"Double Dip Delight" 09.27.2008 - Chapter 4!

[Grandma4ever]

For those of you who have cruised before, after talking to fellow cruisers beforehand: What is it like when you first actually MEET everybody in person for the first time? Is it awkward or just like "talking" on the boards? I am really excited to meet everybody and I feel like we are all friends here, just wondering what others have experienced or what everyones expectations are. Basically, I am just bored and thinking about the cruise

It was pretty easy for me. Much like meeting a person for the first time that I had spoken with on the phone. It will be different for each of us based on our personatities. Can't wait for this 1st meet.

3 WEEKS FELLOW CRUISERS!!!!!!!!!!

Yep - in about three weeks (3 weeks sounds so much shorter than 21 days) we'll be getting in our car and heading to port!!

For those going to WDW first!
Your Countdown Date is: 09/20/08

Your Countdown Time is 0 years, 0 months and 14 days.

Your Countdown is also exactly 14 days.

Your Countdown is also approximately 336 hours.

Your Countdown is also approximately 20,160 minutes.

Your Countdown is also approximately 1,209,600 seconds.

Thought I would take a few minutes to brag about my countdown. Lois

I hope everyone in the path of Hanna and Ike stay safe.

Julie I am praying that Alex get the Pixie dust he needs and it just heals over night. Janet's mom had Cancer and had a drain put in after her surgery and it took longer than they expected before it could be removed. I hope that is all this is. I wish there was more we could do. I have been were you are; alone with two small kids, trying to move, and one child in the hospital. It isn't any fun. Lois

 

[Fizzgig]

No I had never seen one but I googled it to see a picture. That is a very colorful bird...little compared to my bird (and much cheaper, too). I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much Sarabi (our bird) cost or is worth....but she was definitely an investment....and is truly an important part of our family now....so we view it as money well spent-----and hey, there's worse things we could have done wiht it like gambled it away or invested it in Enron!

I keep having fantasies about someone near to me having an African Grey... as in, I get the good side of having a Grey without all of the cleanup and worry. Rosellas are pretty, too... Quite flamboyant, from the Wiki pictures.

Alex:

About DISMeets: I've been to two so far, and it really depends on the people who show up. I think we can all agree that we'll be hugging Kimberly's neck and thanking her for all the hard work she's put in (and been delighted to do, I know, Kimberly ), we'll all want to check on Alex and see how he's feeling, etc. I just want to point to the fact that we have 130 accounts on the DDD website, and I have a reason to talk to each of you , so I'm not listing everyone's name here!!! If I start, I'll never finish!!!

With me repeating a cruise with friends from my first cruise (no joke, they pressured me to move my reservation to go with them ), it was a bit like Christmas to see those friends again. I think it will be like that for me this time, too, with all the talking we've done on here and on the phones!

I think I'll be going to two places--the Promenade at 3, and Deck 10 before the party to make sure I catch Erik, Jason, Hadley (and her family ).

I'm pretty darn excited! Beyond seeing you guys, I get to see my mom!!! The bad part is I have nothing left to buy except sunscreen, and I now have to track down all the stuff in my house I want to pack. Some rabid chinchilla in a tiara "unpacked" the partially packed suitcases last weekend. I had left things like sunscreen, walkie talkies, glow sticks, etc, in the suitcases downstairs in the basement.... Yeah... they're not there anymore. One of the suitcases is in her room on the top floor by her own doing. She walked that sucker up two flights of stairs without making a peep.

 

[thepanmanman]

AAA just called and they have a package for us. Now we can do the doc dance.

Alex and prayers.

Jack

 

[zweihund]

We have a 10 year old noble macaw....she has to have her wings clipped, nails and beak groomed regularly...and especially before she gets boarded.

I'm pretty sure we talked about this once before, but now I have to chime in again that I have a birdie too! We have a White-Eyed Conure which is about the same size as a Hahn's and actually looks VERY similar. The big difference is the beak. Macaws have that distinct macaw face, even when they are tiny - that white skin with black fuzzy stripes. So cute! Ours is green with white skin around the eyes with a smattering of red face feathers and red-tipped wings. He's a little older than yours, at 14.
Honestly, they aren't any more expensive than a pedigree dog, and they last three times as long! It's crazy that my bird will outlive my dog, who is 3.

Erik - does your bird like to sit in your shirt too? I'll have to find the photo I have of him sticking out of the neck of Lionel's shirt, it's great! That's his favorite place to be.

Guess it wouldn't be nice for me to say that I've updated my blog, huh?

And .... you should NOT look.

