July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 2

[disneylover5]

Hi everyone.

I have missed you all.

My life with my mom has been very difficult. On Thursday, I decided not to go on this trip. I am travelling with 21 and several were encouraging to me to try and work it out. I was able to get some new anti-depressants from my mom's doctor and they seem to have calmed her down...

She has been staying with my oldest brother this past week (I think that might have been part of the problem) as we are trying to get her used to someone else besides me taking care of her. I have been with her all day today and I will be with her all day tomorrow and she has told me she does want me to go and she is sorry...(Not exactly the word she used.....but I know that is what she meant). So as of right now, I am going. The seesaw has taken the "wind out of my sails" watching all of you being so excited and planning. I have not taken out a suitcase, bought 1 thing, or given much thought to this vacation over the last several weeks.

Being part of the sandwich generation is not much fun. My 10 year old told me she misses me and that broke my heart. I have been only taking care of mom and my DH has been working with the kids more right now.

 

[kidcoos3]

Of course, by then you'll be getting $8 to the pound, so the money issue may be completely irrelevent

I feel the same way. One of the things that I really like is that there is no pressure to participate in all the activities. I don't feel bad or left out because I chose not to do fish extenders, because there's no pressure or snide comments or anything like that about it.

Always love the comments from Dan . . .
I agree about the pressure - the only pressure I feel is from myself wanting to do it all, but deciding not to.

Kyla

Jeanne
Kyla

Jim
Kyla DH








4kittymagic

Yea! You're back - I hope you are doing well.

Here's the info I have:

Using Phone Cards: European phone booths usually have card-operated phones rather than coin-operated phones. You can buy a telephone card at European post offices, train stations, and most tobacco shops and newsstands. You just slide your card into a slot in the phone and dial away. The phone reads your card's magnetic strip and a display tells you how much money is remaining on your card.

Your phone card works for local, long distance, and international calls made from card-operated public phones throughout the country where you purchase your card. Particularly in France and Britain, keep an eye out for the new phone cards that require the use of a PIN code. The French version is called KOSMOS. The cards can be used from any phone, even from your hotel room, and allow you to make calls at a cheaper per-minute rate than regular European phone cards. These can be as cheap as about 5 cents a m inute, if you buy the international kind that require you dial the toll free number and use a PIN . . . the kind you insert into a phone have less good rates.

I was going to answer, but Bellelinus has way more good info than I had!
Thanks for the great info you have given everyone Julie!!(do I have your name right??)

 

[kidcoos3]

Did anyone answer the question about open jaw flights? It's when you fly into one place (for Andrew next year, from London into LA) but back from another (for him, Orlando back to London). Sorry if this was already posted and I missed it.

No one had responded (seriously ), thank you for the answer.

 

[bellelinus]

Hi everyone.

I have missed you all.

My life with my mom has been very difficult. On Thursday, I decided not to go on this trip. I am travelling with 21 and several were encouraging to me to try and work it out. I was able to get some new anti-depressants from my mom's doctor and they seem to have calmed her down...

She has been staying with my oldest brother this past week (I think that might have been part of the problem) as we are trying to get her used to someone else besides me taking care of her. I have been with her all day today and I will be with her all day tomorrow and she has told me she does want me to go and she is sorry...(Not exactly the word she used.....but I know that is what she meant). So as of right now, I am going. The seesaw has taken the "wind out of my sails" watching all of you being so excited and planning. I have not taken out a suitcase, bought 1 thing, or given much thought to this vacation over the last several weeks.

Being part of the sandwich generation is not much fun. My 10 year old told me she misses me and that broke my heart. I have been only taking care of mom and my DH has been working with the kids more right now.

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear this, and I hope that you are able to go -- although I also understand not wanting to go if literally you could not enjoy yourself for feeling the heavy weight of the reponsibility you are carrying. I have said many times that I hope I get hit by a bus one day rather than have a lengthy illness and be a burden on my family; yet I also understand how much the love you have for your mother keeps you going. There are so few people nowadays who would even do what you are doing. You can feel proud of yourself, no matter what you end up deciding to do about the vacation, about what you showed about your character exactly when it was toughest to do so. My respect, love, and concern go out to you.

 

[disneylover5]

I am working on the nametags this weekend. The list I just posted on page 911 is what I am working from. If someone is getting a nametag (I know several signed up after I disappeared from the site) ...please PM me. Do npot post here. This has been a real luxury today to be able to read some of the board. No telling when my mom goes off again.

I love her so much. I just want what is best for her. I really do not want her to die. Her doctor told us she is in full starvation mood. My pastor said she is like a teenager addicted to drugs. There is no reasoning with her....

