May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 3

[granmaz]

Good afternoon/evening Karen. So, you are having a green day too!!!

 

[granmaz]

Well, my eyes are closing and I want a bath, so I'm off now. Awake early today too!!! Why does that happen on a Saturday!

Good night all, have a good night chatting.

 

[been2marceline]

Well, my eyes are closing and I want a bath, so I'm off now. Awake early today too!!! Why does that happen on a Saturday!

Good night all, have a good night chatting.

Sweet dreams, Marilyn!! I got side-tracked showing my DD some pictures on our DIS website!!

Hope you can sleep in tomorrow!!

BTW Here is our kitty, Star!

Karen

 

[granmaz]

He/she is a lovely puss. How old? I love cats.

 

[amesmom]

Working on our own has been the best thing for both of us. We both spend alot of time with the kids. DH does the morning school stuff, I have them in the afternoon. We both do school field trips whenever we want to. We take a good amount of time off every year vacationing (4-6 weeks) but always have our cell phones with us during those times (except on the cruise) so clients really always come first even when we travel....being self employed we always feel like we have to take on work when it's offered since we never know when it might be gone. We have been fortunate that we both work exclusively from referrals from past/current clients. DH is the only lawyer I know that can walk into an employee termination meeting and walk out with all docs signed and having a new client.

DH is also self-employed, and I know exactly what you are talking about when you say you feel you have to take on work when it's offered. He always carries his Blackberry and can't seem to ever turn down work. DH works for NBC News as a freelance producer and editor. He's been offered staff positions, but always turns them down because we like the flexibility of being self employed. He has to travel a lot (too much sometimes) but when he's here, he gets to spend lots of time with the boys. And we schedule our vacation time whenever we darn well feel like it. That's another bonus. But now that pesky school schedule gets in the way. I was a teacher, but have been home with the boys for the past ten years. I just started back substituting this year, but I doubt I will get a full-time job just yet. We like the flexibility of being self employed even though it comes with much less security.

 

[been2marceline]

He/she is a lovely puss. How old? I love cats.

She will be 8 this mayish! We gave her my moms birthday, May 10th. You're a May baby too, aren't you?

Karen

 

[tigger137]

I think there is a general feeling NOW of supporting the people, whether you agree with the policy or not. Personally, if someone is volunteering to protect us, it's not his/her decision where he/she is sent. Ya know? And, well, DH was in the military for 15 years and we have an 18 yr old in the Marines. We know the personal sacrifices they and their families make. So, to say thank you, or to offer to buy a meal, really is nothing in comparison. (DH was on a plane recently where they bumped up four young men to first class. He says they looked so surprised and pleased! But, he was also called a baby killer once, too. It's not perfect here, either!)

How would you say service people are treated over there?

Carolyn

Very little recognition while they are serving, virtually none for veterans. Possibly because in general most people have real knowledge of the Armed Forces these days. Very few of our politicians have done any military service and so have no understanding.

It makes me very proud to have you say that we treat our military well. I feel that we could always do better and do more!! I find myself to be quite a patriot, even if I don't always agree with the politics of the time, I am always very proud of my country. (OK, off the soapbox...)

I am also sorry that it is not the same in the UK. I am surprised as I have always found my UK friends to be warm and generous of spirit. Perhaps it will change and is a cyclical thing.

Karen

Unfortunately, the UK public usually only show support of their troops if a 'popular' conflict is being fought, eg the Falklands. And the support doesn't last long.

the other Day I was in Panera Bread and a serviceman was buying like 7 loaves of bread for a party over the weekend at his house. I told him I wanted to buy it for him to thank him for what he has done for my family.

He graciously accepted.....it cost me $20....best $20 I have spent all year!!

This is the sort of example I read about, and have sometimes seen while visiting the US. If I saw this in the UK I'd probably faint with shock!

How is it in the UK? I would have thought it would have been very much the same. Your stories are what I see - many people are very vocal of their support. I suppose it might be the extreme opposite of what many did during the 60s-70s. Lisa

We simply don't have the general feeling of support for our troops that you seem to have in the US. Mostly the people who are vocal have relatives in the military. Others have little knowledge and even less understanding.

My folks both worked in Veteran's Service. My Mom worked at the VA Hospital in Martinez, CA in Prosthetics and my dad was the County Department Head for Veterans Services. He was instrumental in helping vets get their benefits from the government. He also spent many days going to bat for Veterans benefits in budget hearings with the state.

Off the soapbox again!!

