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

[donaldsgal]

Hi everyone. My DH and I will be joining you on this cruise.
Just wondering without having to read the entire thread right now could someone let me know if the FE list is open or closed. I found it on the first page but it doesn't state either way.
May be interested if still open.
Thanks
Audrey

Welcome, Audrey! Our FE group is closed as of now - sorry! But we're glad to have you with us!!!

Jenny

 

[texfinn]

Wow - this thread is busy now!!!

So, I have been MIA. My description in job below will explain part but can also say, have family in town including an 18month old. They have been here since the 4th and will be here until the 27th. I don't have any time off during this time so it has been really really busy. My daily updates quit coming - not sure why but have been trying hard to keep up at least reading the boards.

Jaimie -- definitely keep posting!!! I may not respond but love reading your posts!!!

.... For a while there we posted more than once a day. But since June of last year we havent had a moment of our own, so the post have dropped off, a lot. I keep getting caught up. Make a promise to myself to check daily, but... here I am trying to get caught up again! ...

Sue, I know the feeling! Feel like that right now!

For those who have PM'ed, my husband is safe. There was an RPG attack on the U.S. embassy, though it hasn't made the press yet, as well as Camp Eggers and the base in Jalalabad. Greg called in the attack on the embassy and was up all night standing post. But he is fine and all American personnel are safe. Long day yesterday. We are really looking forward to being together for this cruise, it's going to be a nice break from reality, as it will for us all.

Oh, thank Heavens he is fine! I agree with everyone, thanks to him for his service and I hope he stays safe and sound. Prayers are with him and all the service men and women.

Sorry - haven't had a chance to read all the replies yet, but I'm requesting prayers from those of you who are pray-ers. My sister had to take Hannah to the hospital today because she was not breathing well. .....We know the Lord cares about Hannah's health as much as we do, and we know our fellow DISers are great about offering support in hard times! Thanks, guys! I appreciate you all!

Very scary -- I hope she is ok! Prayers going out for Hannah. Please keep us posted.

Sorry if I sounded annoyed at anyone's uncertainty about an embarkation day meet. I couldn't tell if you were annoyed or not or if you felt I singled you out. As much as I love the boards, they do nothing to help with tone of voice! I am fine with whatever we choose.

I feel like that - often wonder if people take what I say the wrong way but, guess, you have to take it all with a grain of salt. I am up for an embarkation day meet! Just tell me when and where. We are flying in the night before but staying at the Hyatt MCO and taking the DCL transport in so a night before meet and greet doesn't work for us (unless you all want to hang at the airport! )

I started to try to comment on everything but got too lost.

So, have to say, think it was fun hearing about everyone's names. Love the career/job thread and the idea of Gotcha day is very very sweet and special! What a great thing!

I know I have missed many things I want to comment on - I am sorry if I can't remember - right now, my brain is fried.

We got cruise docs last week and my Polo reservation is listed for 2? I know I am going to join up with Kathy and crew once we get on board but was surprised they put me down for 2 even though I am the only adult in the room. Maybe I am going to have a suprise date that no one has told me about!

Can't seem to get too excited about the cruise with the house guests. When they leave I will have 3 weeks and will probably then hit panic mode. I am working on FE gifts and hope to have them done in time. Normally don't make but this time am giving it my best shot. Please forgive me if they don't turn out but am worried won't have time to change to something else!

We have Palo on formal night but late. Offered kids option to dress up and to to the MDR for dinner, eat in kids club or eat with me (not eating of course) in casual clothes at Topsiders (or whatever it is called). They opted for the last option so guess one less thing to pack for them. I am still dressing up for both Palo and Remy.

So, for what I do - I work for a large software company and run the Critical Account Management program. That means when our customers (big enterprise, not real people) get upset with us and normal escalation processes don't work, the account managers/service folks/executives/etc come to me. It is my job to breakdown the problems, identify what it will take to fix it and then force our company to work together to solve the problem. We don't always fix it - but success rate is high. So high in fact that it seems everyone wants our help and I am working an average of 80 hours most weeks. I work from home so basically never escape my work. It is a rewarding job but the stress is high and I need a vacation very very badly. The cruise is perfect because I will shut off my blackberry and can turn off work completely for the time I am gone. I hope things slow down before then - otherwise I may be a total mess by the time we get on the ship. I know I will enjoy my bubbly - as I usually do - to help me relax.

