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

[jlawall]

Yes, I'm definitely at an impasse packing-wise, since I've packed everything that I won't be wearing before leaving for the cruise . . . I suppose if I could pick one or two things that I won't be wearing and then just re-wear them every single day, I'd be set and could pack everything. . . but I don't want to do that. I'll probably pack for good a week from today (wow, that does make it seem real).

Yes, it's just too early, I'll stop wearing cruise clothes, probably next Tuesday, in the meantime, I just want to start trying on things to make sure I really need them so I don't overpack!

 

[bellelinus]

Thx for asking..... ..............I agree with the "treat myself" theory.....I go EVERY morning during school and get a Venti Mild (whatever it is that day.) I feel alittle bad about the expense, but I look forward to my routine each day.

While we were in NYC this weekend, we saw all the SBs all over the place....we had such a great time, but I was so tired yesterday from all the walking!

Yes, we walk everywhere -- we never have to "train" to prepare for WDW or this cruise since we are accustomed to walking so much. It's one of my favorite things about living here -- I love to walk, and just feel a part of everything rather than being isolated in a car.

 

[jlawall]

My three are blonde, red and blonde. My youngest is really blonde!!

and then here are all three kids on a balcony on the Magic

Great cruise memories!!!!!!!

 

[jlawall]

Yes, we walk everywhere -- we never have to "train" to prepare for WDW or this cruise since we are accustomed to walking so much. It's one of my favorite things about living here -- I love to walk, and just feel a part of everything rather than being isolated in a car.

That's great! There is a real energy there! My DD20 is coming back up tonight to see a concert! I actually drove in this w/e and it was just me and a sea of yellow taxis!

 

[disneylover5]

Beautiful offspring! We'll be seeing them in person very soon.

Thank you, I kinda like them. Annie and I went to look at your family picture on page 1 and just one daughter is in the picture....but your whole family is sailing....is that right?

We are travelling in a group of 21....

I am pretty sure I am going to cancel all my Disney excursions and do this on my own. As a graduation present for my nephew from Georgetown, he is coming with us.....he speaks 6 languages ..... he says this will be a "piece of cake"

We are thinking it will be more fun on our own and a whole lot less expensive,
Lisa

 

[jlawall]

Thank you, I kinda like them. Annie and I went to look at your family picture on page 1 and just one daughter is in the picture....but your whole family is sailing....is that right?

We are travelling in a group of 21....

I am pretty sure I am going to cancel all my Disney excursions and do this on my own. As a graduation present for my nephew from Georgetown, he is coming with us.....he speaks 6 languages ..... he says this will be a "piece of cake"

We are thinking it will be more fun on our own and a whole lot less expensive,
Lisa

I've canceled some, the expense was catastrophic! I'm trying to balance our daily port experiences so I don't burn us out too much.

 

[bellelinus]

Thank you, I kinda like them. Annie and I went to look at your family picture on page 1 and just one daughter is in the picture....but your whole family is sailing....is that right?

We are travelling in a group of 21....

I am pretty sure I am going to cancel all my Disney excursions and do this on my own. As a graduation present for my nephew from Georgetown, he is coming with us.....he speaks 6 languages ..... he says this will be a "piece of cake"

We are thinking it will be more fun on our own and a whole lot less expensive,
Lisa

Yes, all three girls are going -- I just tend not to post pictures, can't believe it even posted those! You'll see us all very soon.

I have never had any DCL excursions, BTW, and love the idea of doing everything on our own. I like to be in charge and this will mean I can make decisions on the fly, change plans, etc.

 

[jlawall]

I am planning to track down the Starbucks in Las Ramblas......does anyone know if there are Starbucks in the other port cities??

 

[disneylover5]

I've canceled some, the expense was catastrophic! I'm trying to balance our daily port experiences so I don't burn us out too much.

I fully agree and I feel a little better having made this decision.

(It feels good to use smileys again!!)

 

[eeyorelvr10]

JoAnn, I bookmarked your blog and can't wait to read more!!!! Isn't this exciting!!!

DITTO!






Although I love my kids and we are really close, DH is my best friend. So don't feel so guilty. Remember, we only "borrow" our children. Like little birds, we raise them to spread their own wings and fly away. After they are gone and go on with their lives (and believe me, when they want to go somewhere, they don't cry when THEY leave), you will still have YOUR best friend. Enjoy! Carpe diem!!Maryann

Maryann! Those are wonderful words. Sometimes the kids would make me feel bad when they were little because I went away (for the weekend) so much but now that I hear this from someone else, it makes sense. While DH and I might fight - I always know that whatever the case - he would help me out - I do look upon him as a confidante but sometimes you turn into the horse that has blinders on.

Thanks for the reminder!

 

[funluvin]

My three are blonde, red and blonde. My youngest is really blonde!!

Lisa,

Your kids are beautiful. Your middle daughter bears a resemblance to my oldest. Might just be the hair,coloring and the abundance of freckles (which drives her nuts!!!!)


