**Fantasy Becomes Reality** Group--5/19/2012 (INDEX/ROLE CALL, PAGE 1--ENTRY 1)

[spacecanada]

John and Pam - I cannot say much more than what has already been said. We're sending lots of virtual hugs your way. Take care and see you soon.

 

[ksucats]

What time did you take for the Under 2 Flags tour? We're booked for the 8ish time for that same excursion!

We booked the one that leaves at 12:30 (or thereabouts). I wanted the early one, but my wife didn't want to have to rush in the morning. Too bad there wasn't a 10:00 option available.

 

[Boomerang4]

Reposting! Closer and closer...

Cape Canaveral, Florida
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USFL0066

Castaway Cay, Bahamas
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/BFXX0018

St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/NTXX0004

St. Thomas/St. John, British Virgin Islands
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USVI0006

-------------------------------------------------
OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

--New flavor you expect to try?

 

[DizDaddy]

Welcome Jessy!!!! We are scheduled for Bernard's tour too! So are Kathy, Jake & MaryRose AND Chasity and Gus. I am on the fence about canceling though because we have Pirates League appointments at 3 and per email from Bernard he can get us backby 2:45. Seems pretty tight. Emailing him again to figure out our options. We are doing the turtle bay thing in st Thomas.



Can you believe that we are only a bit over 2 weeks away??? We have been on here since we booked in October 2010!!!



Yes, agree with Elaine, Thank you both!!



I play! But.....probably not the right age .

Sabrina plays words with friends. I play words, scramble and draw something - user id texfinn if anyone wants to play.

Have a happy Tuesday everyone!!!!

Mati

I play Words with Friends, but I use Susan's profile name: sues14. Feel free to send a game invite....I have probably 20 or so going at any given time.

Tony

 

[Jaymepops]

Reposting! Closer and closer...

Cape Canaveral, Florida
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USFL0066

Castaway Cay, Bahamas
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/BFXX0018

St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/NTXX0004

St. Thomas/St. John, British Virgin Islands
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USVI0006

-------------------------------------------------
OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

--New flavor you expect to try?

Yippie! I love these!!! Giving me a break from cleaning, printing door magnets and oh yeah...more cleaning....

Ok...most worried about sane...ok..for me this is tough..I try not to live in "sane world" but...I guess it would be the kids getting sick. Nothing can ruin a cruise or vacation like missing a day(s) from getting sick We've called our ped. and he has perscribed sea sickness meds for the kids and phenergrin (sp?) gel to rub on the wrist for nausia from sea sickness or tummy bugs. Got the liquid Imodium. Tylenol, band-aids, portable humidifyer etc.... think we have planned ahead enough to take care of most illness...but I still worry!

Not so sane worry.....ugggh .....I've had some nightmares..no really, I have! Not getting up on deck for sail away in time and missing it, forgetting my camera, the cat got snuck on the cruise in a suitcase (yes really did have that one!) missing the ship at port...it goes on and on....


I think more social on the boards....just because the DH is Mr. Anti social....hopfully he will warm up.... When I cruise without the DH totally more social on the ship!

Day looking most forward to? SAIL-A-WAY!!!! Best moment of the whole cruise!!! Also really looking forward to Pirate night!!

New flavor expect to try? Those awesome little drinks that I need to find the name of that are a special in St. Marteen!!

ok back to being productive and staying off the boards

 

[DizDaddy]

First of all the good news...John I am so happy that we will get the amazing oppertunity to meet you and Pam!!

Second, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He will always be with you. Some may not agree with this next part...but I am speaking from the heart from my own experiences.

