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

[decked out]

We are from Texas and my son has commented on the weather here several times. He thinks California is air condtioned. I think it's a little chilly but I am used to 100 degree days during the summer.

Sounds like you would be better suited for Orlando! Maybe not 100, but the heat index gets up there.

There I go again with the weather reports...

 

[decked out]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!
Many of the rental cars HAVE a sunpass and you can just pay the rental company to use it. We bought a sun pass but we spend at least 3 weeks a year in Florida with car, so it's worth it. It can be updated on line, if one needs to put it in a rental car for temporary.

Note to self: Pack SunPass. After the cruise, we plan to rent a car and drive from Port of Miami back to our home near Orlando. BTW, it pains me to consider this part of the trip.

 

[Travelbee]

Looks like I will have someone to speak wastewater with! I am hoping to talk my way into getting a tour of the somewhat newly upgraded wastewater treatment on board. Home prices are insane, no way we could afford to live out there . Same reason the DH vetoed my move to DC. Looks like I will be stuck in DE for the rest of my life!

So here is a question for you, rumor has it that it is way easier to get your PE in CA. Any truth in that? Something along the lines that if you fail, you only have to re-take the section of the test you failed.

Yes, it's true that if you failed a section of the PE, you'd only have to retake the section that you fail. Not sure what the requirements are in your state, but to be a licensed CA civil engineer, we have to pass the 8-hr exam (national test), the surveying exam (4-hr) and the seismic exam (4-hr). If you fail any of the 3, you can retake just the section that you fail. I believe most states only require the 8-hr exam but in CA you'll have to pass all 3. And seismic is DREADFUL, especially for anyone not specialized in structural! Let's just say that I always make sure I paid my PE renewal as soon as I get it because I don't ever want to take that test again!

or...South Redondo, near the Avenues/Riviera Village, where DH and I grew up.

Agreed, South Redondo is nice too, just a bit farther from any freeway access.

 

[mouse66]

My company would be consulting with the City of LA-Bureau of Sanitation-Wastewater. We normally try to place our office near our clients office. Another issue is that LA has 4 wastewater treatment plants and I would be visiting all of them a lot. Plus there is over 6,500 miles of sewers in LA and I would be out in the field inspecting them.

There will be a lot of traffic issues but at least there is no major national security issues. You would not believe the paperwork you have to fill out and the clearances required to inspect and go into the sewers near the White House, Captiol and National Mall!

In Paris they give tours of the sewers. Wife and I had to go. Amazing.

 

[WVURunner]

Yes, it's true that if you failed a section of the PE, you'd only have to retake the section that you fail. Not sure what the requirements are in your state, but to be a licensed CA civil engineer, we have to pass the 8-hr exam (national test), the surveying exam (4-hr) and the seismic exam (4-hr). If you fail any of the 3, you can retake just the section that you fail. I believe most states only require the 8-hr exam but in CA you'll have to pass all 3. And seismic is DREADFUL, especially for anyone not specialized in structural! Let's just say that I always make sure I paid my PE renewal as soon as I get it because I don't ever want to take that test again!

Yikes, so NOT easier! I knew this kid was full of crap. We only have to take the national 8-hr. The way he was talking about it made it seem like you only had to retake questions or areas in which you failed in the national test. My boss and I couldn't figure out how they would do it. This makes way more sense, the boss will be getting a phone call this morning explaining this. I am already dreading taking the test, I can take it next year but would love to find a reason to keep pushing it back. The studying has begun already. My boss is a superstar and she failed her first time around which has me freaked out. And I don't blame you! That check would be in the mail ASAP.
Thanks for the info

 

[dthogue]

Note to self: Pack SunPass. After the cruise, we plan to rent a car and drive from Port of Miami back to our home near Orlando. BTW, it pains me to consider this part of the trip.

We were thinking of renting a car and driving to WDW after the cruise - can you tell me about how long a drive it is, the best way to go and aproximately that the tolls would be???

 

[decked out]

We were thinking of renting a car and driving to WDW after the cruise - can you tell me about how long a drive it is, the best way to go and aproximately that the tolls would be???

Google map shows about 4 hours/230 miles via Florida's Turnpike and tolls should be around $20.

