May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 5

[JLSE50]

Is this Bobbi Banana? Getting ready for his cruise?
Jan

 

[HollyTyler]

I LOVE IT~~ Sounds super. A wall of plastic totes!! If it bugs you will you toss a nice decorative blanket over it like a taperstry to hide it? Did you plan to make some shelves to hold those totes or stack them on each other?
The craft center for Tyler sounds superb!! He is one lucky kiddo!
Jan

Yup, I can cover the totes with something if they bother me, but right now, I don't think the sight will bother me one bit. Anything is better than staring at piles of stuff lying around in a big jumble. My bedroom is just where we throw everything we don't know where to put. Keeps the rest of the house looking nice. But I've already found tons of stuff to post on freecycle, so I might not have as much stuff going into totes as I had originally thought. Taking a quick break. Bedroom is almost emptied. Now to move my bed and other furniture in there around. Back to work!

 

[LisaG520]

Hi Jackie, you asked last weekend to see pics of the 50lb. puppy....here they are.....


Here she is with Tom....she looks more like a little dog now than a puppy.

Here's a face picture....she's starting to look like a shepherd.

She is absolutely gorgeous! Looks very energetic - even sitting still in the picture.

 

[Jhalkias]

Just checking in from the home of the NBA Eastern Conference Champions!

GO CAVS!​

What a series!

 

[granmaz]

Almost 5.30am and I have been awake nearly 2 hours!!! Aaargh!

So, I've been reading not posting again this past week....more trials and tribulations with DGS Tom. He quit his job this week without any notice (and his boss is my neighbor). Then he "ran away from home" on friday after school. Fortunately, the police found him after about an hour....he took food with him, but stayed local in town. It gave us all quite a scare. Now what do you do with him?

Talking with DD Sandi, his mom, we said for her to back off a little. Talk to him at length, but don't yell. Don't add more grounding and let him have a little more freedom to get a taste of the real world. Let him get a real job, not working with a friend. Give him a good dose of reality, let him take care of himself.

16 is such a hard age because you're not a kid anymore, but you're not an adult....but you think you are and that's what you think you want.

We're taking one day at a time....today he stayed home. That's good.

Aorry you are having these problems. Yes 16 is such a hard age but it is lovely he has you. Seems he can share with you. Hope things settle for everyone.

Well, Tyler's actually at his dad's tonight, so I'm going to work on my bedroom. I have to pull everything out and reorganize. I don't have a basement, so my bedroom has become a storage room, with a tiny path to my bed. I can't stand that anymore, so I found a way that I want to move my furniture around in there that will clear up a wall, then I'll stash everything in huge storage totes and stack the totes against the wall that I'm clearing. And in the process, will sort out stuff to freecycle and stuff that can go in the attic and stuff to sell on ebay.

If I get that finished tonight, tomorrow morning I'll put up Tyler's wallpaper border in his room that I've been trying to find time to do since we moved here over a year ago. Bad mom, I know. Poor kid asks me all the time when I'm going to put his border up! But I've never done one before, so I'm hesitant. I've always rented until buying this house, so I'm trying to learn how to do all this stuff that comes up with a house.

I also have plans to set up Tyler's desk in his bedroom to be sort of a craft station. He currently uses a tiny plastic desk in the living room that he's quickly becoming too big for. His bed is a loft bed with a desk built in underneath, so we talked about transitioning to that one soon and getting rid of his tiny cheapo plastic one (which will clear up some space in the living room). So I got some cute blue plastic bins and a bunch of new craft supplies to fill them with, and will line those up on his desk for him, plus I got one of those over the door plastic shoe holder things with lots of pockets, and will fill each pocket with a different craft supply (glue sticks in one, markers in another, etc.). My hope is that he'll be so excited about all the stuff being in easy reach!

Sorry this was so long! Now, I'm off to move furniture!

Now that is a busy day!! Tyler is going to love his bedroom!!

 

[Jhalkias]

LAX will take you about 40 minutes to get to from DL. That is without a huge amount of traffic. There is also SNA (Orange County). It is a lot closer but can cost more to fly ou of there. There is also ONT (Ontario). That would be my airport of choice. That would take about 40 mins from DL too.

I am not sure if the DL hotels have airport transportation. I think you might have to use an outside company.

Kaylee - LAX is 21 miles away...Sunday's there shouldn't be traffic so you should be at the airport within 30 minutes, but it is a very busy airport.

