March 10, 2007 - 7 Day Western Magic

[I'mWong]

Hi Suz...I would love to make one with the girls. Sounds like fun! I will make sure to get some glue sticks as well. Thanks for offering this to us. I feel like I should be paying for some of the supplies. Please let me know if you would like me to bring anything, or contribute in any way.

Kim...we missed one day of school in January due to the ice too. I hated it then, because it was so close to the Christmas break and I knew we have to make it up this Friday which was supposed to be a holiday. I could REALLY use that holiday now! Oh well, I will be here Friday, ready to greet my students, with a smile on my face. I actually really LOVE teaching, but a holiday every now and then makes me smile really big!

Shannon...I am glad your family is feeling better. We are all going through the sniffles, but I really think it is more allergies than anything else.

Erin...when you talk about only having two more weeks to work before you leave, that really makes it hit home as to how close this is. I think I better get to packing. Unfortunately, I am not as far along as Shannon. I am hoping to be almost there by the end of this weekend, though. I did buy a new shirt for formal night and a few things for my daughter. I need to get some stuff altered. I have a feeling I better get to moving if I want it back in time!

We have always had late dining on all of our cruises. I think it is a personal preference, but to me, it seems hard to get back and be ready for early dinner on the days when we are on shore. I think it is also what you are used to at home. While I would like for us to eat earlier, it is usually atleast 7 or later when we all get home and settled to eat. It does sound like you will be able to change once you get aboard. I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

I am really glad to see the thread getting a little more action. I have a question for you. I made a pact with my students here at school that I would read atleast 40 novels this year. I am falling behind. Anyone have any suggestions for me? I love the Janet Evanovich, Stephanie Plum series, but I have already read all of those atleast twice! Some three times if I really like them. I am up for suggestions. I like most genres, with the exception of westerns.

 

[Marsh Family]

Laura, If you like CSI type books, i LOVE the novels by Patricia Cornwell (her Kay Scarpetta series) usually finish one in a little over a week. But be warned they are a pretty graphic style of writing, but excellent reads. If you decide to read these, they are best read in sequience starting from postmortem.... they kind of build on eachother. Hope you like.

Great idea, as i am now fishied the series and look forward to seeing others replies for good books!

I know what you mean Laura, it does not seem like it is thatfar away at all. Just a few odss and ends and viola, finished!


Erin

 

[I'mWong]

Erin, thanks for the suggestion. I will try those. Can you tell the order of the books from the cover, or do you just have to know it. If you like light humor with a suspensful twist, I suggest those Stephanie Plum books. They too build on each other and they have numbers in the title to keep track. The first one is "One For the Money" followed by "Two For the Dough", etc. They are quite entertaining. I have encouraged almost all of the teachers here to read them, and we all love them. Another really good author to me is Nicholas Sparks. He writes romance novels, but very real to life. He is the author of the Notebook, Message in a Bottle, and A Walk to Remember that have been made into movies that I know of. However, the books are SOOO much better than the movies, and I LOVE the movies. He has a new book out named, Dear John, but I haven't read that one yet. He actually has several books that I haven't read. Sad to admit, but I read The Notebook while we were on a cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale a few years ago and I kept sneaking back to the room so I could read more every chance I got. I had to "run alot of errands" on that cruise! Even bought a book light to keep reading after dark since we were driving before I finished the book. Made my husband a little upset that all I was looking at was the pages of a book with the beautiful scenery passing by! What can I say, it's a great book! The sequel to The Notebook is The Wedding and I just lent it to my niece who is a freshman in college and she loved it too. Oh well, I am sure I have just shared much more information than anyone really wants to hear, but that is me...a talker! Even when it is in writing!

 

[Marsh Family]

Laura I will try those authors, and i had to laugh about your husband, as mine would be saying the same thing, when i am into a good book, he says thats all i do.. and he may be right.

To answer your question you can get the order from the books inside pages, but the most recient books are listed at the top so you should read from the bottom up...

