Feb.4,2006. Who else is sailing?

[Johnna_Story]

...please know my heart grieves along with yours, and that I understand the depth of your sadness is not diminished because the love you lost had four legs instead of two.

Denise

Denise - that was so eloquent, and I can only say thanks for saying what is in my head but I'm not able to say it in such a beautiful way.

Dee, we lost our 14 yr old dog Chelsea just two days before Christmas, so we know exactly how you feel. Mark had her even before we met, so it was much harder on him. I hope the power of Disney can help your healing process.

 

[Johnna_Story]

Now that I am looking at these dressy things I am feeling like I don't really want to bother. So, I am not sure what I am gonna bring now. I so badly don't want to have to make a lot of decisions while away. Relaxation - here we come.

Hey - did anyone else have a hard time concentrating today?

Debi

Concentrate? HAH! I was at work for only about 3 hours, then had an oral surgery consult (ugh!) and all I could think about (after I read all about Jennifer Aniston's coping with Brad's new baby-to-be) was that my time would be much better spent at home doing laundry and packing.

Have to work a full day tomorrow and Wednesday - please may I find some motivation to get work done...

 

[steveandtonya]

I left at noon today. Now there is no work until the 16th.! We are planning on leaving around 9:00 tommorrow night. Should get to Orlando in early evening Wed. Staying with Tonya's sister in Wintergarden. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday! (IF we can get all the luggage in the Explorer!)

Steve

 

[yachtsea]

OK, Cal is still working tonight and it is 9:55. He has so much to do to get ready for this trip. That is why I love cruises so much. No phone and no computer for him. Of course, my friends and daughters are like, "What do you mean you are not getting the internet for the week plan?" I promised them a phone call. Of course, I do hate to be out of contact from my daughters that long, but I will call as soon as we get to St. Somewhere. (I don't remember which one comes first!)

I am envious of those of you who are finished working until after the cruise. We have registration for next school year going on this week. So...that means I have to have enough brain cells to get that done. We will be leaving on Thursday afternoon after I teach my class and head to Brunswick, Ga. for the night. Then down to Canaveral on Friday.

My suitcase is running over and I used Space Bags and huge Ziploc bags. And that does not include shoes and hanging stuff and stuff to read and all the other necessities (i.e. over the door shoe holder). I am not sure which jacket to bring so I brought 3. Crazy, I know! But I am thinking outside for the SuperBowl. Anyway, I am rambling. It is just so nice to have this connection with others that feel the same way and put great importance on such trivial matters of life.

By the way, how is Jennifer coping with Brad's new baby that's on the way? And did Brad and Angelina get married? I thought I saw that somewhere.

How many more hours?

Debi

 

[dee47]

Thank you all so much for your beautiful words and sympathy. It means a lot to me. Denise, your eloquence brought me to tears, as did your generosity of spirit, knowing how much you yourself are hurting right now.

This is a really special group of people I'm sailing with. I can't wait to meet you all -- you're truly wonderful friends already. You've helped a lot today.

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

I was debating whether to post this because I'm trying to keep up a happy face, but my kitty had to be euthanized today, and I'm really hurting.

He was obviously very patient with my son...

Oh, Dee, I'm so sorry. I had to put my 14 year old dog to sleep when I was in my late teens, and 20 years later, I still think about it. Our cats are getting on in years, too, and we were almost faced with that decision when our girl cat went into kidney failure last month, but luckily sidestepped it.

You gave your kitty years and years of love and a wonderful life; she died knowing that love, and I think that's the greatest gift we can give to our animals.

Perhaps a door sign is in order with her picture so that she'll be with you on the cruise? We can all eat some extra shrimp and smoked salmon for her . . .

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

We dress up for the Renaissance fairs here in the Flatlands, so we had some medieval residuals that doubled up as pirate wear.

Oh -- I would have thought that John had some good chainmail left over from his Stonehenge days . . .

I'm kicking myself for not getting the Pirate Wench costume at Halloween; now I've run out of time!

 

[skylynx]

Hey, Marcy...you wouldn't believe how EXPENSIVE chain mail is at the Ren Fair clothing emporiums. I wish John HAD saved some from his Druid days. So, instead, we have settled for seriously discounted trinkets too ugly for anyone else to buy.

On the topic of concentration (or lack thereof)...
I'm supposed to be taking a five hour performance simulation course online today, as my next work task is to design one. I fear I will only be simulating my own performance, as all I want to do is read Disboards, examine my cruise docs, re-inventory the 2/3 of our mortal possessions crammed into the suitcases, and ponder what we might be doing one week from today in St. Maarten. I know in the afternoon we'll be at that bar by the end of the runway, but we have the whole morning to explore. Hmmm.

John is at the dentist this morning having his incisors sharpened (no, not really). I have to work through Thursday and probably a bit Friday morning, but nothing too taxing.

 

[Johnna_Story]

On the topic of concentration (or lack thereof)...

I'm quite proud of myself for not getting on here until now (2:00 p.m.). I've actually gotten quite a bit done this morning, but with only 1 1/2 hours left for today, I'm losing steam...

Two days from right about now, we'll be landing in MCO...