Ok, off to make dinner for the crew tonight. Again, my apologies for my absence!!! -- Mati

 

[kimistry6]

Sorry if I sounded annoyed at anyone's uncertainty about an embarkation day meet. I couldn't tell if you were annoyed or not or if you felt I singled you out. As much as I love the boards, they do nothing to help with tone of voice! I am fine with whatever we choose.

No big deal. I never thought you sounded annoyed. If anything my post seemed too nit picky. I realized later that I didn't even add the day that we met, just a time. So, embarkation meet sounds good to me.

 

[mstinson14]

I am up for an embarkation day meet! Just tell me when and where. We are flying in the night before but staying at the Hyatt MCO and taking the DCL transport in so a night before meet and greet doesn't work for us (unless you all want to hang at the airport! )

Same here!! We're planning on getting up early to get something for breakfast and then heading downtown to the dcl desk and we're gonna try to get on the first bus to the port! Fingers crossed!!

 

[kameram815]

Roll call! Kendra (28), my daughter Kaiya (4), & my mom Belinda! Stateroom 5048... 33 days!

 

[mstinson14]

Roll call! Kendra (28), my daughter Kaiya (4), & my mom Belinda! Stateroom 5048... 33 days!

 

[donaldsgal]

So sorry to hear this. I hope she is better soon!!! My thoughts are with you.

Oh gosh! Poor baby! So sorry to hear this. Sending prayers for her and for your family. Wish there was more that I could do. Hang in there and tell your sister to hang in there too. I am sure this is much tougher on her than it is on little Hannah. Please keep us posted!

Very scary -- I hope she is ok! Prayers going out for Hannah. Please keep us posted.

Thanks, all. She's fine. Between the breathing treatment at the ER, the oxygenation via the nasal tube, and the IV (she was probably dehydrated between throwing up twice and not eating/drinking much today before the hospital visit), it seems to have fended up the pneumonia that was developing. It's crazy how quickly she got sick! She's on oral antibiotics at home and is having a follow up appointment with the doctor tomorrow. Her fever is gone, she hasn't thrown up since this AM, and isn't coughing anymore. DSis still has to keep an eye on her to make sure the symptoms don't recur, but we are appear to be heading out of the woods! Thanks for all your support today! I'm thankful for the DIS and the support of my DIS friends on days like this!

No big deal. I never thought you sounded annoyed. If anything my post seemed too nit picky. I realized later that I didn't even add the day that we met, just a time. So, embarkation meet sounds good to me.

No worries all around, then.

 

[nonni]

Same here!! We're planning on getting up early to get something for breakfast and then heading downtown to the dcl desk and we're gonna try to get on the first bus to the port! Fingers crossed!!

Us too! Maybe we can have a mini meet on the bus.

 

[mstinson14]

Us too! Maybe we can have a mini meet on the bus.

Sounds like a plan!

 

[Jaymepops]

Finally!!! Found a Fantasy Maiden Voyage report!!! Lots of info and pics!

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44597010&postcount=113

 

[kimistry6]

What we do - Kyle works in architecture, drawing blueprints and stuff. He did a lot of work on the local airport expansion. I used to be an engineering design and drafter but was officially laid off last week and am looking for something different: working with children or animals, becoming a travel agent, or going back to school to become an educational aide. I have applied for a bunch of random jobs that seemed interesting. We'll see how that goes. As for being laid off... the timing is definitely not ideal, but this trip is fully paid for and we could really use some time away! And, hey, I now have lots and lots of time to poke around the DIS and get things packed for our holiday!

Weather - It is cold and snowy up here again (still). I ran a ten mile road race this morning in the snow. Besides the cold wind and slippery sections, it went really well and I came in tenth in my age category. I am really looking forward to the Castaway Cay 5K now!

Sorry to hear about your job loss. Hope everything works out soon.
Wow - ten miles!!! That's great. I'm thinking of walking the castaway 5k. No way I could run it.

For those who have PM'ed, my husband is safe. There was an RPG attack on the U.S. embassy, though it hasn't made the press yet, as well as Camp Eggers and the base in Jalalabad. Greg called in the attack on the embassy and was up all night standing post. But he is fine and all American personnel are safe. Long day yesterday. We are really looking forward to being together for this cruise, it's going to be a nice break from reality, as it will for us all.