Erin

 

[kperkins0407]

I was glad to get those ice days back in Jan. I didn't have alot of time during Christmas break to get alot done around the house. Scott and I got married during Christmas and then flew to Vegas for our honeymoon. As soon as we returned we went to Dallas for my grandmother's funeral. So those 2 days were spent combining our 2 households--moving furniture and mainly rearranging my closet so that Scott would have some room.

I love to read true crime--Ann Rule. I haven't had much time to read in the past 2 1/2 years--grad school and single parenting kept me very busy. Oh, I forgot--I also graduated at the begining of the Christmas Break. Those 2 ice days came in very handy for me. We now are teaching students on Feb. 23 instead of an inservice day. But they are still giving us that Monday a holiday--comp day if we have 6 outside workshop hours.

Roxanna has received e-mail from some of your daughters--she is very excited about getting to meet everyone.

It is hard to believe that we will be sailing in approx. 24 days!!

Kim

 

[NC Cains]

Hello sailing friends,
Laura and Sarah - thanks for the e-mails. We look forward to meeting you on the ship. It sounds as though Sarah and Brittany have lots in common. NC is a great place to vacation and live. We live in the central part of the state. We can be at the beach in about two hours and at the mountains in about three hours. Our world basically "pauses" when it snows.
Suz - Brittany would love to join the scrapbook group if possible. Just let us know. We can bring any materials necessary.
See everyone soon and Happy Valentine's Day!
The Cain Family
Mike, April and Brittany (10)

 

[Marsh Family]

Kim congratulations on so much... you have been busy...
your getting married, and finishing school.... hard work payed off.


Is true crime a mistery, or crime novel?? something like that?

Erin

 

[kperkins0407]

Erin,
The true crime that I read is non-fiction based on true stories. I love all of the detective work, forensics, etc. All of the book talk inspired me to go to Barnes & Noble tonight. Bought several books--planning ahead for some travel reading.

Kim

 

[Suz D]

Kim, I've read most of Ann Rule's books. My favorite was "The Stranger Beside Me". We lived in Central Washington for about 6 years and Ted Bundy abducted one of his victims from the University where my husband taught. Have you read anything by John Douglas? He is an FBI profiler and has written some interesting books. They are "novels" like Ann Rule's books, but they are fascinating. I read mostly non-fiction, but I'm bringing "Wicked" with me for the cruise.

I also really love to read "outdoorsy adventures" if that is a description. Things like "Into Thin Air" and "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer and "Touching the Void" by Joe Simpson. One of my all time favorite reads is "Indian Creek Cronicles" by Pete Fromm.

April, I'll mark Brittany down for the scrapbook project. Just bring a glue stick for her to use and that's it.

Suz

 

[ShannonR]

I am so excited to have the next 5 days off! I desperately need to recover from this respiratory infection that has plagued me for 2 weeks now Sorry my voice sounded so bad yesterday, Laura. I feel so much better, but can't seem to get my voice back .

I also LOVE to read! I only read murder mysteries and my all time favorite writers are Patricia Cornwell and Janet Evanovich. I have read all their books and can't wait until their next one comes out. Book 13 comes out in June for Stephanie Plum and I'm not sure about Kay Scarpetta (the characters they write about). I also like James Patterson and JD Robb. In fact, I have the new Alex Cross book packed in my suitcase for the trip. I figure, since I am awake so much at night, I will be spending a lot of time reading.

Is anyone else staying at the Hyatt beside us and the Wongs? We get in to Orlando around 5pm and would love to meet up for drinks and/or conversation with anyone who's interested .

I will sign off for now, but look forward to talking to everyone soon

Shannon

P.S. Count me and Morgan in for the craft projects. I am going to get the glue sticks today! Any decision on where we are all going to meet at the start of the cruise yet?