We moved my grandmother out of Colorado and down here with us a few years ago to get her out of the snow and closer to the beach. She loved it here. She was the only family we had close by and the only full time grandparent my kids have known. For a few years it was wonderful for us all. Then she got diagnosed with Colon cancer. From then on it was Dr. visits, surgeries, more Dr. visits, tests, blood transfusions, more surgeries and then finally Chemo and radation. I was her only transportation and caregiver. (with my hubby and a few good friends) This was how the last year and a half were. We tried to maintain a "normal" enjoyable life during this time-frame, but that was becoming more and more difficult. She finally got so bad, she could no longer live alone in her appartment. I should have moved her out sooner...but she had already lost so much, I didn't want to take her only independence away from her too. We moved her here with us. For 3 weeks I spent 24-7 as her caregiver. Hospice was only here to check once in a while and I really thought they were supposed to help with her care more. Needless to say after 3 weeks of not sleeping, not being a wife to my husband and not being a mother to my children, I had a breakdown. I could not keep up with her constant care from fall risk to "bathroom" issues to cooking to following her "crazy whims" to make her happy (the medicine and the cancer were getting to her mind) Hospice said they could move her into the hospital for a few days...um, no. Or we could pay for private nursing care...$1400.00 a week. Almost didn't make this Disney Cruise. All of our Disney Money we saved in the"jar" for over a year was going for her care. My husband had a good co-worker who's sister was a director for a different Hospice and after a week of paid for nursing to give me some relief, we finally had good, FREE help. She was declining, but slowly. I was still with her all the time and we were all saying prayers for God to please take her. She never wanted to live like that and had told me so many times in the past. It got to the point my husband couldn't be with her anymore, he couldn't take it. My oldest couldn't do it either. My youngest, bless his little heart, never saw her any different. The night she finally passed, a few hours before he looked so lovingly at his "Dram-a Hawks" and traced a cross on her forehead and kissed her and told her he loved her. Even though she looked so thin,sick and pale, he never saw her that way..the blessing of youth. Then he went into his room and said a prayer that when she gets up to heaven that Mary give her some flowers from him. "what kind?" I asked he smiled and said "That's between me and Mary and Dram-a!" She finally, thankfully and mercifully passed at 4am that night/morning. She was finally at peace.

The point in relaying that story is, thank goodness your Dad went so quickly and peacefully. I can't tell you how awful it is to watch the person you love so painfully slip away so slowly. I can't tell you how awful it is to pray for God to please have mercy on them and set them free. It's never easy to loose a parent or someone you love. Take solice though in that it was quick for your Dad. Hopefully in his final days he did not have too much pain and did not have to suffer too much. I am sorry for your loss and suffering that you are going through now. It will ease as time goes on, but the hurt and the loss will always be there and will catch you off guard at the oddest of moments. Lean on your friends and family. You will get through this. I will keep saying prayers for you all.

May eternal rest be unto your Dad, May perpetual light shine down upon him.

I hope not to make this 'The Sickness Channel', but Jaimie---that was beautiful. I'm at work and shielding myself so no one sees that my face appears to be leaking. Where you say '...will catch you off guard...', it couldn't be any more true. It's the particular lyrics in a song on the radio, the touch of a hand on a TV show, or the flash in my mind's eye of the look on my mom's face when the social worker asked if my mom would be coming home with us for her final days. (Man, someone call a plumber for this leak!!!!) But I echo that it does get easier, whether you want it to or not. More smiles accompany the memories, more ease of pain.

 

[Jaymepops]

I hope not to make this 'The Sickness Channel', but Jaimie---that was beautiful. I'm at work and shielding myself so no one sees that my face appears to be leaking. Where you say '...will catch you off guard...', it couldn't be any more true. It's the particular lyrics in a song on the radio, the touch of a hand on a TV show, or the flash in my mind's eye of the look on my mom's face when the social worker asked if my mom would be coming home with us for her final days. (Man, someone call a plumber for this leak!!!!) But I echo that it does get easier, whether you want it to or not. More smiles accompany the memories, more ease of pain.

NO LEAKING!!! More magic !!

((although Rascall Flatts "I will stand by you" uggghh! everytime!))

 

[texfinn]

We moved my grandmother out of Colorado and down here with us a few years ago to get her out of the snow and closer to the beach. ... My youngest, bless his little heart, never saw her any different. The night she finally passed, a few hours before he looked so lovingly at his "Dram-a Hawks" and traced a cross on her forehead and kissed her and told her he loved her. Even though she looked so thin,sick and pale, he never saw her that way..the blessing of youth. Then he went into his room and said a prayer that when she gets up to heaven that Mary give her some flowers from him. "what kind?" I asked he smiled and said "That's between me and Mary and Dram-a!" She finally, thankfully and mercifully passed at 4am that night/morning. She was finally at peace.

Wow, Jaimie, that is quite a story. You had me in tears. Very touching and amazing how much you did for your Grandmother. You are an amazing woman. The story of your son is so touching...thank you for sharing.

I play Draw Something and Words with Friends too as "klam_chowder" - feel free to ping me anyone (tho I should let you know my drawings are...um...

I'll look you up! Any my drawings...welll....can you say stick figures?