 

[jblb1020]

I have given up trying to do anymore work which is not good when my temporary budget just came through and I really need to get some PO's through before I leave so my Dept. can start spending money while I am away. I guess that's what I'm afraid of! Well one more day of work left after today and then Friday we are out of here!! Tonight my goal is to start packing for me and to stop packing for the kids. I know that I am bringing way to much clothes for them but I would rather have to much then too little. Their pirate costumes came yesterday and they are so excited. My husband wanted to know where his eye patch is? I guess I will have to stop by our local party store and see what I can come up with.

We are in the home stretch!!!!!

 

[Impala]

Dear Dee

I am so sorry about your loss. A pet is just as much a member of the family as anybody else, and no easier to cope with.

Well I survived the trip to the dentist, (please no jokes about British teeth!). I get the feeling that my teeth are destined to be a life time project for my dentist, which he will subsequently pass on to his kids to finish.

The funniest thing was that when he showed me all the 35 X-rays he took, the offending wisdom tooth had a large decay shadow on it. It was in the shape of a Mickey mouse head. - Now that has to be the ultimate hidden Mickey! We both laughed at it, and if they still had the Disney Magazine a photo of it would have made top billing. I think it must be due to all the Mickey shaped ice cream bars I love…

Ok back to work, but the thoughts are elsewhere.

Laying in the double hammock on the Adult beach!!!

Not long now..

John

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

Well I survived the trip to the dentist, (please no jokes about British teeth!).

Each of your posts in the past 2 days has made me laugh out loud . . .

Can't wait to meet everyone!

 

[dee47]

Marcy, I love the door sign idea. I made one today, in the midst of moping. It actually helped -- I printed 2 copies and stuck one on our fridge.

Leaving tomorrow...Thanks for everyone's kind words. I look forward to seeing you all.

 

[skylynx]

Hello

Well all is packed and sealed for the trip. We just need to complete the cruise documents. So you can recognise us, here (hopefully) is a picture of us taken at Palo's on our last cruise.

The good looking bird on the right is skylynx. I am the james bond wanabee on the left..

See you soon

Skylynx and Impala

 

[sbatty]

I just wanted to wish everyone a safe trip. I enjoyed seeing all the pictures posted and I'll keep an eye open for all our new freinds.

Dee - I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like you will always have wonderful memories.

I have made me final to do list. Today is my last day to pack. I have promised myself no rushing tomorrow.

We are still trying to decide what to do on St. Thomas. I guess I'll be bringing my Passporter on the plane trying to figure out options.

See everyone on board. Remember to bring Billinaz's stateroom number so you can find the meet.

 

[jblb1020]

Dee- I am sorry for your loss too. I also had to put my cat to sleep October 18th and it was the first time I had to put an animal to sleep. My husband and I had our cat before we where married.

Well this will be my last post before we leave on Friday morning. Tomorrow I am taking a sick day at work to catch up on last minute stuff and finish packing. Looking forward to meeting everyone and safe travels!!!!
We are on our way..............

 

[Boxkite]

I was debating whether to post this because I'm trying to keep up a happy face, but my kitty had to be euthanized today, and I'm really hurting. He was 14, with 2 types of cancer going, but doing fairly well until this weekend, when he took a nosedive. I'm supposed to finish this ton of work before I leave Wednesday, and I have to finish last minute packing, and really all I can do is sit here and cry. My pets are my kids as much as my DS is, and I miss Max so much.

He was obviously very patient with my son...

Dee, our condolences on the loss of your kitty. We too had to euthanize one of our cats several years ago after she suffered a collapsed lung and was in a great deal of pain. She had been a part of our family for many years and we still miss her.

Good luck with your trip down to Florida!

Steven

 

[princess pam]

Well I am mostly packed and have my list for Friday things to do-Stop mail,Give neighbors cat food Ect...
I got a pedi and nails done Tuesday so I don't need to do that on board-much cheaper too.
When packing my DD only has 1 swimsuit that is decent so I guess I need to shop on my way home from work in the morning. I thoght for sure she had a new one.
Can't wait to meet you all. I am very excited I can't beleive after 15 months it is finnally here. We Fly out after school on Friday and stay at the airport msrriiot and have towncar pick up at 9:15 Saturday morning -I won't be able to sleep any way-This is better than Christmas
I have to work tonight-I am a nurse too.
Looking forward to seeing you all Saturday.

 

[Johnna_Story]

Last post for now - we may get on from the Radisson tomorrow or Friday (or Mark may be on after me later tonight) but for now, I've got to get all the unmentionables (okay - can Ryan's power rangers boxer briefs really be considered "unmentionables"? ) in the suitcases, consolidate our carry-ons so we don't lose something, etc.

If you're at the Radisson on Friday night or Saturday am, we'll see you there. Otherwise, we'll see you at the ship.

Can't believe it's already time!!! Let's get outta here

 

[mark_story]

Much as Johnna predicted, I had to jump online tonight and catch up with all of the posts that I've been missing. The best part about this thread is that both Johnna and I feel that we know all of you and that will make our trip all the more enjoyable. I can't wait to start matching faces to logins.

This time tomorrow, I'll be enjoying a steak at Durango's Steak House in Cocoa Beach.

I booked this 287 days ago and I just can't believe that we leave tomorrow. It's surreal.

Mark