EBPC December 9, 2012!!! Who's in????

[Started With a Mouse]

If your husband is bored on this cruise, it will be because he CHOOSES to be bored. As for me, I know I need to take my day planner, because there are too many choices and too little time.

Okay, I'm stealing your idea of bringing the day planner.

 

[socababy]

Shockingly, the guys couldn't figure out why everyone was surprised when they mentioned their wives.....

The conclusions some people jump to! On the Hawaii cruise, my girlfriend and I sat at a table just the two of us. People at other tables just assumed we were a couple. They were even asking our servers if we were! We didn't always correct people! LOL There were many times we would be talking to someone and one of us would say "Our boys have a baseball game today...." Of course we meant that mine and her boys all have a baseball game but it sounded like we were talking about "our" kids. Then we decided to really confuse people by taking a tea light we got in our FE and bringing it to dinner in the MDRs so that we could have dinner by candlelight. So many people came up to our table that night to talk about our candlelight! It was so funny!

 

[Cruise]

Sorry, I'm TAKEN We have a desktop at home and then my work laptop, so we really didn't have anything to travel with. But now you have me worried. The nexus doesn't come with 4G and I was hoping since DH is super cheap (he prefers the term frugal), he wouldn't want to pay for another data plan for a tablet. I am hoping if no other wifi is around, he will just tether from his phone. I hope I'm right.....

I'm sure it will be fine. Wifi is so prevalent now that there really isn't any reason to worry. There's always a Starbucks or McDonald's close by. I'm just bad about wanting to use it in the car - especially when I make the "kid run" with my sister to meet her ex for his visitation weekends. But you're right about paying for another data plan... the prices for tablet plans are still pretty ridiculous so that's holding me back too. I'm also "frugal" and have gotten used to my $25/month unlimited texts and data on Virgin Mobile.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

This is what's blooming in my back yard this morning.

Feels like Florida out - muggy warm and breezy. Had a good walk but surely didn't set any speed records. It felt like slogging through molasses.

The photo is Sweet Autumn Clematis, climbing an oak tree in my back yard.

Happy Day, all!

 

[WVURunner]

I am also "frugal" and have gotten used to my $25/month unlimited texts and data on Virgin Mobile.

Up until a year and a half ago, DH had a circa '99 monochrome Nokia, his orginial cell phone. He felt no need to replace it since it still worked and he didn't have to worry about txting and data plans. Finally his anaolog phone fix no longer worked and he was welcomed into a new century of digital. Now I can't get him away from his phone!

Disney Marathon is sold out, we waited to long to commit so looks like we won't be doing a Jan. Disney trip this year. My friends went Drinking Around the World last night at Epcot and I was subject to a picture at every stop and drink. It was a very depressing night.

What is everyone's favorite adult beverage? I am looking forward to the "drink of the day" on the ship.

Speaking of frugal, DH calculated how much we were going to spend on port adventures, then bought $100 gift cards at BJs for $96 with our Disney Visa to get Disney Dollars also. So if anyone is a BJs member, you might want to look into this.

More home improvements this weekend with a 5k race on Sunday that we are both under prepared for.

 

[skayrobe]

I really love a good martini. Here in Texas they serve a Mexican Martini that is pretty good, but I like my martini with vodka.

 

[LAS2012]

Hello Everyone!

It has been such a hectic summer! I can't believe we are already into September. We are in Illinois and today is a surprising pleasant day after a long DRY summer.

I am going to try to post a few quick items today to build up my poting count in order to sign up for a few things. I am beginning to stockpile items for the FE, but I am not officially in the group yet.

How is everybody's weekend going so far?

 

[ArGa]

Yesterday, we had our first Pre-Cruise Meet with ArGa. The excitement begins.

I think I have finally selected the image for my FE gifts.

DH and I really enjoyed meeting with Relaxin when we took our daughter back to university. She was really sweet and gave me a homemade FE holder to use on the upcoming cruise. That was great because I had no intention of sewing one myself and this one is very cute. I have been working hard on my FE gifts. Relaxin was also kind enough to bring me some menus and navigators from their past cruises. It was so much fun to read through them and see what I would have chosen to do. I imagine that most of these activities will be available on our cruise as well. I will definitely be bringing some highlighters and a notebook to keep track of my daily schedule. There is so much to choose from, I don't know how I will fit it all in. By the way, on the cruise, can I ask for extra navigators - one to mark up and one to save as a souvenir? I always collect maps, brochures etc. on each trip to have for scrapbooking later.

 

[ArGa]

Questions for the experts. How powerful are the hairdryers in the bathroom? Should I bring my own? I have a pretty thick head of hair and I don't want to spend all night drying it. Do they provide shampoo and conditioner? And if so, how well do they work (once again, thick head of hair that needs lots of conditioning). Is there a plug in the bathroom for my curling iron? Is there another mirror outside the bathroom and if so, will there be a plug close by? You men don't realize how easy you have it!!