Anyway, PM me any updates or adds.

Jeanne, you might be the best one to tell me adds,

Love you guys,
Thanks
Lisa

 

[bellelinus]

I was going to answer, but Bellelinus has way more good info than I had!
Thanks for the great info you have given everyone Julie!!(do I have your name right??)

No one had responded (seriously ), thank you for the answer.

Yes, Leslie, it's Julie, although I would always answer to my dogs' names since I liked them enough to give them those names (Belle and Linus)! Thanks for your kudos; I don't want to be obnoxious and say too much but I do a lot of research leading up to a trip and am happy to share with others.

 

[bellelinus]

I feel the same way. One of the things that I really like is that there is no pressure to participate in all the activities. I don't feel bad or left out because I chose not to do fish extenders, because there's no pressure or snide comments or anything like that about it.


\QUOTE]

Always love the comments from Dan . . .
I agree about the pressure - the only pressure I feel is from myself wanting to do it all, but deciding not to.

When I read Dan's comment I find an irresistable urge to post "WHAT? Dan! You're not doing fish extenders? I can't BELIEVE it!" but I keep telling myself that joking and sarcasm are very hard to detect in written form . . .

 

[danfromca]

Hi everyone.

I have missed you all.

My life with my mom has been very difficult. On Thursday, I decided not to go on this trip. I am travelling with 21 and several were encouraging to me to try and work it out. I was able to get some new anti-depressants from my mom's doctor and they seem to have calmed her down...

She has been staying with my oldest brother this past week (I think that might have been part of the problem) as we are trying to get her used to someone else besides me taking care of her. I have been with her all day today and I will be with her all day tomorrow and she has told me she does want me to go and she is sorry...(Not exactly the word she used.....but I know that is what she meant). So as of right now, I am going. The seesaw has taken the "wind out of my sails" watching all of you being so excited and planning. I have not taken out a suitcase, bought 1 thing, or given much thought to this vacation over the last several weeks.

Being part of the sandwich generation is not much fun. My 10 year old told me she misses me and that broke my heart. I have been only taking care of mom and my DH has been working with the kids more right now.

I totally sympathize. We've been working on making sure my mom has people to keep an eye on her while we're gone. And are hoping on Monday for good news from her doctor. There's always this shadow possibility of a last minute cancellation that none of us want to contemplate.

 

[danfromca]

When I read Dan's comment I find an irresistable urge to post "WHAT? Dan! You're not doing fish extenders? I can't BELIEVE it!" but I keep telling myself that joking and sarcasm are very hard to detect in written form . . .

It was a tough decision, but for me it came down to concerns about luggage capacity, not wanting the extra "responsibility" of having to go around and distribute stuff, and the sure knowledge that others in my group would probably die of embarassment if I actually put one up.

I did come up with a pretty decent door magnet I think - got that printed out yesterday. Today I'm trying my hand at ironing on T-Shirts. Will report once I have results....

 

[disneylover5]

When I read Dan's comment I find an irresistable urge to post "WHAT? Dan! You're not doing fish extenders? I can't BELIEVE it!" but I keep telling myself that joking and sarcasm are very hard to detect in written form . . .

Okay, If I had to do fish extenders I would just commit suicide
That would just put me over the edge.

I am so proud of myself to have a gift bag from my area....and I love what I got.....not sure if the person who gets it will love it, but I think it is special.
Someone remind me when and where we bring those....

 

[bellelinus]

It was a tough decision, but for me it came down to concerns about luggage capacity, not wanting the extra "responsibility" of having to go around and distribute stuff, and the sure knowledge that others in my group would probably die of embarassment if I actually put one up.

I did come up with a pretty decent door magnet I think - got that printed out yesterday. Today I'm trying my hand at ironing on T-Shirts. Will report once I have results....

Don't get defensive -- really, I was kidding! I had to write down who is doing the fish extenders because there is no way I could keep it straight otherwise, so for sure I'm not mentally "shunning" you for not doing it!

 

[bellelinus]

Okay, If I had to do fish extenders I would just commit suicide
That would just put me over the edge.

I am so proud of myself to have a gift bag from my area....and I love what I got.....not sure if the person who gets it will love it, but I think it is special.
Someone remind me when and where we bring those....

We're going to do that at the Dismeet at the Prominade Lounge Sunday July 29 at 9:30 . . .

 

[Pixie Dust II]

I'm disappointed about the semi formal nights being cancelled. DH and I were looking forward to dressing up. WE don't get to very often and really enjoy it. WE may just dress up anyway and hope our tablemates don't mind. (Sorry Harole Ann and Garry).

Don't worry Sandra--I am still bringing the same clothes & plan to dress up anyway!

