jam. Anyone want to help?

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Make peach jam...you are supose to wait for me!!!!

Thanks for the pictures mj, they are great!!!!

Lulu - a Disney Wedding....how exciting!!! Wish my guy would go for that, oh well one step at a time, in September will be his first Disney cruise...I am sure her will be as hooked as I am!!!!

 

[dreamakermom]

Mmouse!!!! THank you for your wonderful pics! I sent them on to my sister for her to get excited. I cannot wait to show my 4 yr old granddaughter these pictures of the "Mickey Ship!!" and with all the characters. She will sit with me all day and look at them over and over!!!!

I LOVE peach jam!!! I used to do all that long ago back in the day. Now.... if I were to go through all the trouble, no one would eat it.

How is everyone else doing??? I have been busy and almost too pooped to write!!! Wow! That is so bad!!!!
Now, aren't we waiting for some more pics from someone Sandy???? The jam can wait, we can't

How is your day going Sandy? I am off to Curves today. FINALLY if I get there will be my 100th time. Yippee!!! Karen