 

[I'mWong]

Now I feel like I am getting to know you! Sounds like we have a whole crew of people that love a good mystery/CSI type story! I am going to start reading those books about Kay Scarpetta. She sounds like a character I would like. I emailed the teachers here and a few of them have some of her books, so I might have a lead to borrow some. Even at Half Price they really add up! I could get them from the library, but you almost always have to wait on the really good books. Our librarian here listens to books on tape, but I have a hard time doing that since I like to go back and reread the really good parts, or something I didn't quite get. I would constantly be going back and forth on the tape or CD!

Has anyone read The Secret Life Of Bees? The school nurse just lent it to me and I am going to start it as soon as I can. She said it is really good. I don't know a thing about it, though. It takes place in South Carolina, close to you, April.

Shannon...there is one of those "Between the Numbers" books that just got released a little while ago. I bought it, but haven't finished reading it yet. It is called Plum Lovin' I am going to try to finish it this weekend so I can start a new one. Someone here read the Full ____ series, also by Janet Evanovich. The first one is Full Tilt. Have you read them? She says they are good. I don't know much about them, other than the author.

Kim...yes, congratulations. Sounds like you had a really busy year! I am glad the days came in handy for you. I wish they would have given us that opportunity to use comp time. What school district do you work? I went to a wonference and a teacher from North East ISD was a presenter. She was pretty amazing!

Suz...my sister LOVES those books about serial crimes and I can remember being back in college and her reading about Ted Bundy. I don't think I would be able to sleep for days if I read those. There are parts of the books I do read that creep me out! The last book I read was called The Lovely Bones. It was a good book, but it really creeped me out. My niece recommended it to me. It gave me the creeps by page 10. I should have stopped while I was ahead! By the time I got to the end, I was so depressed. The girl in the book was too close in age to the girl that sleeps in my house.

Hope everyone is getting as excited as we are about the cruise.

 

[Suz D]

Laura,

I HAVE read The Secret Life of Bees. Excellent book and hard to put down. Again, a bit difficult subject matter at times.

I also read Lovely Bones at a friends recommendation. I agree...WAY too close to home and very weird and disturbing. Interesting concept, 'though.

I just remembered another book that I loved. A great laugh out loud book but very real. It's called "Good Grief" and it's by Lolly Winston. I really loved it.

One thing that I'm really enjoying lately are books by Gene Stratton Porter. These are very old books, but they've been so enjoyable. "Girl of the Limberlost" and "Freckles" are the two that I've read so far and I really liked both of them. She's an Indiana writer so I've also loved that tidbit.

Shannon, I will mark you down for the craft as well. I'll be sending a final list in about a week to make sure I have everyone.

We're so counting the days. I'm needing the break.

Suz

 

[kperkins0407]

Laura,
I teach 5th grade for North East ISD. Who was your presenter? Are you elementary or secondary? Are you a TAKS grade? I tutored my students today after school for the last time before the test. I have been saying lots of prayers for them! Most are going to do great, but I have one or maybe 2 that it is going to be close! My 2 sister-in-laws work in Houston--1st grade teacher and school counselor.

I am very ready for warm weather. I'm sure to some of you this San Antonio weather would be considered warm, but it sure has been unusually cold here this winter.

Shannon...glad to hear you are feeling better. There have been a lot of people sick lately. Scott just informed me that everyone at his office is sick. I wanted him to get the flu shot this year, but he didn't. Hopefully if he is going to get sick then he will get it soon. He did have a slight cold and cough this weekend.

Erica (10) arrives tonight. So please feel free to have any of your daughters e-mail her sometime this weekend. kperkins@satx.rr.com or kbroderhausen@satx.rr.com

I am getting really excited about going--3 weeks from tomorrow! Wow--that doesn't leave much time to finish up all that needs to be done.

I can tell that all of the women and kids are getting excited about the trip...are the husbands getting excited, as well?

Talk to everyone soon!