??

Congratulations, Sandra on the MAJOR Pirate--good job

if they cancel the semi-formal nights, i will still wear my dresses. maybe cruise casual to me is a nice semi-formal dress.

I will!

Have to say its a case of history repeating itself, the 2005 repo had a couple of posters who went far to far, after warnings from the moderators, the thread was closed down and some Dissers 'left' and went elsewhere.

The whole point of these cruise threads are to make Friends and have an enjoyable holiday/ vacation. Sometimes jokes can go just a bit too far, and when posting you might not guess or understand someones reaction to your post.

Plus with not just people from USA but English and other counties whilst we speak a common language sometimes there are slight differences in words and humor and can accidentally be taken the wrong way.

It is so sad if people drop out, I must say in 2005, I did 'avoid' some previous Dissers who were on that cruise, I didn't think about canceling but i didn't want my holiday disrupted either.

I am glad we are a very very nice group.

I would like to say that anyone who would cancel their cruise over this thread has misconcepcions. I think we are so fortunate to have bonded as we have and made friendships prior to the cruise. My friends have always marveled at the friends we make on a Disney Cruise and they are just astounded at what this group is doing together prior to the cruise. For any one to cancel is just beyond belief to me. I am so excited about everything and everyone and can't wait until we actually meet. It just does not get any better than what we have right here!

Andrew, do you think the blackcurrant liquor (sp?) creme de cassis is made there?

I think I could be the taste tester for one of those!!

For those who haven't tried it before, its a very sweet blackcurrant liquor, but its great when you add a small drop to a glass of cava or champagne (or cider). mmm

Are we going for t-shirts on Saturday then ?

Congratulations on the Pirate Izzi!!

 

[danfromca]

Don't get defensive -- really, I was kidding! I had to write down who is doing the fish extenders because there is no way I could keep it straight otherwise, so for sure I'm not mentally "shunning" you for not doing it!

Don't worry - I wasn't being defensive and wasn't feeling offended or pressured in the slightest. Mostly thoughtful and chuckling at the reaction of my cabinmates if I were to put one up.

 

[Pixie Dust II]

I am working on the nametags this weekend. The list I just posted on page 911 is what I am working from. If someone is getting a nametag (I know several signed up after I disappeared from the site) ...please PM me. Do npot post here. This has been a real luxury today to be able to read some of the board. No telling when my mom goes off again.

I love her so much. I just want what is best for her. I really do not want her to die. Her doctor told us she is in full starvation mood. My pastor said she is like a teenager addicted to drugs. There is no reasoning with her....

Anyway, PM me any updates or adds.

Jeanne, you might be the best one to tell me adds,

Love you guys,
Thanks
Lisa

Lisa--You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know how hard it is to see your mother ill. I know whatever you do will be the right thing.

 

[bellelinus]

Don't worry - I wasn't being defensive and wasn't feeling offended or pressured in the slightest. Mostly thoughtful and chuckling at the reaction of my cabinmates if I were to put one up.

Believe me, my girls' reaction is much the same -- I think a few surprises in there will turn them around, though!

 

[kidcoos3]

When I read Dan's comment I find an irresistable urge to post "WHAT? Dan! You're not doing fish extenders? I can't BELIEVE it!" but I keep telling myself that joking and sarcasm are very hard to detect in written form . . .

That's so funny - I was also going to comment on "there's no pressure or snide comments or anything like that about it." - but, I rethought - probably a good idea . . .

Okay, If I had to do fish extenders I would just commit suicide
That would just put me over the edge.

I am so proud of myself to have a gift bag from my area....and I love what I got.....not sure if the person who gets it will love it, but I think it is special.
Someone remind me when and where we bring those....

I do like the idea of the area gift bags - I like mine too - hope the other person does - everyone did stay under budget, didn't they? Nothing worse than spending $20 and getting a gift that is worth $50 - I would feel bad!!!

 

[bridegirl]

Lisa,

I PM'ed you also, but I am so sorry for what you are going through. My mother has had a similar last few years with her mom and it is really tough.

Sending you good wishes and hoping you are able to come.

Thanks for all your contributions to the cruise.

Pixie dust,

Susy

 

[bridegirl]

I thought they were on one of the lists, but they don't seem to be there now.

8532
8534
8080
8078

Thanks,

Susy

 

[bridegirl]

86 is so close to 00, it almost makes me want to fluff for a you-know-what.

HOWEVER, this morning I fluffed the tiniest bit, only 2 fluffy posts, and I got punished by the pirate-gods by missing the pirate anyway.

Okay, I'm not gonna fluff. I want a real pirate or not at all.