Karen

We have only very recently had a Veterans Agency set up. Veterans have no special access to hospitals, they join the NHS waiting lists like everyone else. No special government benefits. Just a small pension, but generally only after 22 years service.

I think the general response of people is pride in our forces,a but it is just that we don't sem to have a national pride, or show our appreciation like you do over there. We were very moved 2 years ago when we visited Seaworld and they applauded the Military from any country.

Exactly, no national pride or appreciation.
And certainly no financial appreciation.
As an RAF veteran, I've often been given discounts at hotels in the US. Ask about that in the UK and you just get a blank look.
In 1991, Universal Studios Florida gave free entry to all NATO military - DH and I only found out when we asked at the ticket office if they gave military discount, and were given free tickets!
A couple of years ago I saw something similar advertised in the UK press, so not only did they offer free entry to UK military but they even paid for adverts so people would know about it.
I thought it might shame some UK companies into making similar offers, but it didn't.

Don't get me wrong, our military personnel don't serve because they expect special treatment or benefits. But as increasing numbers travel to the US either on duty or vacation, and of course serve alongside US military on deployments, the enormous differences in treatment are becoming more apparent.

Sorry, rant over!

 

[tigger137]

That is so true living in the DC area. So many of my friends and neighbors I have no idea what they do for a living. The old saying is "If I tell you what I do, I have to shoot you!"

Our equivalent of that is, "I'd like to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you!".
A phrase which is used regularly at my work and home!

I expect we don't use "shoot" because here in the UK we're not trusted to have guns any more in case the bad people get hold of them and commit crimes ......

 

[tigger137]

How is it you celebrate St Patricks Day over there and we don't here? I have noticed it on another US based board too. This year I didn't even know it was imminent till I came on here this morning. Come to think of it we don't even celebrate St. George's Day, our own patron saint!!! We just don't seem to have any national pride!

Birmingham celebrates, presumably because it has a large Irish community. They had a St Patricks Day Parade last Sunday.

We celebrated today pretty much as we usually do, with a pub lunch including Guinness for DH. He doesn't usually drink Guinness but always has one for his late DF on St Patrick's Day. DH's parents were both Irish, so he's first generation English. My own Irish ancestry is a few generations further back.

 

[been2marceline]

Hi Karen, I just placed my order for a case of wine on your website www.winemiles.com. I shipped to EllaEnchanted c/o Cindy Boenitz. I shipped to my friend's house in NJ. Hopefully, that will eliminate the problems with shipping to PA. I sent as a gift with a note, "don't open and drink until I get there!" I think I got some pretty good choices, well you have such a great selection! Can't wait until it gets here, John and me will have fun sampling it all.

Hope you're having a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Deb,

Just PM'ed you and will be sending an email from my work puter as well!

Told my DH what wonderful, supportive friends we have here on the DIS!! We really appreciate you!!

Thanks so much and enjoy!!

Karen

 

[nskjerven]

Nanette,

Congrats on 8900!!

AARRRGGG

Give nothing back!!

Karen

Thanks and back at ya for 9K!!! Here's hoping you'll be wide awake for 10K too!

This will be a sad Easter for us since mom passed away last December.

Yes, after I lost my dad and then my mom the holidays were very tough. I still think of them and our traditions at all of the holidays, but DD, DH and I, along with my DSis who we share all the holidays with, have agreed that we will continue our parents traditions, but also start our own. Our parent would have wanted us to not dwell on missing them, but to celebrate the holidays and their lives!!

I hope that you will find joy in all of the wonderful memories that your mom brought to Easter. And raise a glass to her in love and memory!!

Karen

Thanks for the good advice, I will try to find that spirit for myself this Easter. I was just sulking in sorrow the other day remembering that Easter is coming and my dad won't be here with us. I realized I was missing him laughing at me dressing Wilson in this ridculous bunny outfit. Wilson is always such a good sport about being put in mom's funny costume ideas. My dad would get so mad his name sake looked so stupid(& at the same time thought it was so funny) Perhaps Wilson and I need to shop for some silly ears this year in honor of Grandpa Bah.

How is it you celebrate St Patricks Day over there and we don't here?

Has to be the excuse to drink more beer and green beer at that.

Basketball's STILL on??

Carolyn

When will it be over.....

Can't imagine there'd be a high need for them in CA!

Only when it's too hot outside, then an indoor pool with AC would be nice. okay that was just rubbing it in huh?

 

[clynne]

Only when it's too hot outside, then an indoor pool with AC would be nice. okay that was just rubbing it in huh?

I was thinking that it does get cool in the winter (ask my kids who made it to almost every swim practice in Dec, Jan and Feb!) and an indoor pool would be nice... We are so spoiled...