So thankful to hear your DH and all American personnel are safe. I can't imagine dealing with a situation like this.

Hi everyone. My DH and I will be joining you on this cruise.
Just wondering without having to read the entire thread right now could someone let me know if the FE list is open or closed. I found it on the first page but it doesn't state either way.
May be interested if still open.
Thanks
Audrey

Welcome!!!

Just wanted to share that we got our Cruise Docs on Friday!!!

Great having those cruise docs!!

Roll call! Kendra (28), my daughter Kaiya (4), & my mom Belinda! Stateroom 5048... 33 days!

Welcome!!!

Thanks, all. She's fine. Between the breathing treatment at the ER, the oxygenation via the nasal tube, and the IV (she was probably dehydrated between throwing up twice and not eating/drinking much today before the hospital visit), it seems to have fended up the pneumonia that was developing. It's crazy how quickly she got sick! She's on oral antibiotics at home and is having a follow up appointment with the doctor tomorrow. Her fever is gone, she hasn't thrown up since this AM, and isn't coughing anymore. DSis still has to keep an eye on her to make sure the symptoms don't recur, but we are appear to be heading out of the woods! Thanks for all your support today! I'm thankful for the DIS and the support of my DIS friends on days like this!

No worries all around, then.

So glad to hear Hannah is improving. Hope she feels better soon.

 

[babycrnp]

For those who have PM'ed, my husband is safe. There was an RPG attack on the U.S. embassy, though it hasn't made the press yet, as well as Camp Eggers and the base in Jalalabad. Greg called in the attack on the embassy and was up all night standing post. But he is fine and all American personnel are safe. Long day yesterday. We are really looking forward to being together for this cruise, it's going to be a nice break from reality, as it will for us all.

So glad to hear he is ok!! And a big thanks to him for his service . Most of my family has been in the military and I have so much respect

 

[babycrnp]

Thanks, all. She's fine. Between the breathing treatment at the ER, the oxygenation via the nasal tube, and the IV (she was probably dehydrated between throwing up twice and not eating/drinking much today before the hospital visit), it seems to have fended up the pneumonia that was developing. It's crazy how quickly she got sick! She's on oral antibiotics at home and is having a follow up appointment with the doctor tomorrow. Her fever is gone, she hasn't thrown up since this AM, and isn't coughing anymore. DSis still has to keep an eye on her to make sure the symptoms don't recur, but we are appear to be heading out of the woods! Thanks for all your support today! I'm thankful for the DIS and the support of my DIS friends on days like this!



No worries all around, then.

I am so glad to hear she is ok! I'm saying a prayer right now she will continue to make a full recovery VERY soon!

 

[mom2LLN]

Trying to play catch-up

I'm Brandi....mom2lln....Mom to Lauren, Leslie, and Nicholas.

My girls compete in gymnastics and keep us on the road at least 3 weekends out of the month. They compete for State the first weekend in May and then we will have a break until June. Nicholas turns 5 May 2nd....WOW, where has the time gone?!?!?!

I'm a SAHM/Math tutor. I taught Middle Grades Math for several years, before becoming a SAHM. My hubby is an ICU Supervisor.

The children get out of school on the 18th, Nicholas graduates pre-K that morning and we are driving down afterwards.

As far as the FE exchange, are we gifting each room or was the list split?

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

For those who have PM'ed, my husband is safe. There was an RPG attack on the U.S. embassy, though it hasn't made the press yet, as well as Camp Eggers and the base in Jalalabad. Greg called in the attack on the embassy and was up all night standing post. But he is fine and all American personnel are safe. Long day yesterday. We are really looking forward to being together for this cruise, it's going to be a nice break from reality, as it will for us all.

So pleased to hear your husband is OK. We all owe so much to the security and emergency services, whatever country were live in.

Elaine

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

Sorry - haven't had a chance to read all the replies yet, but I'm requesting prayers from those of you who are pray-ers. My sister had to take Hannah to the hospital today because she was not breathing well. Her pulse rate is high and her O2 levels are low. She's got an oxygen tube under her nose right now, which did elevate her oxygen level, but the monitor is still alarming every now and then. She's thrown up a couple of times and has a fever. The doctor said he's concerned because there seems to be diminished breathing on her right side, so they're scheduling some tests to figure out what's going on. A few years ago, in a very similar situation, she had to be admitted to a children's hospital in the PICU for a few days, so this is feeling too similar for comfort. I'm two hours away right now in the town I live but will leave to be with them if things change. Anyway, if you could be praying for the Beck family, we'd sure appreciate it! We know the Lord cares about Hannah's health as much as we do, and we know our fellow DISers are great about offering support in hard times! Thanks, guys! I appreciate you all!