Temptress! You're lucky I don't have internet at home right now. I'm on limited time here.....I asked Lionel this morning if he wanted breakfast at Panera, and he said sure! Then I said "well, bring the laptop then" HOPEFULLY it will be fixed today. The folks at Brighthouse say it's the feeder line for the neighborhood, which I think is pretty bad.

I'm a very shy person IRL, but sometimes I break out of my shell. I'm good with faces, BAAAAD with names, so hopefully by some of your avatars I'll recognize you and will introuce myself. Please don't think I'm rude if I say "Zewihund!" because I associate your screenname with your picture and not your signature name I'm glad we have the lanyards with nametags....that will help at first!

That's quite all right - on my last DIS meeting, I people kept saying "I'm Susan" and "I'm Lisa" and I was like......ok, but I still have no idea who you are then I got home and was like "ooooooohhhhhhhhh!"
I'm a little quiet at first, until you get me going. Or give me a drink. Whatever is most appropriate, I guess We are bringing some games so that should help break the ice a little bit. The Great Dalmuti! Works every time.

I keep having fantasies about someone near to me having an African Grey... as in, I get the good side of having a Grey without all of the cleanup and worry. Rosellas are pretty, too... Quite flamboyant, from the Wiki pictures.
Some rabid chinchilla in a tiara "unpacked" the partially packed suitcases last weekend.

Almost lost my coffee on that one!
An African Grey is my husband's dream bird. We need a bigger house for all of these animals we want.

 

[Fizzgig]

Almost lost my coffee on that one!
An African Grey is my husband's dream bird. We need a bigger house for all of these animals we want.

If you ever get a chance to watch this kid eat corn on the cob, you'll see how she got that nickname. She's a study in pint-size chaos theory.

We watched episodes of Firefly last night. Man, I -really- don't like Reavers.

 

[Buckeye Gal]

What else to do this weekend????

If you're in the States and leaving on or before September 20, today is the day you can submit a "Hold Mail" request with USPS. For the rest of you, know you can do this exactly 2 weeks before the day you need it to start.

....all the hard work she's put in (and been delighted to do, I know, Kimberly )
....now have to track down all the stuff in my house I want to pack. Some rabid chinchilla in a tiara "unpacked" the partially packed suitcases last weekend.....She walked that sucker up two flights of stairs without making a peep.

You are correct! Delighted is a perfect word, too. It's been a wonderful part of my vacation, and I'm thankful that you all accepted me! I seriously don't know what I'll do with my free time starting in October!

A tiara-topped chinchilla, huh? That sneaky little critter!

What is it like when you first actually MEET everybody in person for the first time? Is it awkward or just like "talking" on the boards? I am really excited to meet everybody and I feel like we are all friends here...

Believe it or not, I'm a BIG introvert! On Myers-Briggs test scoring, I'm like an 85% introvert! So it if weren't for meeting all of you guys here, I would probably be nothing more than a wallflower. Once I get to know people well, I open up. I typically better in smaller groups, too. I've been told I'm a very good listener and observer, so I guess that explains why in in larger groups I tend to let all the extraverts interact, and I walk away feeling very satisified. BTW, I am a hugger, so don't worry about getting in my space.

With all that said, I am SO anxious to see all of you and talk to you!! You've all really become a part of my friends & family as I talk about you guys I think every day to someone. My co-workers are even excited that I get to meet all of you in person soon!

I think Lois made a good point. "Can't wait for this 1st meet." Saturday will just be the beginning!! All the other random passings and mini group gatherings with the morning walks/runs, kid club drop-offs/pick-ups, adult beverage tastings, shared excursions, and our '80s night will have flood gates open!

Well, back to my scrapbook pages! I'm guessing the thread will be pretty slow today as we all have stuff to accomplish!

 

[tig82174]

Catching up on a break in cheerleading/gymnastics practice today:


Dining & MNSSHP: I agree with the person who recommended counter service. Jason and I are on the dining plan while we're there and we are having a table service lunch that day in the mid afternoon....then going to our resort, swimming and playing a bit, getting into our costumes and heading over to meet Hadley and her bunch at MK for the MNSSHP. We'll eat a very fast counter service dinner that night. There's so much to do at the party----special fireworks, special parade that you have to get a great spot for and sit and wait, special shows, trick or treating, special photopass opportunities throughout the park (which mostly have long lines to wait)-----the last time we went we didn't really do any of the rides and attractions hardly we were doing all the special stuff....so I can't imagine having time to want to sit down for a longer dinner!