Ceil

 

[jlawall]

I fully agree and I feel a little better having made this decision.

(It feels good to use smileys again!!)

 

[jlawall]

Maryann! Those are wonderful words. Sometimes the kids would make me feel bad when they were little because I went away (for the weekend) so much but now that I hear this from someone else, it makes sense. While DH and I might fight - I always know that whatever the case - he would help me out - I do look upon him as a confidante but sometimes you turn into the horse that has blinders on.

Thanks for the reminder!

I also felt that this was well said!

 

[funluvin]

I have never had any DCL excursions, BTW, and love the idea of doing everything on our own. I like to be in charge and this will mean I can make decisions on the fly, change plans, etc.

We also did not book any excursions with Disney. Expensive and not flexible. After reading some of the early posts about the excursions I wasjsut as glad that we are "winging" it on our own.

 

[bellelinus]

That's great! There is a real energy there! My DD20 is coming back up tonight to see a concert! I actually drove in this w/e and it was just me and a sea of yellow taxis!

I try not to talk about it too much because it might come across as bragging, but I love, love, love my city . . . I don't take it for granted, either, and a day doesn't go by that I'm not walking around thinking at some point how much I love it. I wish I had made the first 5 minutes of Woody Allen's "Manhattan" because it wordlessly expresses everything I feel. I know the city isn't for everyone, and even people who live here like to feign complaints because it doesn't seem cool not to, but I love my city. A while back someone asked on this thread what everyone would miss while gone and my first thought was "my city" . . . not that I will pine after it, but I do compare every place I visit to NYC, and although I love to visit other places, I've never wished to live anywhere else. OK, that was a lot more emotion than I usually care to reveal!

 

[jlawall]

Ok, coffee's finished, it's time to get back to work.........C U soon!

 

[kidcoos3]

Thx for asking..... ..............I agree with the "treat myself" theory.....I go EVERY morning during school and get a Venti Mild (whatever it is that day.) I feel alittle bad about the expense, but I look forward to my routine each day.

While we were in NYC this weekend, we saw all the SBs all over the place....we had such a great time, but I was so tired yesterday from all the walking!

I used to get a quad venti nonfat latte most days - now that would kill me. If I get a coffee somewhere, it is usually a double short (or tall at Starbucks) nonfat latte

I've canceled some, the expense was catastrophic! I'm trying to balance our daily port experiences so I don't burn us out too much.

That's what we're doing - 2 DCL, 3 private and 2 winging it

 

[bellelinus]

I am planning to track down the Starbucks in Las Ramblas......does anyone know if there are Starbucks in the other port cities??

I know there are in Paris, and probably are in other places . . . however, when I travel I generally make a rule not to eat anywhere I can at home . . . my one exception will be the Hard Rock in Placa Catalunya when we first arrive, in deference to my poor jetlagged kids . . .

So I will try to find a non-chain, local place for my coffee: "Vorrei un cappucino, per favore"!!!!!

 

[jlawall]

I try not to talk about it too much because it might come across as bragging, but I love, love, love my city . . . I don't take it for granted, either, and a day doesn't go by that I'm not walking around thinking at some point how much I love it. I wish I had made the first 5 minutes of Woody Allen's "Manhattan" because it wordlessly expresses everything I feel. I know the city isn't for everyone, and even people who live here like to feign complaints because it doesn't seem cool not to, but I love my city. A while back someone asked on this thread what everyone would miss while gone and my first thought was "my city" . . . not that I will pine after it, but I do compare every place I visit to NYC, and although I love to visit other places, I've never wished to live anywhere else. OK, that was a lot more emotion than I usually care to reveal!

Well done! My oldest DD23, is presently in a portfolio school and she's going to try to take her last quarter (next Fall 2008) so she can settle in NYC, once school is finished (she's in advertising.) So lucky for me, I'll get to visit her often if her plan works out!! Thx for sharing, I'll talk to you all later!

Congrats Ceil!

 

[funluvin]

I try not to talk about it too much because it might come across as bragging, but I love, love, love my city . . . I don't take it for granted, either, and a day doesn't go by that I'm not walking around thinking at some point how much I love it. I wish I had made the first 5 minutes of Woody Allen's "Manhattan" because it wordlessly expresses everything I feel. I know the city isn't for everyone, and even people who live here like to feign complaints because it doesn't seem cool not to, but I love my city. A while back someone asked on this thread what everyone would miss while gone and my first thought was "my city" . . . not that I will pine after it, but I do compare every place I visit to NYC, and although I love to visit other places, I've never wished to live anywhere else. OK, that was a lot more emotion than I usually care to reveal!

NYC is,in my opinion, the greatest city on earth. I grew up across the river in NJ, but like to think I have links to the city. You cannot help but compare other cities to NYC. It is The Standard.
I think it is great that you are passionate about your city. Good for you!!!