That's the way I plan to go. There was an earlier post about Alamo having a rental car facility at or near the port and I need to look into that. We thought about having someone drive down and get us, but it seems cheaper to rent a car, not to mention safer and less hassle overall.

http://goo.gl/maps/MJGQ

 

[Travelbee]

Yikes, so NOT easier! I knew this kid was full of crap. We only have to take the national 8-hr. The way he was talking about it made it seem like you only had to retake questions or areas in which you failed in the national test. My boss and I couldn't figure out how they would do it. This makes way more sense, the boss will be getting a phone call this morning explaining this. I am already dreading taking the test, I can take it next year but would love to find a reason to keep pushing it back. The studying has begun already. My boss is a superstar and she failed her first time around which has me freaked out. And I don't blame you! That check would be in the mail ASAP.
Thanks for the info

Sorry to burst that bubble! Wouldn't it be nice if you can just take sections of the 8-hr over? You are already WAY more discipline than I ever was if you are studying now and won't be taking the test until next year. I'd suggest getting it over with sooner. The 8-hr is very general so the longer you are working and becoming more "specialized", the harder it is to remember all the general stuff like traffic and surveying. Good luck!!!

 

[WVURunner]

It was a crazy friday here

 

[WVURunner]

Opps..stupid phone! Crazy friday here, I have friends visiting from Scotland, England,Ireland, and Australia so it was exciti.g to watch the Olympics with them! But on my way to pick them up, my car caught on fire! It was very scary and I am so glad I was able to get out and put out the fire before it came any closer to my gas tank. I was going to take my friends skydiving today but I think I am not going to push my luck as one near death experience is enough for me for the weekend! I will be staying away from planes and jumping out of them. It looks like I will be spending my time car shopping this week. I am not looking forward to having a car payment. My last car was a 16th birthday present from my dad. I am sure this is going to mean less play money for the cruise plus it means I have to grow up and get a more family friendly car. No moss two sport car. I am sure it is unpleasant putting a car seat in a 2 door. Hope everyone's weekend turns out better than mine!

 

[mouse66]

I noticed the DCL has merchandise that is only available on the ship.

Are there any must haves or cool items?

Has there been any Panama Canal merchandise in the past?

How can I buy a DCL Dooney purse before the cruise for DW or DD?

Thank you.

Sorry to hear about your car WVURunner, glad you are fine.

 

[DeAnnaBelle]

Hi!

Just found out about this board, so cool! We are very excited to be cruising with you all in December! Our little girl will be 18 months old, it will be our first Disney cruise.

See you in a short 134 days!

DeAnna, Rich & Emily (1 year)
Monterey, CA

 

[hedgerow]

I've been thinking about Fish Extenders. This is our first exchange so I am probably overthinking it. Here is my idea for our fish extender:
My daughter's Christmas stocking has Disney Princess's on it, mine has Tinkerbell. I thought when Christmas decorations hit the store, I could get hubby a Disney stocking(pref Goofy to go with his Goofy Santa hat). Then use mitten clips(you know those things with clips on each end and elastic in the middle to clip mittens to coats for kids) and clip the stockings together with some kind of loop on the top stocking to loop around the fish. Do you get the visual? A hanging chain of stockings. What do you think?

 

[Cruise]

I've been thinking about Fish Extenders. This is our first exchange so I am probably overthinking it. Here is my idea for our fish extender:
My daughter's Christmas stocking has Disney Princess's on it, mine has Tinkerbell. I thought when Christmas decorations hit the store, I could get hubby a Disney stocking(pref Goofy to go with his Goofy Santa hat). Then use mitten clips(you know those things with clips on each end and elastic in the middle to clip mittens to coats for kids) and clip the stockings together with some kind of loop on the top stocking to loop around the fish. Do you get the visual? A hanging chain of stockings. What do you think?

That would work

Though I'd probably use zip ties to connect them rather than the mitten clips. The mitten clips might not hold as well if the bottom stockings got something a little too heavy in them. And it would also be harder for anyone to "slip" a stocking off your chain if it caught their eye.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

. . . But on my way to pick them up, my car caught on fire! It was very scary and I am so glad I was able to get out and put out the fire before it came any closer to my gas tank.

SO glad you weren't hurt! However, if you've had that car since you were 16, it may be time for a new one

I noticed the DCL has merchandise that is only available on the ship.

Are there any must haves or cool items?

Has there been any Panama Canal merchandise in the past?

How can I buy a DCL Dooney purse before the cruise for DW or DD?