Carolyn, who can now officially cross Laundry off her list (but may need to have Julie's ironing lady over for a visit...)

 

[been2marceline]

Thanks for the good advice, I will try to find that spirit for myself this Easter. I was just sulking in sorrow the other day remembering that Easter is coming and my dad won't be here with us. I realized I was missing him laughing at me dressing Wilson in this ridculous bunny outfit. Wilson is always such a good sport about being put in mom's funny costume ideas. My dad would get so mad his name sake looked so stupid(& at the same time thought it was so funny) Perhaps Wilson and I need to shop for some silly ears this year in honor of Grandpa Bah.

Saw some great ears at Target (said with a french accent) they had lamb ears too, so cute!! Not sure Wilson would appreciate it though!

Has to be the excuse to drink more beer and green beer at that.

Black and Tans... that's the ticket!! It can be served in a green glass!


When will it be over.....

Yes, Basketball is TOO LONG!! The pros go till June now! Ugh!


Only when it's too hot outside, then an indoor pool with AC would be nice. okay that was just rubbing it in huh? [/QUOTE]

Our friends in Florida, St. Pete's, have an enclosed pool with AC.

 

[disneylover5]

He'll be a couple weeks shy of 6 by this cruise, but yup, I'm cruising without him. He'll be staying at his dad's while we cruise! Mama gets to come out of her shell! But I'm taking him on a cruise a few months before this one to be fair, so it's all good!

Holly, I do not think that you need a cruise without Tyler to come out of your shell!!!

 

[been2marceline]

Hi Karen, I just placed my order for a case of wine on your website www.winemiles.com. I shipped to EllaEnchanted c/o Cindy Boenitz. I shipped to my friend's house in NJ. Hopefully, that will eliminate the problems with shipping to PA. I sent as a gift with a note, "don't open and drink until I get there!" I think I got some pretty good choices, well you have such a great selection! Can't wait until it gets here, John and me will have fun sampling it all.

Hope you're having a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Deb,

After your order came in we got a bunch more orders!! You opened the Dam and thanks again!

It has been so unusualy quite on our site I thought something was broken!

Just needed some DIS pixie dust!!

Karen

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Deb,

After your order came in we got a bunch more orders!! You opened the Dam and thanks again!

It has been so unusualy quite on our site I thought something was broken!

Just needed some DIS pixie dust!!

Karen

WOW!!!!!!! Don't you just love these people!!!!!!! The group together creates magic.....you couldn't have said it better.....it's DIS pixie dust!!

 

[LiserAnn]

Should be doing housework but I keep hoping that one day Johnny will surprise me with a maid of cleaning service.....and if I start cleaning now, it may wreck all that!

That's how I think too....hoping, one day, some day I'll come home to a service cleaning away. Maybe now that I'm working part time at home, I'll take some of the $$ and hire someone myself! Humph!!!

Black and Tans... that's the ticket!! It can be served in a green glass!

Yummy, love B&Ts!!

WOW!!!!!!! Don't you just love these people!!!!!!! The group together creates magic.....you couldn't have said it better.....it's DIS pixie dust!!

 

[amesmom]

I've been slowly getting caught up the last few days. Haven't wanted to post too much until I got caught up.

Happy St. Patrick's day to all. My DS9 asked why we celebrate St. Patrick's and I couldn't give him a good answer. Where is our answer queen, Noel, when we need her? Anyway, just an excuse to drink to excess I think. We did go out to dinner. We rode our bikes downtown and had dinner at the brew pub. I just can't stomach the green beer, so I ordered an appletini instead. So pretty and yummy!

 

[mexican-mouseketeers]

Yesterday night the very good friends of our friends were killed by someone who attacked them from another car with firearms. Apparently 45 caskets were found inside their car. As of now it looks like it was a revenge (the both come from very rich families, Peralta and Lopez Portillo) because of the way they were killed.

They leave a 4 year old boy and an almost 2 year old baby girl. My heart is breaking for them.

 

[amesmom]

Lisa: Take me with you to Maui. What a great sister. I need to show this to my sister. We just got back two days ago, and I am missing Maui. It just takes so long to get there for us. Lucky you on the west coast. We are still dealing with the jet lag as we have a 5-hour time difference, and we took the red-eye flight home.

I've promised the guys we can go skiing next spring break, but I'm not really luving it. After our dreary winters, I like to go someplace warm and sunny for spring break, not to more snow. Oh, well. I'll send them to the slopes while I hit the spa.