Kim

 

[I'mWong]

Kim...the presenters name was Cindy Joor. I got the impression that she is like a district person that goes to different schools to present technology lessons to students, or else she is a person that writes technology lessons for the teachers in the district to use. Could very well be both. Either way, she had some really great ideas that I plan on using with my students. I am the Technology Specialist in a K-4 school. I am responsible for teaching all of the students in the school on a rotating basis of once every two weeks. I love it. My first two years were in 5th grade. I loved that too. The only reason I changed was they took 5th grade from our school. I then taught 4th grade science for two years before moving into the computer lab. I have been doing this for 12 years now! Seems like a lot when it is written down. Last night we had a school fund raiser at Chuck-E-Cheese and there was a boy who I had in 5th grade my second year teaching there. His son is in kinder. Make me feel old. I tell myself I just started teaching early! I know the pressure of TAKS, so I am saying a prayer for you and your students.

It has been really cold for Houston standards, too. Last night was the coldest night in 5 years. It was 24 degrees and I think I felt every degree of it when I left for work. Erin, that doesn't even seem cold to you, does it?! I would like to say I am ready for the warmer weather, but the down side is, once it gets warm, it gets downright hot and stays there for what seems like forever! I wish we had spring like weather for more than just a few weeks before it starts getting so hot! We did put in a pool this past year and it hasn't been swam in yet, so that is something we are looking forward to. My son wants to have a ribbon cutting ceremony. We should as much trouble as it was to get it in.

Has anyone seen the movie, Because I said So? Just wondering your opinion. We went to see it and I wasn't too sure I liked it, but the rest of my party thought it was great. Anyone seen any other good ones? I think Bridge to Tarabethia (not sure of the spelling) comes out today. That was the summer reading book for my daughter this past summer. It is so sad. I think we will for sure go see the movie. I bet they will show it on the ship also. Last year The Shaggy DA came out while we were on the ship and they showed it in the Walt Disney Theater one day. The cruise before that, Finding Nemo had just come out, so we watched that one. It is fun watching a new release Disney film on a Disney ship. That is one thing DCL can offer that no other line can offer, their own movies!

Shannon, I think my husband has gotten the dreaded respiratory infection. He is feeling crudy and staying home from work today. We are remodeling those bathrooms, so I hope he can get some rest. I told him to go to his mothers if they are too loud.

As far as husbands being excited, mine is started to get there. I told him last night the action on the DIS board was really picking up and he wanted to know what we were talking about. I told him book titles and that really wasn't what he was expecting!!! I guess now I can tell him movie titles!!!

My goal is to get started packing this weekend and to get to the tailor. Wish me luck! I always have grand ideas, but somehow all the day to day events of life seem to get in the way!

Let's start planning our get together. Do you prefer to just meet during the sailaway party or at a different location a little later. The problem with the sail away party is that you could really only meet on the deck above it because it is too crowded, and some people might want to get right there close to the stage. Let me know what you think. I will try to look at an old Navigator and see what time the party starts. Maybe we can meet about 45 minutes after it starts so everyone can watch it, then move to the specified location. We have to be careful of early dining times, though. Give me your feedback. I know I just can't wait to meet all of you!!

 

[Suz D]

Hi Everyone!

Laura, great idea to check a Navigator for the sail away party times. I just looked and it will probably run from 4:30 to 5:15 (according to Jan. Western Navigator online).

Regarding meeting...

I don't know if everyone could wait until Sunday to meet, but we don't disembark at Key West until approximately 12:30. Would anyone be interested in meeting at Topsiders for breakfast buffet? They are open until 10:30 A.M. so we could meet at 9:30 or 10:00 and those who eat early can go ahead and eat and then just have a beverage with everyone. Those who are late risers won't have to be up too early for breakfast.

It seems like it will be a crazy scene at the sail away party and hard to get together and visit. I'm absolutely NOT discouraging meeting at the sail away party but it might be nice to meet (a second time?) in a less chaotic situation. That way those who can't find the group or want to be right up by the stage etc. will have an easy opportunity to get together as well. For those who want to meet at the sail away party, I think that Laura's suggestion of the upper deck is a good one.