SNA (John Wayne) is 35 miles away which on a Sunday should take about 45 minutes but it's a much smaller airport and thus will be less busy.

I'd have to say it's a toss up...you WILL have much more flight options out of LAX, just depends on the hassle factor....and maybe cost.

Either way, I would think 5:47pm is fine, maybe slightly too generous (but better that than rushing). With security stuff (especially if you go to LAX) you'll want to be there by 4:00. So, we dock at 8:15am--by the time you disembark, get your bags, a shuttle or car and drive to where ever, you'll be there by noon or 1pm...maybe sooner. You probably could get away with an earlier flight. Timing it all is tough....

OK, you guys are confusing me . . . which airport REALLY is closer?

 

[calmom]

Lisa, do not worry about this at all. We go back and forth...one cruise we have a balcony and the next we don't. I do not miss it when we do not have it...but I do like it when we do. I am always so glad just to be on the Magic...it is fine.

Lisa, I like what you said. When I think about it, often it is my expectations and anticipation that make a trip so wonderful. On our last DCL, we were in the Roy Suite and before we sailed all I thought about was that room. And we had a wonderful time in the room and outside the room...but really, mostly the room. It was just incredible. So now when I started to anticipate this cruise I started to get down about our room. But the fact is there is SO much to look forward to besides the room where you sleep. I am looking forward to having 15 days with my children having nothing to do but visit characters and sit at the Mickey Pool. I am looking forward to Bunko and Brunch. So many things. And I am also looking forward to our cabin. The kids are going to love having their "own" cabin connecting to us. After this cruise, maybe we will look forward to a suite or balcony. But this time, I look forward to meeting all of you!

Lisa

 

[calmom]

We have a Cat 11, have sailed always without balcony - so we can cruise more often! - We have done 10 days and spent our little bit of downtime at the Cove Cafe playing SkipBo.

You will have to teach us SkipBo! We haven't spent much time in Cove Cafe...I think we will plan on visiting when all the kids are in the club. I wonder how many hours of babysitting we can pre-book for 15 days...does anyone know? Is it more than the standard 7 day cruise? Lisa

 

[Jhalkias]

Is this Bobbi Banana? Getting ready for his cruise?
Jan

That's Him!

 

[LiserAnn]

OK, you guys are confusing me . . . which airport REALLY is closer?

From the port, LAX is closer...hands down. But it's such a big airport that it's extremely busy. SNA is a little further but not even remotely as busy. I think in the end schedule and rates will determine which airport for most people. Given you'd be leaving on a Sunday, odds are, the traffic to LAX won't be so bad (although that airport is always busy).

Now from Disneyland, SNA is much closer. But having grown up in OC and gone to LAX many times, I find it usually took us just under an hour to get to LAX from the Anaheim area. Now, it would only take about 15-20 minutes to get from Anaheim to SNA.

Hope that helps!

 

[Jhalkias]

LAX is closer...hands down. But it's such a big airport that it's extremely busy. SNA is a little further but not even as busy. I think in the end schedule and rates should determine which airport. Given you'd be leaving on a Sunday, odds are, the traffic to LA won't be so bad (although that airport is always busy).

Lisa,

Now I know that I am the one confused . . .

We are not planning on leaving Sunday - you must mean from the port . . .

We are going to DL after the cruise (at least that is the plan) and leaving from DL on Tuesday morning. I believe SNA is closer to DL . . . is that correct?

 

[calmom]

I feel your pain. I'm very claustrophobic, so I'm pretty worried about not having a balcony.....or even a window! But since I won't have my son with me, I figure whenever I start feeling too closed in, I can just go out on deck for my fresh air. We'll survive!

I figure when we feel claustrophobic we can just go visit Karen or Noel in their suites don't you think?? Knock..knock..knock....I know it is 2am but we just wanted some fresh air in our PJs please!
Lisa

 

[Jhalkias]

I figure when we feel claustrophobic we can just go visit Karen or Noel in their suites don't you think?? Knock..knock..knock....I know it is 2am but we just wanted some fresh air in our PJs please!
Lisa

There's always deck 4 . . . other than deck 10, the biggest verandah on the ship (this is what I keep telling myself as we have not booked a verandah for the last several cruises). Once we became so addicted to DCL, it was either give up the Verandah, or not cruise as much. One time we got upgraded from an 8 to a 4 (December 2005). We chose just like Angie to cruise more. I haven't had the guts yet to give up the window though . . .

It is way late, I need to get to bed!