DIS Meets: It varies....Jason is very shy so he won't talk to anyone hardly. I'm actually shy in person at first but I'll open up....you'll find that there are certain people from the group you're already really connected to and you'll open right up to them and others will happen over time. It's like the first day of school all over again! And whoever remarked about traveling with cruisemates again is right.....I didn't even know Sandi & her family, Hadley & her family, or Chris & Rob before we all "met" on the DISboards before last year's cruise and then met and gelled really well onboard the ship. And now look at us----we're all booked on this cruise together----and that was planned. Chris & Rob are booked (unintentionally but we're thrilled nonetheless) on the same cruise Jason and I are taking with my parents in May 2009 and we can't wait for that. Hadley's family has already booked their next cruise for late 2009 and Jason and I have already decided we're booking that trip aboard (in the hopes we can actually afford the time and money to take a second cruise in 2009 and be with them!...and maybe we can convince Sandi's family to join, too!!) So meeting people from the DIS who become lifelong friends is one of the big sells!

Birds---Sarabi does NOT like to be in anything....she needs to be out and open....she sits on our shoulders....in fact she really won't stand for being left in or on her cage when either Jason or I or home and she won't stand for being left alone in a room either. She must be with us and a part of the action at all times----she's spoiled ABSOLUTELY ROTTEN! As for African Greys.....I just want to say that they are a very over-rated bird. I grew up around parrots and my LEAST favorite bird we had was a grey....they're cute to visit and play with, but living with them is very challenging because they're loud, demanding, neurotic, etc. (Not that Sarabi isn't also all those things, though! )

 

[flower91882]

I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much Sarabi (our bird) cost or is worth..

OMG, my best friend's cat is named Sarabi!! hahahaha!

 

[tig82174]

Oh I forgot to post OUR countdown:

12 Days, 11 hours, 4 mins

 

[tig82174]

OMG, my best friend's cat is named Sarabi!! hahahaha!

Sarabi's probably a better name for a cat, though, since it's Simba's mother's name. Our bird got that name because I brought her home just a few weekends after I saw The Lion King on Broadway for the first time...and I really wanted her to have a name from the show.

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Oh I forgot to post OUR countdown:

12 Days, 11 hours, 4 mins

How can you FORGET?!!!! Shout it out loud whenever you can!!

 

[anc22]

An African Grey is my husband's dream bird. We need a bigger house for all of these animals we want.

As for African Greys.....I just want to say that they are a very over-rated bird. I grew up around parrots and my LEAST favorite bird we had was a grey....they're cute to visit and play with, but living with them is very challenging because they're loud, demanding, neurotic, etc. (Not that Sarabi isn't also all those things, though! )

My good friend has THREE African Greys. They are A LOT of work. When I call her house it sounds like she runs a daycare! They hate to be in their cages too. When I am over there and they are in their room (yes, they have their own room ) All you can hear is "bird talk" being SCREAMED from the room. One of them sings Jesus Loves Me This I Know

 

[tig82174]

My good friend has THREE African Greys. They are A LOT of work. When I call her house it sounds like she runs a daycare! They hate to be in their cages too. When I am over there and they are in their room (yes, they have their own room ) All you can hear is "bird talk" being SCREAMED from the room. One of them sings Jesus Loves Me This I Know

Yeah exactly my point.....Greys seem cute with all the talking and mimicing of noises at first...in small doses....but when you live with one full time it gets SO grating!! My mother's can mimic the sound of the phone ringing and then the answering machine picking up and then the beep and when it's being ignored (and anytime it is not the CENTER of attention----that constitutes being ignored) it SHREAKS "RING RING *pause* RING RING *pause* RING RING *pause* RING RING* RING RING *pause* RING RING *pause* CLICK WHIR BUZZ HELLO YOU'VE REACHED THE LIBEY HOME. WE'RE SORRY WE CAN'T COME TO THE PHONE BUT PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH YOUR NAME, NUMBER AND THE TIME YOU CALLED AND WE'LL CALL YOU BACK AT OUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. HAVE A BLESSED DAY! BEEP BEEP" and then she repeats that sequence over and over and over......there are days I want to kill her!

 

[TVEPFOX]

Hanna, you know the story, some of us are living proof, pouring rain, high humidity and a really bad hair day. I'm going for the Sarah Palin look!

Josephine, see ya! The National Hurricane Center has issued the last warning on this broad! Bye, bye Jo! Nice try lady!!!

Any campaign buffs will remember the saying "I like Ike". Not too many people will be uttering those words. Ike could regain major hurricane status tomorrow. But, seems I've been right (pure luck), he's going to the Gulf and So. FL. Sorry if you live there. CC will be saved! Cuba, bad news is coming your way!