Suz

 

[ShannonR]

I think meeting on Sunday is good one! I, for one, am going to feel extremely overwhelmed on Saturday (this being our first cruise). By Sunday we should have our bearings (somewhat, at least) and be ready to meet/greet all of you!

Can't wait to see you at dinner, Suz! You have put so much into this craft project for the girls that I feel I should help you more or at least pay for some of the materials. PLEASE let me know if I can help in ANY way!

It's finally sunny and 60 degrees here in Texas, but it's supposed to be cold again tomorrow I am SO ready for some fun in the warm sun!!

Shannon

 

[I'mWong]

Sunday morning sounds good to me. 9:30 is a good time, too. We are going to be pretty tired by then. Our flight doesn't get into Orlando until pretty late and then we have to get up quite early to catch the bus to the cruise terminal. My experience is that we don't sleep too well the night before anyway! Too excited. We can also pick a place for Saturday after the sailaway just in case some of us want to meet then, too. Deck 10 will clear out after the party ends pretty quickly. I know some of you have early dining, so we can all decide.

Shannon and Suz did you two link your dining reservations? Just curious since you said that about meeting at dinner. I have read about other disers doing that.

It is not so warm in my part of Texas. It was 24 when I can to work and it is now around 48. Perhaps what we are going through now is on its way to McAllen, Shannon.

Have a great weekend!

Laura

 

[Suz D]

I think meeting on Sunday is good one! I, for one, am going to feel extremely overwhelmed on Saturday (this being our first cruise). By Sunday we should have our bearings (somewhat, at least) and be ready to meet/greet all of you!

Shannon, excellent point about feeling overwhelmed that first night!

Can't wait to see you at dinner, Suz! You have put so much into this craft project for the girls that I feel I should help you more or at least pay for some of the materials. PLEASE let me know if I can help in ANY way!

Don't worry at all about the supplies. I have a home based business and TONS of supplies. I don't even know that I could figure out a cost for each one as it's so incredibly inexpensive. We also have Hobby Lobby and they have their cardstock/paper in 12x12 for 25 cents a sheet. Each scrapbook uses about a sheet plus a few embelishments. The base of the scrapbooks were bought in bulk (I bought 2000 bases so I've got plenty to spare! I'll let you be surprised about them that day). I'm an econo crafter. Besides, I love doing this kind of thing and it will be a great way to get all the girls better acquainted.

Laura, we did link our reservations! Shannon was kind enough to let our family crash their table. Being a family of three I knew we'd be paired with someone and thought "Shannon's got the preemie experience and we've got the preemie experience so that might be fun".

It's finally sunny and 60 degrees here in Texas, but it's supposed to be cold again tomorrow I am SO ready for some fun in the warm sun!!

Shannon

Suz

 

[MECH8T7]

I don't know if everyone could wait until Sunday to meet, but we don't disembark at Key West until approximately 12:30. Would anyone be interested in meeting at Topsiders for breakfast buffet?

Great idea...It will give DW and I a chance to meet everyone before we head to Palo's for our 11 am brunch.

How's everyone doing with their trip preparations? Once upon a time, the sailing date seemed sooo far off and now DW and I have this desperate feeling that we have not left ourselves enough time to get together everything we need. About the only thing I know we've taken care of so far is our passports. We're hoping that we can put together some clothes over the next couple of weeks for the family to wear for the pirate party.

Have a great weekend everyone.

John

 

[Suz D]

We got some "Dis" green shirts tonight for our family (not quite a true "Dis" green but close enough). They are on sale through tomorrow at Michael's if anyone else wants to get them. They were just $2.50 each and they have both adult & kids sizes. Fun! When we meet on Sunday morning, look for Jeff, Katie, and me in our green t's.

Suz