May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 4

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Hi Karen....it's good to be back!

We're leaving here Sat early and we're stopping to see Lisa in Bethany Beach, a mini-dismeet. We'll do coffee and hugs and keep each other company for a little while. Then we'll check into the hotel. We have a suite with a balcony overlooking the ocean. YEAH I really need it bad. We're staying until Tuesday. We'll shop for turtles, my favorite, to add to my collection. We're meeting our real estate agent and friend, Donna, for drinks on Monday. We'll eat at the Greene Turtle, my favorite. We'll bring wine and pop some corks on the balcony.

I can't wait. I need Calgon to take me away....

Hope you have a wonderful and renewing getaway, Deb!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Yup, it's been a great weekend so far! Lots of fun last night at the Olive Garden.......turns out our waitress is in one of my classes this semester. Small world!

Isn't that amazing, coincidences like that just let you know that you're on the right path in life!


Not sure about Spiderman 3 today after all. Stayed out WAY too late last night and just want to sleep more today. Conserve my energy for running around the zoo all day tomorrow with Tyler! Plus, I have to do my schoolwork for the first week of class. I bought my books after work yesterday, but haven't cracked them open yet.

So much for your last weekend of freedom....having to do schoolwork for the first week of class. At least you're still having a fun weekend. Enjoy the Zoo with Tyler, send us some more pics...I love seeing him.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Be careful driving!!

Thanks, we did good. No traffic and arrived right on schedule. It's so great to be at the ocean again....little beach towns, the boardwalk, the activities. I love it!

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

I REALLY enjoyed staying concierge at Grand Californian! One evening's 'happy hour' in the lounge resulted in the only time I've ever been tipsy on wine (I'm usually a one glass is fine girl). I loved grabbing a plate of fruit in the morning to nosh on while grooming and having water and cola available at all times!

Won't we be gettiing the same service at the Peacock Suites????

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Being a fellow Woodside parent, in my experience having uninvited siblings come is a very common practice. I have always had 4 or 5 "invited" extra guests at Samantha's birthday parties over the years. I knew the drill so I did not have extra goodies and when we did the bear thing in San Francisco, I already had the name tags made out. I actually had one mother tell she was very upset that I did not have extra "goodies" for the siblings so they would not feel left out. Needless to say my answer that I only provided "goodies" for invited guests did not set well with her.

The most "extravagant" party Sam ever attended included a bus ride to San Francisco with the "Blue Fairy" for entertainment, The parents had nanny supervision and healthy snacks on the bus for all 25 kids who were invited. The party was held at FAO Schwartz and included dinner. The "goodie" was a choice of toys (all from $50-100) that were chosen by the guests. I don't even want to hazard a guess what that party cost. The next year, the girl had a kiddie rock band etc with makeovers etc. I was hoping by the time the girl turned 18, her parents would offer college tuition checks but alas no luck.

Now that would have been a worthwhile extravagance!!!

Never had to deal with Star testing as my kids went to private school. We had to deal with getting into the private schools by preparing for the test they administer but beyond that stress and the politics involved in getting into a private school, we did not deal with a yearly test until the PSAT, SAT and ACT's in high school.

That's fortunate....I remember taking those stupid tests at the beginning and end of every school year. One time it was near the end of the school year and it was hot and I wanted to be anywhere but in school taking those stupid tests. I was also a bit rebellious, so I decided that I was going to make pretty patterns with the dots that you had to color in on the sheets. It didn't matter a bit. I never heard a word about it. That's how important those tests are.

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

When Dennis graduated from pharmacy school, walked the walk, picked up the diploma, came to show it to me, opened it and there was ......a blank piece of paper!! Seems there was some question about a payment in the second year. We had, of course, paid all the fees, tuition, etc. and were able to straighten it out in just a couple of days, but whoa! 12 years he spent getting there and then to get no diploma was a heart stopper. On a positive note though, USC did also present me and the handfull of othe spouses with a PHT (Putting Hubby Through) or PWT (Putting Wife Through) "diploma". Times were different then!