 

[Relaxin']

Questions for the experts. How powerful are the hairdryers in the bathroom? Should I bring my own? I have a pretty thick head of hair and I don't want to spend all night drying it. Do they provide shampoo and conditioner? And if so, how well do they work (once again, thick head of hair that needs lots of conditioning). Is there a plug in the bathroom for my curling iron? Is there another mirror outside the bathroom and if so, will there be a plug close by? You men don't realize how easy you have it!!

Personally, I have liked the hair dryer and shampoo(see the product outline below). There are two bathrooms that can be used to get ready. I believe there is an outlet for your curling iron.

H20 Plus Spa, Bath and Shower Products
In addition to our regular upgraded amenities and premium offerings, all Disney Cruise Line Guests will find luxurious H20 Plus spa, bath and shower products stocked in every bathroom. Sea Marine Revitalizing Shampoo, Marine Collagen Conditioner and Hydrating Body Butter let you absorb the enriching benefits of the ocean while sailing on the high seas.

Remind your daughter that Learn to Run starts at Runner's Choice (on King near University) on Monday and Thursday at 6:00.

 

[JessicasMom]

on the cruise, can I ask for extra navigators - one to mark up and one to save as a souvenir? I always collect maps, brochures etc. on each trip to have for scrapbooking later.

Yes, they usually have extras at Guest Services or near the excursion desk.

Questions for the experts. How powerful are the hairdryers in the bathroom? Should I bring my own? I have a pretty thick head of hair and I don't want to spend all night drying it. Do they provide shampoo and conditioner? And if so, how well do they work (once again, thick head of hair that needs lots of conditioning). Is there a plug in the bathroom for my curling iron? Is there another mirror outside the bathroom and if so, will there be a plug close by? You men don't realize how easy you have it!!

Personal preference, of course, but I didn't like their dryer at all. It would be fine if you only needed to dry, but not good for styling (yep, men have it easy!) I also have thick hair and prefer to bring my usual hair dryer . The shampoo and conditioner are lovely, but you might bring a small bottle of your own if you're "selective". (My mother made a point of telling her cabin steward how much she enjoyed them, and he left extras daily...I told mine the same, but no bonus bottles for me I guess she' more charming!). I found the most convenient way for us all to get ready at the same time was to use the desk mirror in the room as the blow drying station...more room and a convenient outlet. The steward would always unplug the dryer if we forgot to (tsk, tsk, bad cruisers! ). This time we're taking a travel power strip, since we were forever plugging and unplugging things in the limited outlets available (and Jess always needed to charge something). I'm sure there was an outlet in the bathroom, too.

 

[JessicasMom]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

This is what's blooming in my back yard this morning.

Beautiful!

What is everyone's favorite adult beverage? I am looking forward to the "drink of the day" on the ship.

Speaking of frugal, DH calculated how much we were going to spend on port adventures, then bought $100 gift cards at BJs for $96 with our Disney Visa to get Disney Dollars also. So if anyone is a BJs member, you might want to look into this.

Anything fruity and rum or vodka based... DD, DM and I "bond" over the drinks of the day...yum

I wish Sam's accepted Visa in the store (they only do at the gas pumps..go figure!) Well, Discover reward dollars are good, too, but in a different way .

 

[Relaxin']

Good Morning Fellow Cruisers,
We set sail in 13 weeks,
that is 91 sleeps!
Did you know?
Silvers and newbies, tomorrow is your big day to sign up for your excursions and Palo’s.

 

[LindaBabe]

. . . By the way, on the cruise, can I ask for extra navigators - one to mark up and one to save as a souvenir? I always collect maps, brochures etc. on each trip to have for scrapbooking later.

Extras can be had at guest services the 'day of' but not back issues, usually. Suggest you bring a 'paper taker' or big zip lock to stash your 'good' copies in.

Questions for the experts. How powerful are the hairdryers in the bathroom? Should I bring my own? I have a pretty thick head of hair and I don't want to spend all night drying it. Do they provide shampoo and conditioner? And if so, how well do they work (once again, thick head of hair that needs lots of conditioning). Is there a plug in the bathroom for my curling iron? Is there another mirror outside the bathroom and if so, will there be a plug close by? You men don't realize how easy you have it!!

Plug in the bathroom is only enough wattage for a razor - not sure it will run a hair dryer. People always say it doesn't work for styling, but but it does work for drying, as does the one in the spa on deck 9. Speaking of which - they have lovely showers up there and you don't have to be a spa customer to use them.