Hi. My DH and I are taking our first Disney cruise with our DS (3.5) on this sailing. We are so excited about the trip but a little dissapointed as well. ....Also, we were on a previous "boring" board with nothing going on... excited to see so much activity on this one

Welcome!!!
This is NOT a boring group and has really picked up over the last month. Glad to have you join us!

I play words with friends and I draw something I will try and look you up. I found you on Words with Friends and my Screen Name is Iamgrumpy. (My favorite character and the SN that my mother and I came up with a long time ago for me) working on Draw Something and don't worry about your drawing I am not much better.

If anyone wants to add me as well on Words with Friends: Iamgrumpy Draw Something: dcladdict

I will look you up on both games!!!

Well she confirmed our on-board credits and when we booked our agency was offering a credit for using them. We never really asked how much it was for we figured it was a bonus and was probably like $50. Well between the credit for booking on the ship for our cruise and the agency's credit we have enough to cover tips, and our excursions or our spa treatment. So that rocks! We were not expecting the amount we were told. I love good surprises! .....

Wow! That is GREAT News!!!!

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

--New flavor you expect to try?

These have been fun and since it appears I am blowing off work yet again

--What are you most worried about (sane response)? The kids fighting ALL the time


--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)? Kai deciding the ocean looks so nice and jumping overboard - ok, silly, I know, but is a recurrent daytime nightmare when I let my mind wander...

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven? I don't know. Hopefully way more social on cruise. Last time DH kept me from socializing but without him, there is no telling.

--Day or night you are most looking forward to? Toss up between the first night and having that first meal with the kids and all my friends and of course, Remy with my dear friend Kathy Day - second sea day - intend to block time for each kid and looking forward to some quality 1:1 time.

--New flavor you expect to try? Alcoholic? Maybe one of those exotic drinks Food wise? the Grand Marnier dessert sounds awfully good - oops, guess that has alcohol. Wow, sound like quite the drunk don't I? I am not....really, I am not...

I play Words with Friends, but I use Susan's profile name: sues14. Feel free to send a game invite....I have probably 20 or so going at any given time.

Tony

tony, I'll look you up!!!

Ok, meeting time....ugh. Even when I want to blow it off, they still force me to work.

--Mati

 

[texfinn]

.... Ok...most worried about sane...ok..for me this is tough..I try not to live in "sane world" but...I guess it would be the kids getting sick. Nothing can ruin a cruise or vacation like missing a day(s) from getting sick We've called our ped. and he has perscribed sea sickness meds for the kids and phenergrin (sp?) gel to rub on the wrist for nausia from sea sickness or tummy bugs. Got the liquid Imodium. Tylenol, band-aids, portable humidifyer etc.... think we have planned ahead enough to take care of most illness...but I still worry!

Oh no -- you just gave me a new worry and a new to-do! Need to call my dr asap to get the same prescriptions!!!!

This board has picked up. Hard to keep up now!!!
Mati

 

[dznyacct]

--Day or night you are most looking forward to? Toss up between the first night and having that first meal with the kids and all my friends and of course, Remy with my dear friend Kathy Day - second sea day - intend to block time for each kid and looking forward to some quality 1:1 time.

OK Mati, now you have ME in tears .

 

[DizDaddy]

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

1. What are you most worried about (sane response)?

2. What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

3. More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

4. Day or night you are most looking forward to?

5. New flavor you expect to try?

1. For 'worried', I'm going with 'dread'.....That feeling of knowing that the cruise is close to ending. Second dread is that we might not stay in touch with people we've *known* thru the boards for many months now, some over a year. I've seen other prior travelers establish great friendships that have resulted in trips away from cruising....yes, I'm speaking of you KLP'ers! It's pretty cool to see!

2. That I have forgotten something promised to someone here on the boards, or that our FE gifts will cause noses to crunch, stomachs to churn, or the recipients to lean over the rail and lose their stomach contents. They are nothing gross, and we have put A LOT of work into them. I just hope all like what we came up with, as this is the first time we've ever done the FE thing. I say this is 'not so sane' because I now everyone (us included) will be appreciative of what is received, so I need to just get over it.

3. Equal. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!
4. All of them, except Saturdays' disembarkment.
5. Dunno, but I'm going to try to be more adventurous. You still will not catch me trying the escargot.

I'm anxious to see 'sues14's responses!!!

 

[DizDaddy]

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

--New flavor you expect to try?