I got one of those when my ex graduated from Univ. of AZ pharmacy school back in '74! (I think it was actually PST (Putting Spouse Through) )

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Samantha did several new interviews yesterday. She also did second interviews at two companies. One was a shadow interview where she spent a few hours with an employee who is doing the same type of internship for which she is interviewing.

At the end of the two second interviews, she was offered positions by both companies. She told both companies that she will give them a decision within two weeks.

How wonderful, Noel. This is the important stuff, they don't care what happened at the end of her college career. They're looking to her future. That's what counts! And how nice is it to have options! She really deserves it after the school fiasco. Good for Sam!!!

I am very excited she is doing so well in her interviews. One of the companies she interviewed with yesterday called her this morning and asked her to come for a second interview with their San Diego office.

Sounds like more offers coming. How great is that!

She flew home this afternoon as she has a group meeting for a presentation with one of her classes on Sunday afternoon.

John and I are going up to Reno in the morning for a visit with our friends. I have two spa appointments booked for late afternoon, one for a Fiji scrub and one for a Fiji wrap. John will fly home early Monday AM. I have a mani/pedi appointment and will see my hairdresser for a cut and color. Most of my friends tease me that I go to Reno for color but Shannon is the best Aveda colorist I have ever found. Those of you who have grey hair may appreciate that it is not easy to find someone who is good at properly coloring grey hair.

Have fun in Reno and get pampered! It's been a busy and hard week for you too!

Thanks for sharing the great Samantha graduation/job saga with us.

Noel

It'll all work out in the end!

 

[been2marceline]

Hi All,

Sorry to be MIA, but I have been going quite nuts trying to get ready for the Med cruise. John sent me a reminder that I was a bad thread starter, so I apologize. Things I have learned from this cruise:

Auntie Brat,

It's great to have you and your wonderful humor back! We have really missed you!

Have a great trip to the Med!! Thanks for the insights!

Karen

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Amy and I have big plans for tonight . . .

We are volunteering at after prom. We have been doing this since our son was in High School, even before he was eligible to go (we wanted to know what it was all about), and as most of you are aware, once you are a dependable volunteer, you get called every year.

Amy and I are money machine veterans . . . we run the money machine where the kids can get "funny money" to turn in to try and win prizes. Believe it or not, it is really work, and we are suckers to do this one every year - we need an easier assignment. I told Amy if I see parents like I did last year just walking around doing nothing I will recruit them to help. We never got a break last year, and I bet I lost 5lbs. (yeah, I know, good result, but my back hurt all day the next day- lots of stooping and bending over that I am not used to)


I have to go and get the babysitter soon, and make a stop at Starbucks on the way back for some energy - we will be there from about 10:30 until 3:30

Guess you and Amy will be sleeping in on Sunday morning. How exhausting, but really nice of you and Amy to continue volunteering to do this. I hope you're both appreciated.

 

[been2marceline]

Hi all
Anyway, sorry to be all after not being on the boards for awhile. I'm getting nervous about the Star testing for next year - my school is saying the testing is for 1 1/2 weeks and I thought is was just for one week?? Very confusing. The testing starts next week and they are sending out all the warnings that everyone needs to be in town and all appointments need to be canceled. I'm nervous to bring up the trip but there is just NO WAY we aren't going!!! Can't wait to start booking hotel, air, etc!
Lisa

Lisa,

Have missed you!

Star testing in 6th grade here in the East Bay has not been all that much! Just Tuesday's and Thursday's and not all day. Just 4 days total testing in all.

They will be done by this Thursday, and we are leaving for DL on Wednesday. She will be able to do a make up for the one day that she missed on Monday.

I'm really not too worried about it next year. I will talk to her Principal, as planned, next January.

Best of luck to you!

