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.