There is ALWAYS cool stuff. There will undoubtedly be logo merch just for this cruise. WAIT - They sell Dooney on the ship - the ladies will LOVE picking out their own.

Hi!

Just found out about this board, so cool! We are very excited to be cruising with you all in December! Our little girl will be 18 months old, it will be our first Disney cruise.

See you in a short 134 days!

DeAnna, Rich & Emily (1 year)
Monterey, CA

Welcome aboard!

I've been thinking about Fish Extenders. This is our first exchange so I am probably overthinking it. Here is my idea for our fish extender:
My daughter's Christmas stocking has Disney Princess's on it, mine has Tinkerbell. I thought when Christmas decorations hit the store, I could get hubby a Disney stocking(pref Goofy to go with his Goofy Santa hat). Then use mitten clips(you know those things with clips on each end and elastic in the middle to clip mittens to coats for kids) and clip the stockings together with some kind of loop on the top stocking to loop around the fish. Do you get the visual? A hanging chain of stockings. What do you think?

Sounds cute! You could get away with just one stocking, if three are too much trouble.

Happy Day, all!

 

[DeAnnaBelle]

I've been thinking about Fish Extenders. This is our first exchange so I am probably overthinking it. Here is my idea for our fish extender:
My daughter's Christmas stocking has Disney Princess's on it, mine has Tinkerbell. I thought when Christmas decorations hit the store, I could get hubby a Disney stocking(pref Goofy to go with his Goofy Santa hat). Then use mitten clips(you know those things with clips on each end and elastic in the middle to clip mittens to coats for kids) and clip the stockings together with some kind of loop on the top stocking to loop around the fish. Do you get the visual? A hanging chain of stockings. What do you think?

I've never made one, but that sounds ADORABLE!

 

[dthogue]

I've been thinking about Fish Extenders. This is our first exchange so I am probably overthinking it. Here is my idea for our fish extender:
My daughter's Christmas stocking has Disney Princess's on it, mine has Tinkerbell. I thought when Christmas decorations hit the store, I could get hubby a Disney stocking(pref Goofy to go with his Goofy Santa hat). Then use mitten clips(you know those things with clips on each end and elastic in the middle to clip mittens to coats for kids) and clip the stockings together with some kind of loop on the top stocking to loop around the fish. Do you get the visual? A hanging chain of stockings. What do you think?

I was thinking of using stockings as well - hoping they are in the stores soon, I want to start working on them. My other thought was to use canvas tote bags, decorated with mickey heads made from fabric with a christmas theme. Using either 2 or 3 bags, I would attach them on the side with ribbon and hang from the handle of the first bag. Does that make any sense

 

[tweetybabee]

I noticed the DCL has merchandise that is only available on the ship.

Are there any must haves or cool items?

Has there been any Panama Canal merchandise in the past?

How can I buy a DCL Dooney purse before the cruise for DW or DD?

Thank you.

Sorry to hear about your car WVURunner, glad you are fine.

They have some Dooney purses on the Disney Store website (http://www.disneystore.com/dooney-bourke/mn/1000812/?catalogFromSearch=10002), however, the DCL designs are no longer there. Perhaps they'll put them back up between now and December.

Speaking of merchandise, the Disney Stores (online and in stores/outlets) are offering an extra 30% off sale/clearance merchandise right now. Believe it ends Sunday. We just got back from the outlet near Pottstown, Pa. They had some DLR stuff on clearance, but nothing for DCL or WDW.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

I was thinking of using stockings as well - hoping they are in the stores soon, I want to start working on them. My other thought was to use canvas tote bags, decorated with mickey heads made from fabric with a christmas theme. Using either 2 or 3 bags, I would attach them on the side with ribbon and hang from the handle of the first bag. Does that make any sense

We were thinking of doing stockings too. We already have Mickey themed ones for the DD's. Wondering (no pun intended) if that's enough?

Our 10 year wedding anniversary was yesterday and we went to Ruth's Chris and had a beyond outstanding dinner. Is that close to what we can expect in the MDR's with presentation, service and food? Or is it like Palo?

 

[decked out]

Hi!

Just found out about this board, so cool! We are very excited to be cruising with you all in December! Our little girl will be 18 months old, it will be our first Disney cruise.

See you in a short 134 days!

DeAnna, Rich & Emily (1 year)
Monterey, CA

Welcome aboard! You are in for a great trip!