Great questions by the way....

 

[Dizneyholic]

First of all the good news...John I am so happy that we will get the amazing oppertunity to meet you and Pam!!

Second, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He will always be with you. Some may not agree with this next part...but I am speaking from the heart from my own experiences.

We moved my grandmother out of Colorado and down here with us a few years ago to get her out of the snow and closer to the beach. She loved it here. She was the only family we had close by and the only full time grandparent my kids have known. For a few years it was wonderful for us all. Then she got diagnosed with Colon cancer. From then on it was Dr. visits, surgeries, more Dr. visits, tests, blood transfusions, more surgeries and then finally Chemo and radation. I was her only transportation and caregiver. (with my hubby and a few good friends) This was how the last year and a half were. We tried to maintain a "normal" enjoyable life during this time-frame, but that was becoming more and more difficult. She finally got so bad, she could no longer live alone in her appartment. I should have moved her out sooner...but she had already lost so much, I didn't want to take her only independence away from her too. We moved her here with us. For 3 weeks I spent 24-7 as her caregiver. Hospice was only here to check once in a while and I really thought they were supposed to help with her care more. Needless to say after 3 weeks of not sleeping, not being a wife to my husband and not being a mother to my children, I had a breakdown. I could not keep up with her constant care from fall risk to "bathroom" issues to cooking to following her "crazy whims" to make her happy (the medicine and the cancer were getting to her mind) Hospice said they could move her into the hospital for a few days...um, no. Or we could pay for private nursing care...$1400.00 a week. Almost didn't make this Disney Cruise. All of our Disney Money we saved in the"jar" for over a year was going for her care. My husband had a good co-worker who's sister was a director for a different Hospice and after a week of paid for nursing to give me some relief, we finally had good, FREE help. She was declining, but slowly. I was still with her all the time and we were all saying prayers for God to please take her. She never wanted to live like that and had told me so many times in the past. It got to the point my husband couldn't be with her anymore, he couldn't take it. My oldest couldn't do it either. My youngest, bless his little heart, never saw her any different. The night she finally passed, a few hours before he looked so lovingly at his "Dram-a Hawks" and traced a cross on her forehead and kissed her and told her he loved her. Even though she looked so thin,sick and pale, he never saw her that way..the blessing of youth. Then he went into his room and said a prayer that when she gets up to heaven that Mary give her some flowers from him. "what kind?" I asked he smiled and said "That's between me and Mary and Dram-a!" She finally, thankfully and mercifully passed at 4am that night/morning. She was finally at peace.

The point in relaying that story is, thank goodness your Dad went so quickly and peacefully. I can't tell you how awful it is to watch the person you love so painfully slip away so slowly. I can't tell you how awful it is to pray for God to please have mercy on them and set them free. It's never easy to loose a parent or someone you love. Take solice though in that it was quick for your Dad. Hopefully in his final days he did not have too much pain and did not have to suffer too much. I am sorry for your loss and suffering that you are going through now. It will ease as time goes on, but the hurt and the loss will always be there and will catch you off guard at the oddest of moments. Lean on your friends and family. You will get through this. I will keep saying prayers for you all.

May eternal rest be unto your Dad, May perpetual light shine down upon him.

I so agree with you! My 92 year old grandmother has lived with us for the past 12 years and has dementia, COPD, high blood pressure and a compression fracture in her lower back. It's not easy being a caregiver and watching someone you love deteriorate. It takes a lot out of you! The worst part is knowing there's nothing you can really do for them besides just be there. So, my heart goes out to all of you!

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

Hi. My DH and I are taking our first Disney cruise with our DS (3.5) on this sailing. We are so excited about the trip but a little dissapointed as well. WE booked last minute (in late March) and haven't been able to book anything we wanted to do on the ship (Palo, Remy, Couples Massage, Biddi pirate dress up for our son). Also, we only had the option for the late dinner which is very difficult with a 3 year old. Does anyone have any tips on how we can get any of these?