I bring a power strip - there is an extra plug behind the tv, and two on the desk top, but that is totally inadequate when one has the 'wave phones', Ipad, Ipod, cameras etc.

Good Morning Fellow Cruisers,
We set sail in 13 weeks,
that is 91 sleeps!
Did you know?
Silvers and newbies, tomorrow is your big day to sign up for your excursions and Palo’s.

WOO HOO!

The storm passed and today looks to be a nice one. Off to the gym, the green market and maybe ice cream this afternoon.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

 

[hedgerow]

Speaking of frugal, DH calculated how much we were going to spend on port adventures, then bought $100 gift cards at BJs for $96 with our Disney Visa to get Disney Dollars also. So if anyone is a BJs member, you might want to look into this.

This is Jamie's husband Matt and she told me I needed to reply. Sounds like your husband is a kindred spirit. I love a good discount and am a constant coupon user.
Here in Western Pa we have the grocery store Giant Eagle. They sell gift cards and in return they award you fuel perks for free gas at their stations in front of the grocery stores. Normally the fuel perk is 20 cents per one hundred dollars of gift cards bought. You can apply this discount to a max of 30 gallons. About four times a year they have double fuel perks which get you 40 cents off a gallon for every hundred purchased in gift cards or groceries. Our van will hold between 15 and 20 gallons normally and I take gas cans to get the additional gallons to take advantage of the full 30 gallons available on each stop.
Well, the double fuel perks was right around the time we were paying off our cruise. So $4,000 worth of Disney gift cards were purchased with my Disney gift card. That resulted in $16.00 in fuel perks of which I used the entire 30 gallons. So an extra $400.00 to spent on the ship and are hoping they double the fuel perks again before the cruise so we can buy more Disney gift cards for use on the ship.
They of course sell the cards for other stores, ie Lowes, Home Depot and Sears. So we are frequent purchasers of their gift cards.
Just one more way to "stick it to the man" lol.
Seriously, its a great deal and every one should check out their local super markets as many grocery stores sell these cards and give out benefits. I won't even get into the Southwest CC's that come with 50K bonus miles. My wife, DD and I are flying for free to LA and home from Miami. DW also got a Marriott CC that gave us a free nite in a hotel in LA the night before boarding. Check out the deals out there with these CC. They are giving out great benefits just for having the cards. In most cases you have to spend a certain amount within 3 months..usually a $1,000 but that's easy to do with groceries, utilities, gas etc. Anyone with other good deals let me know. Always looking for ways to stretch the greenback!!!

Cheers,

Matt

 

[chrissyt27]

Glad to know my DH isn't the only one who does this! He races me to the room so he can be the first one to check the FE.



Sorry, I'm TAKEN We have a desktop at home and then my work laptop, so we really didn't have anything to travel with. But now you have me worried. The nexus doesn't come with 4G and I was hoping since DH is super cheap (he prefers the term frugal), he wouldn't want to pay for another data plan for a tablet. I am hoping if no other wifi is around, he will just tether from his phone. I hope I'm right.....


Good to know. If we couldn't and he chose to run, I was going to tell him he had to clock his fastest 4 miles ever. The kids would not be happy having to wait for him and then having to wait to check in!

I keep telling DH he won't be bored and there will be plenty to do. He loves all the cruise activites so I just hope they have a lot to offer to keep him busy. On our last cruise, the cruise staff and my DH and friend were like best friends and everyone remembered them. But it is hard to forget two guys (with major height differance) who match their disney outfits everyday.

The wives got blamed for this because we were told "we need to stop shopping together" and to "stop thinking the same when we pack them" I pointed out we weren't the ones asking what shirt the other one was going to wear every morning or what dress shirt and tie to wear to dinner. Shockingly, the guys couldn't figure out why everyone was surprised when they mentioned their wives.....

This is super funny!! Mu husband is also a software engineer! Our longest cruise has just been 7 days, but we aren't the type to get bored. But maybe they could meet up. I am sure they'd find something to talk about.

 

[chrissyt27]