Karen

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Hi All,

Sorry to be MIA, but I have been going quite nuts trying to get ready for the Med cruise. John sent me a reminder that I was a bad thread starter, so I apologize. Things I have learned from this cruise:

1 - If you have not already applied for your passport for next year, do it now! They say 10 weeks, but we have determined that those are not actual earth weeks, they are more like Saturn or Jupiter weeks. We had friends who waited 13 weeks and got the wifes but no husbands, and had to spend two days in Los Angeles at the passport office. Jeannine waited 12 weeks, still no passport and had to contact her congressman to get it. Start now, perhaps in 52 weeks you might get it without congressional interceedance. And no, I am not kidding!!

2 - Visiting the Disney outlet stores will cause you to buy too many clothes that you will want to add to your packing list and wear on the cruise. This messes up your color coordinating and packing list, Not to mention puts you over 40lbs a bag for checked luggage. DO NOT buy MORE Disney clothes!!

3 - Trying to limit a female to 3 pairs of packed shoes and one pair on her feet for a two week cruise is harder than not buying more Disney clothes

4 - Start looking now for small travel size items to put in your carryon bag. They go quickly and what was there today is out of stock tomorrow. Especially travel size laundry detergent. Apparently no companies in the US are making laundry tablets anymore. Check out your local Walmart/Target for the following: All Super concentrated. Travel shampoo size bottle will do two loads. Tide super concentrated in a bigger bottle, but still travel sized will do 4 loads (I think, check for yourself). People on the Med cruise are scrambling to find these now. Get them now when you see them!!!

5 - Sunscreen is limited and expensive this time of year. When it goes on sale this summer pick up some or on clearance after summer.

6 - Pick up those extra memory cards for the cameras when they go on sale through out the year. Or shop for a vertual photo album, which is a travel size box that you can download your memory cards into and clear them out without having to have a laptop!!

That is all the big stuff I can think of right now! Miss you guys and will be back online soon. We are going to try and post live from the cruise if we have enough minutes and can actually get on. We are NOT bringing our laptops so that we don't have to deal with them on the flight back.

Great ideas! Good to hear from our fearless leader, too!

Re: sunblock on sale--be sure to check the expiration date that it will still be good by 5/08.

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Don't you need to shop for beer and detergent??

And that's why they call her "Aunty Brat"!!!
Good one!!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Hope you have a wonderful and renewing getaway, Deb!

We just got here today and already I feel so much better...sitting on the balcony watching the waves crashing on the shore....AHHH nice! Thanks for your good wishes. I'll post pics soon.

 

[been2marceline]

Just realised that one year from today we might just be fully packed and ready to fly out to Orlando for a few days at WDW before the cruise!!! Might even be flying one year from today!!

May fly on Monday 5th or Tuesday 6th!!! Today is the 5th!!

Hi Marilyn!

Yes, it is Cinco de Mayo, a well celebrated Party Holiday in California!

We usually get together with friends for a party, but everyone was off on short trips and we are working madly on the new shop and getting ready for our DL trip on Wednesday!!

DH made Halibut Ceviche and Pulled Pork!! He is SUCH an excellent cook!!

DIS will be going down again soon. I'll try to stay up for it to return this time!

Karen

 

[been2marceline]

Samantha did several new interviews yesterday. She also did second interviews at two companies. One was a shadow interview where she spent a few hours with an employee who is doing the same type of internship for which she is interviewing.

At the end of the two second interviews, she was offered positions by both companies. She told both companies that she will give them a decision within two weeks.

I am very excited she is doing so well in her interviews. One of the companies she interviewed with yesterday called her this morning and asked her to come for a second interview with their San Diego office.

She flew home this afternoon as she has a group meeting for a presentation with one of her classes on Sunday afternoon.

So glad to hear that her interviews are going well. She need som good news in a tough week!

John and I are going up to Reno in the morning for a visit with our friends. I have two spa appointments booked for late afternoon, one for a Fiji scrub and one for a Fiji wrap. John will fly home early Monday AM. I have a mani/pedi appointment and will see my hairdresser for a cut and color. Most of my friends tease me that I go to Reno for color but Shannon is the best Aveda colorist I have ever found. Those of you who have grey hair may appreciate that it is not easy to find someone who is good at properly coloring grey hair.