Also, we were on a previous "boring" board with nothing going on... excited to see so much activity on this one

Hi Eosorio,

Welcome to our happy band. . it will be great to meet you. In less than three weeks

Elaine

 

[cbkaity]

Hi everyone! Sorry to join sooo late! I have been checking this thread periodically, trying to read posts when I can. Let me start off by sending my condolences and prayers to John and his family. I have been having issues with my parents health, (one reason I have hesitated to post), and didn't know if we would be going on this cruise! Now it's down to the wire and I better get moving! I realize the bracelets have already been ordered, but if there are any extras we would like 1L, 1M & 1C. This is our 2nd Disney cruise and I can't believe it's so close!
We are: Me, Suzanne 48/F, Dan 49/M, Kaitlyn 11/F.
From: Michigan
Stateroom: 6566
Dining: Late

My DD Kaitlyn 11, is looking forward to meeting some friends on the cruise! She is shy at first, but can be very silly! Looking forward to meeting all of you!

 

[texfinn]

Hi everyone! Sorry to join sooo late! I have been checking this thread periodically, trying to read posts when I can. Let me start off by sending my condolences and prayers to John and his family. I have been having issues with my parents health, (one reason I have hesitated to post), and didn't know if we would be going on this cruise! Now it's down to the wire and I better get moving! I realize the bracelets have already been ordered, but if there are any extras we would like 1L, 1M & 1C. This is our 2nd Disney cruise and I can't believe it's so close!
We are: Me, Suzanne 48/F, Dan 49/M, Kaitlyn 11/F.
From: Michigan
Stateroom: 6566
Dining: Late

My DD Kaitlyn 11, is looking forward to meeting some friends on the cruise! She is shy at first, but can be very silly! Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Welcome Suzanne!!!! My DD Sabrina is 10 going on 14 and was just saying last night that she is counting on meeting some daughters from my friends on the board. I will tell her about Kaitlyn!!! There are others too like Grazyna's daughter Ashley who is also 10 and I know several others just can't think of the names...

OMG - it just really really hit me. We leave in 2 1/2 weeks!!!! I cannot focus at all on work. Need to go get FEs done -- can't wait!!!!

--Mati

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

Hi everyone! Sorry to join sooo late! I have been checking this thread periodically, trying to read posts when I can. Let me start off by sending my condolences and prayers to John and his family. I have been having issues with my parents health, (one reason I have hesitated to post), and didn't know if we would be going on this cruise! Now it's down to the wire and I better get moving! I realize the bracelets have already been ordered, but if there are any extras we would like 1L, 1M & 1C. This is our 2nd Disney cruise and I can't believe it's so close!
We are: Me, Suzanne 48/F, Dan 49/M, Kaitlyn 11/F.
From: Michigan
Stateroom: 6566
Dining: Late

My DD Kaitlyn 11, is looking forward to meeting some friends on the cruise! She is shy at first, but can be very silly! Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Hi Suzanne, Dan and Kaitlyn,

Welcome to our group. Like you say, it's not long now to wait before we all meet up. Can't wait!

Elaine

 

[kimistry6]

Reposting! Closer and closer...

Cape Canaveral, Florida
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USFL0066

Castaway Cay, Bahamas
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/BFXX0018

St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/NTXX0004

St. Thomas/St. John, British Virgin Islands
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USVI0006

-------------------------------------------------
OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

--New flavor you expect to try?

1. I'm most worried about having an accident on the drive down to the port. Any time we are driving that long (13+ hours) my mind has time to wander and worry.

2. Honestly my most not so sane worry but now after last January - the ship sinking.

3. I am about even Steven on being social. I'm not much of a chatter until I've known you for a few years, either on the board or in person.

4. Snorkeling at St. Thomas and going to Honeymoon Beach.

5. I cannot wait to try the chocolate souffle from Palo.

 

[mstinson14]

Looked some of yall up on draw something, so if you see a request from Megan Stinson, its me.
I'll answer the questions when i get home. I'm one the bus!

 

[carouselkr]

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

No worries!

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

Still no worries!

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

Not too social in general but DH makes me look outgoing! We are both fairly shy...we usually "pick up" a few friends on a cruise that become long-lasting friendships (trivia, wine tastings, martinis anyone?) Who's "steven"

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

Relaxing, all the time! DH works from home, and hence is always working when we are at hotels, etc such as at WDW...a cruise is his only real vacation so we don't make many plans or commitments and just enjoy doing absolutely nothing! Since we recently did Eastern Carib, and have done snorkeling, ruins, beaches, etc in the past, we planned no excursions!

--New flavor you expect to try?

Hmmm, new flavor? Interpreted figuratively, I am hoping to experience all of the differences that this new ship has to offer, having been on many cruises and all of the Disney ships...literally, I am looking forward to sampling some new wines, and hopefully some other signature drinks on board!!