This is Jamie's husband Matt and she told me I needed to reply. Sounds like your husband is a kindred spirit. I love a good discount and am a constant coupon user.
Here in Western Pa we have the grocery store Giant Eagle. They sell gift cards and in return they award you fuel perks for free gas at their stations in front of the grocery stores. Normally the fuel perk is 20 cents per one hundred dollars of gift cards bought. You can apply this discount to a max of 30 gallons. About four times a year they have double fuel perks which get you 40 cents off a gallon for every hundred purchased in gift cards or groceries. Our van will hold between 15 and 20 gallons normally and I take gas cans to get the additional gallons to take advantage of the full 30 gallons available on each stop.
Well, the double fuel perks was right around the time we were paying off our cruise. So $4,000 worth of Disney gift cards were purchased with my Disney gift card. That resulted in $16.00 in fuel perks of which I used the entire 30 gallons. So an extra $400.00 to spent on the ship and are hoping they double the fuel perks again before the cruise so we can buy more Disney gift cards for use on the ship.
They of course sell the cards for other stores, ie Lowes, Home Depot and Sears. So we are frequent purchasers of their gift cards.
Just one more way to "stick it to the man" lol.
Seriously, its a great deal and every one should check out their local super markets as many grocery stores sell these cards and give out benefits. I won't even get into the Southwest CC's that come with 50K bonus miles. My wife, DD and I are flying for free to LA and home from Miami. DW also got a Marriott CC that gave us a free nite in a hotel in LA the night before boarding. Check out the deals out there with these CC. They are giving out great benefits just for having the cards. In most cases you have to spend a certain amount within 3 months..usually a $1,000 but that's easy to do with groceries, utilities, gas etc. Anyone with other good deals let me know. Always looking for ways to stretch the greenback!!!

Cheers,

Matt

Kroger is doing that here this week too. Still need to go pick up some giftcards. Saving money on gas is always good!

 

[WVURunner]

I wish Sam's accepted Visa in the store (they only do at the gas pumps..go figure!) Well, Discover reward dollars are good, too, but in a different way .

My other CC is Discover. They are currently offering 5% back on Theme Parks tickets till the end of september so DH and I are going to pre-purchase our tickets for Disneyland to maximize rewards.

This is Jamie's husband Matt and she told me I needed to reply. Sounds like your husband is a kindred spirit. I love a good discount and am a constant coupon user.
Here in Western Pa we have the grocery store Giant Eagle. They sell gift cards and in return they award you fuel perks for free gas at their stations in front of the grocery stores. Normally the fuel perk is 20 cents per one hundred dollars of gift cards bought. You can apply this discount to a max of 30 gallons. About four times a year they have double fuel perks which get you 40 cents off a gallon for every hundred purchased in gift cards or groceries. Our van will hold between 15 and 20 gallons normally and I take gas cans to get the additional gallons to take advantage of the full 30 gallons available on each stop.
Well, the double fuel perks was right around the time we were paying off our cruise. So $4,000 worth of Disney gift cards were purchased with my Disney gift card. That resulted in $16.00 in fuel perks of which I used the entire 30 gallons. So an extra $400.00 to spent on the ship and are hoping they double the fuel perks again before the cruise so we can buy more Disney gift cards for use on the ship.
They of course sell the cards for other stores, ie Lowes, Home Depot and Sears. So we are frequent purchasers of their gift cards.
Just one more way to "stick it to the man" lol.
Seriously, its a great deal and every one should check out their local super markets as many grocery stores sell these cards and give out benefits. I won't even get into the Southwest CC's that come with 50K bonus miles. My wife, DD and I are flying for free to LA and home from Miami. DW also got a Marriott CC that gave us a free nite in a hotel in LA the night before boarding. Check out the deals out there with these CC. They are giving out great benefits just for having the cards. In most cases you have to spend a certain amount within 3 months..usually a $1,000 but that's easy to do with groceries, utilities, gas etc. Anyone with other good deals let me know. Always looking for ways to stretch the greenback!!!

Cheers,

Matt

You and DH should meet up and discuss your money saving ways. In WV, we had a Kroger and Giant Eagle. In Delaware, there aren't any grocery stores with gas stations. My (former) BIL actually made my sister a flow chart that she followed with the end result of what cc to use to max rewards. If you plan on doing to Disneyland, see my comment above.

This is super funny!! Mu husband is also a software engineer! Our longest cruise has just been 7 days, but we aren't the type to get bored. But maybe they could meet up. I am sure they'd find something to talk about.

My DH hasn't done anything longer than 7, I did an 11 day Med without him and I wasn't bored one bit! Our DHs should def. meet up, it will save me from having to listen to DH talk about work and promgramming. He never seems to pick up on the fact that I don't care and don't understand!


We finished the 5k this morning and we both clocked our worst times ever, though DH won first place in his age group. I need to get back in shape.....

 

[LindaBabe]

We finished the 5k this morning and we both clocked our worst times ever, though DH won first place in his age group. I need to get back in shape.....

Finishing at all is better than not starting, Babe! My hat is off to you!

 

[FLPrincessMom]

Well I haven't had a very good week. On Monday I was helping stranded refugees escape from an active volcano when I fell and completely tore my ACL and also have a torn mencisus. (It's possible I fell off a stool doing yard work but I think the volcano sounds better). As I was laying there my first thought was this had better not impact my cruise (it was closely followed by wow, this hurts). So now I have surgery scheduled for October 1st, I'm really hoping to be good for the cruise.