Now the best news of the day.... THERE'S NOTHING ELSE OUT THERE in the Atlantic!!! Keep your fingers crossed, say your prayers, do what ever it takes and we'll hopefully have smooth seas!

 

[MagicMe]

Hanna, you know the story, some of us are living proof, pouring rain, high humidity and a really bad hair day. I'm going for the Sarah Palin look!

Josephine, see ya! The National Hurricane Center has issued the last warning on this broad! Bye, bye Jo! Nice try lady!!!

Any campaign buffs will remember the saying "I like Ike". Not too many people will be uttering those words. Ike could regain major hurricane status tomorrow. But, seems I've been right (pure luck), he's going to the Gulf and So. FL. Sorry if you live there. CC will be saved! Cuba, bad news is coming your way!

Now the best news of the day.... THERE'S NOTHING ELSE OUT THERE in the Atlantic!!! Keep your fingers crossed, say your prayers, do what ever it takes and we'll hopefully have smooth seas!

I just feel for the folks on the Gulf Coast! Hopefully he'll dissipate heading into the gulf but they usually pick up steam from those warm waters. Maybe head over towards Mexico??? I mean Gustuv already soaked them.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

Everyone has been busy chatting, thats Good! We have 20 days until we leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sure hope some of us are extroverts...I too am pretty quiet when I first "meet" people but once I get to know you... WATCH OUT

Erik: I was Literally LOL about your moms bird, a girl at work was telling me about her bird last night at work...then to see all the bird talk I WANT ONE, with our crazy Boxer Murphy, ther is NO room for any other animals that think they are king, this house is HIS domain!

I accomplished our toiletries today, WOOOOHOOO, got everything in travel bags and found out a need a few more things and was able to get rid of a few things I bought but wont be using! and Of course there were doubles!

Its going to be a rainy day here, Thanks Hanna

TVEPFOX: Thanks again for the update, you make understanding these hurricanes SO easy, Keep praying for no other storms

 

[Magic3forme]

Guess what dh wants to buy? a new camcorder.

Which one did everyone buy?

I cant find the thread, dont know why, maybe since it is over 500 pages long.

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Guess what dh wants to buy? a new camcorder.

Which one did everyone buy?

I cant find the thread, dont know why, maybe since it is over 500 pages long.

I bookmarked this one as Charlie's pick.

 

[CrazyZeus1]

Erik - does your bird like to sit in your shirt too?

OK---I soooo didn't read that as "sit" in your shirt. I thought...your bird likes to poop in your shirt? How odd... Duh.

BTW, I am a hugger, so don't worry about getting in my space.

!

From my teaching days (I guess?) I'm a big back rubber. Not the shoulder-massage-that's-innapropriate kind, but the flat-hand-on-your-back kind. Especially to babies & kids...when I say hi, I always kneel down and give a little touch on the back. Never thought about that...but I noticed it today at the birthday party we were at. Our friends just got home last week with an adopted baby from Guatamela, and she is really having a hard time with all the blonde people she sees! Isn't that funny? Even at 11 months, it bothers her that some people look so different than what she's seen her whole life. Anyway--when they came to the party today, I went to say hi to her and started to rub her back & she instantly dug into Mommy's chest. So if I rub YOUR back...it's my way of saying hello!

I don't think Reese is sick One of the dads at the party was saying that Hurricane Gustav blew all the ragweed up here into overdrive (or maybe it blew the ragweed into our area from somewhere else?) and that people's allergies are off the charts. Reese's nose is running clear, so I'm guessing it's allergies because the timing would be right for that. So....no sick kids! Yay!!

For our friend's party, I had a few big projects to make for her gifts so my cruise planning was on temporary hold. Now that it's over, I can get back to THAT! I'm going through the house today & tomorrow to gather all the stuff we don't need every day & start a pile! Our house is on the market to sell, so my piles can't start too early.

I ended up making tags for my FE gifts, so I"ll start putting those together.

Speaking of games....Reese LOVES to play Uno, Yatzee, & Mancala (all of which we're bringing). So if you see us in the Promenade Lounge (isn't that the place with the cushy chairs & little tables where they do the Mickey 2000 race?) feel free to join us in a game!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

Do any of the homeschool families here read Home Education Magazine?

They always ask for reader submissions for the cover, and Reese is on the cover for the Sept/Oct issue!!!

I didn't even know they had accepted his picture to publish. Jeff called while we were on the way home from the party and said "Did you know Reese is on the cover of the HEM magazine?"

Reese earned himself $100 with that cover too....not bad!