One of the only good things about being a natural blond is that I am just now, at 46, getting a few white hairs! Almost makes up for the fact that i have very thin, baby fine hair.

However, my friend that has been doing my hair since I was 16 is an Aveda Colorist and teaches to others in our area. I have never had my hair colored, but she has been cutting and perming my hair for 30 years!! Wouldn't trust anyone else!

Thanks for sharing the great Samantha graduation/job saga with us.

Noel

I hope that the Saga gets better, and that there are continued "good" resolutions!!

Karen

 

[been2marceline]

Amy and I have big plans for tonight . . .

We are volunteering at after prom. We have been doing this since our son was in High School, even before he was eligible to go (we wanted to know what it was all about), and as most of you are aware, once you are a dependable volunteer, you get called every year.

Amy and I are money machine veterans . . . we run the money machine where the kids can get "funny money" to turn in to try and win prizes. Believe it or not, it is really work, and we are suckers to do this one every year - we need an easier assignment. I told Amy if I see parents like I did last year just walking around doing nothing I will recruit them to help. We never got a break last year, and I bet I lost 5lbs. (yeah, I know, good result, but my back hurt all day the next day- lots of stooping and bending over that I am not used to)


I have to go and get the babysitter soon, and make a stop at Starbucks on the way back for some energy - we will be there from about 10:30 until 3:30

John,

I totally resemble that "good volunteer/sucker" remark. I always got pegged to do our "never ending" check out amongst other duties for our Auction event!

Course, now that my daughter is not at that school, I almost miss it...

Karen

 

[been2marceline]

That's fortunate....I remember taking those stupid tests at the beginning and end of every school year. One time it was near the end of the school year and it was hot and I wanted to be anywhere but in school taking those stupid tests. I was also a bit rebellious, so I decided that I was going to make pretty patterns with the dots that you had to color in on the sheets. It didn't matter a bit. I never heard a word about it. That's how important those tests are.

You are such a rebel!!

How do you know it didn't go on your "permanent record"?

Karen

 

[granmaz]

Up later again today and didn't manage to read any posts before the Dis went, and then we were off th Church!

I'm glad you had a nice holiday, but I'm so glad to have you back with us...you were greatly missed!

Thanks sweetie!

We just got here today and already I feel so much better...sitting on the balcony watching the waves crashing on the shore....AHHH nice! Thanks for your good wishes. I'll post pics soon.

Oh, I would love to be there on that balcony with you. Looking forward to seeing the pics. Have a great time.

Hi Marilyn!

Yes, it is Cinco de Mayo, a well celebrated Party Holiday in California!

We usually get together with friends for a party, but everyone was off on short trips and we are working madly on the new shop and getting ready for our DL trip on Wednesday!!

DH made Halibut Ceviche and Pulled Pork!! He is SUCH an excellent cook!!

DIS will be going down again soon. I'll try to stay up for it to return this time!

Karen

Sorry I wasn't around this morning. should be back to normal soon.

The halibut and port sounds lovely.

We are going over to se our daughter and hubby and their 4 children soon. Seems ages since we saw them - should be a lovely, hectic time.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Won't we be gettiing the same service at the Peacock Suites????

Well, let's see......there IS the free breakfast, if cereal, fruit and pastries count. But I don't remember any bottles of water that you can take to the parks, or happy hour appetizers and wine, or late night cookies.

Noel, how wonderful that Sam will have choices about where to take her internship.

John, how did you survive prom night?

...ok back to catching up....

 

[lillygator]

Morning all - I bet John and Amy are sleeping in today!!

Funny about AB post....in FL, you never have to worry about limited supplies of sunscreen and it's a lot more reasonable when you don't purchase it at places like WDW or the last gas station before you hit the beach!

Well I can't tell you how many loads of laundry I did yesterday but it was A !LOT! I got quite a bit of packing done and you can almost see the top of the dining room table! So today is more cleaning!