We were sorry to hear little Hannah has not been to well, and of course pleased and relieved to hear she seems to be on the mend. I'm sure she'll be A1 by the cruise.

from Elaine, Bryan and of course 'big' Hannah , who's looking forward to meeting her young namesake!

 

[Boomerang4]

Sorry to confuse, guys. My husband isn't military, he's doing a one year tour in Kabul at the embassy there. He is responsible for the security of the American personnel at the embassy and civilians in various posts. His service is the Diplomatic Security Service. Not many people have heard of it, so I usually save the explanations for in person but I don't want people to He works with the military, but (sadly for me ) no uniform, though he is a Federal officer. I too admire all the servicemen and women who spend a whole year apart from their families for their tours of duty, at least my husband gets a break...this trip will be his 6 month R&R.

And thanks so much for all the generous well wishes and thought last weekend. In Kabul they actually expect a fair bit of that, but it makes for a long day when it does happen.

So I guess that answers the occupation question for him. I'm a diplomat too, and currently posted in Prague, which is beautiful. Nonetheless, we're looking forward to some "home time."

Can I ask all you more experienced cruisers for some advice? We are doing B2B cruises, the first to get "reacquainted" with just our little family of four, the second we are adding three grandparents and one great grandparent. We have not sailed out of Port Canaveral yet and I was wondering if it is pretty easy to link up at the model ship (or elsewhere) inside the embarkation area? Between cruises we have to disembark and re-embark and we thought it would be nice to link up with the grands and board together, but I'm not familiar with the logistics of boarding there.

What do you suggest?

 

[kimistry6]

Trying to play catch-up

I'm Brandi....mom2lln....Mom to Lauren, Leslie, and Nicholas.

My girls compete in gymnastics and keep us on the road at least 3 weekends out of the month. They compete for State the first weekend in May and then we will have a break until June. Nicholas turns 5 May 2nd....WOW, where has the time gone?!?!?!

I'm a SAHM/Math tutor. I taught Middle Grades Math for several years, before becoming a SAHM. My hubby is an ICU Supervisor.

The children get out of school on the 18th, Nicholas graduates pre-K that morning and we are driving down afterwards.

As far as the FE exchange, are we gifting each room or was the list split?

My 5 year old Nicholas also graduates pre-k right before we go on the cruise, May 15th for him. Hopefully they will see each other in the kid's club!

 

[spacecanada]

Sorry to confuse, guys. My husband isn't military, he's doing a one year tour in Kabul at the embassy there. He is responsible for the security of the American personnel at the embassy and civilians in various posts. His service is the Diplomatic Security Service. Not many people have heard of it,

Can I ask all you more experienced cruisers for some advice? We are doing B2B cruises, the first to get "reacquainted" with just our little family of four, the second we are adding three grandparents and one great grandparent. We have not sailed out of Port Canaveral yet and I was wondering if it is pretty easy to link up at the model ship (or elsewhere) inside the embarkation area? Between cruises we have to disembark and re-embark and we thought it would be nice to link up with the grands and board together, but I'm not familiar with the logistics of boarding there.

What do you suggest?

Hey, cool! One of my friend's dad works for them too! (I'm pretty sure it's the same.) He just returned from a long stint in Sudan. Either way, it's still a very important and dangerous job, so kudos to him.

I am not sure how they will handle B2B cruises on the Fantasy, but it's likely that you will be required to leave the ship for a short period of time and get back on. Depending on what time your relatives are arriving, the terminal could be very busy. Meeting by the ship model shouldn't be too difficult though. I am sure others may have some good meeting point tips too.

 

[Pirategirrrl]

As far as the FE exchange, are we gifting each room or was the list split?

The list was split down the middle, the dividing line I believe is between Sourgrapes and donaldsgal. I think some people plan on giving something to everyone - ambitious!

I have a question, was anything ever decided about bracelets and t-shirts? I know people have been really busy. I get tired just reading what all people are doing