 

[LiserAnn]

Lisa,

Now I know that I am the one confused . . .

We are not planning on leaving Sunday - you must mean from the port . . .

We are going to DL after the cruise (at least that is the plan) and leaving from DL on Tuesday morning. I believe SNA is closer to DL . . . is that correct?

John-I edited my post after I wrote it because I realized it needed clarification of port vs. DL. Yes, I was originally referring to leaving from the port.

If you're leaving from DL, you certainly want to try going out of SNA or ONT. SNA is the closest. Since it's the day after a holiday it will be busy. Mark flew out of ONT on Tues this year, the day after Memorial Day, heading to Chicago and he was SHOCKED at how busy the airport was. He said he was extra early by chance, and was very glad he was because it took an extra 45 minutes to get through security, and all the lines of people. He travels a lot, so that's good info coming from him.

SNA and ONT are the same size wise, but ONT is a tad further from DL. So if you're looking for schedule, price options, check both. Leaving on Tuesday morning going out of ONT you'd be going AGAINST traffic but going out of SNA you'd be right in the thick of yucky morning traffic.

Hope that helps!

 

[LiserAnn]

There's always deck 4 . . . other than deck 10, the biggest verandah on the ship (this is what I keep telling myself as we have not booked a verandah for the last several cruises). Once we became so addicted to DCL, it was either give up the Verandah, or not cruise as much. One time we got upgraded from an 8 to a 4 (December 2005). We chose just like Angie to cruise more. I haven't had the guts yet to give up the window though . . .

Yes, I've determined I can live without the verandah, but I'm not so sure I can live without the window......I have to have a lock on where I am and what time of day it is!

 

[calmom]

Then we are going to a tropical fish shop. John got an aquarium yesterday, for his 60th birthday in a couple of weeks. We need the gravel etc toget it set up now.

Any of you have tropical fish?

We use to have tropical fish as well as a pond with Koi. I loved having Koi, although I had a terrible time trying to keep them alive. Raccoons, disease, water ph level. Awful. It would go great for awhile and then yikes. We have a built in pond in our current home outside and I have yet to get it started. I'm so nervous of keeping them alive! I would like to get an aquarium for inside. But again...nervous about keeping them alive. I'd love to have salt-water fish. Lisa

 

[calmom]

Good Morning Marilyn, 5:30am on the East Coast.

One of my dear friend's sister passed away and several of us have decided to go to the funeral. It is in Fort Washington PA. About a 3 hour drive.

On my way soon......

Talk to you later

I am sure your friend so appreciated your support. My prayers are with you and her family, Lisa

 

[granmaz]

We use to have tropical fish as well as a pond with Koi. I loved having Koi, although I had a terrible time trying to keep them alive. Raccoons, disease, water ph level. Awful. It would go great for awhile and then yikes. We have a built in pond in our current home outside and I have yet to get it started. I'm so nervous of keeping them alive! I would like to get an aquarium for inside. But again...nervous about keeping them alive. I'd love to have salt-water fish. Lisa

The salt water aquariums look stunning, everything is so much more colourful. Plus, you can have Nemo!!!

 

[calmom]

Ok, sounds good. Thanks! I guess our group will take the 12th.

Great! Ok...calling any extra cruisers that want to join a fish extender team! Let me know! Lisa

 

[nskjerven]

John-I edited my post after I wrote it because I realized it needed clarification of port vs. DL. Yes, I was originally referring to leaving from the port.

If you're leaving from DL, you certainly want to try going out of SNA or ONT. SNA is the closest. Since it's the day after a holiday it will be busy. Mark flew out of ONT on Tues this year, the day after Memorial Day, heading to Chicago and he was SHOCKED at how busy the airport was. He said he was extra early by chance, and was very glad he was because it took an extra 45 minutes to get through security, and all the lines of people. He travels a lot, so that's good info coming from him.

SNA and ONT are the same size wise, but ONT is a tad further from DL. So if you're looking for schedule, price options, check both. Leaving on Tuesday morning going out of ONT you'd be going AGAINST traffic but going out of SNA you'd be right in the thick of yucky morning traffic.

Hope that helps!

We flew SNA to SJC (san jose) last tuesday it was fine. We got to the airport at 2pm, no line at all. did your hubby fly out in the morning? that I'm sure was normal commute traffic rush hour. I wouls suspect afternoon flights would be fine.

We'll likely fly SNA to SJC that Sunday or Monday to get home.