May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 7

[EllaEnchanted]

Ok, ladies

I have a question. DM and I are leaving for a cruise in 10 days, and yesterday she went and had a pedi and mani, her toes look awesome, but for some reason she decided to book a pedi and manicure for me on Saturday.

Is she trying to tell me something? (BTW she isn't paying, lol)

She wants you to look and feel your best, but she doesn't want to have to pay for it. I kind of did the same thing with DD Sandi....I didn't book it for her, but I told her she MUST get a mani and a pedi done....it feels great to be pampered and you look good. She's getting it done with me, but I'm not paying for her either. It's her decision. Your mom is telling you she wants you to have it done, but it's still your decision because you can always cancel.

As Noel would say.....JMHO!

 

[Jhalkias]

Good morning!

You guys got a bit busy last night.

No time for questions this morning - maybe later tonight.

All the trouble I had with DVC reservations for our upcoming trip(EVERY hotel full the 25th and 26th)? No trouble at all getting an ADR for dinner at Epcot on the 26th. Go figure (eating at Marakesh for the first time).

 

[gydell]

I get a mani and pedi every other week. I make my DH get one before every trip since he seems to think the toenails are never to be cut. They can get pretty gross!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

So what makes a good ice-breaker? I think it’s one that is both fun, but also lets reveals something about people, so the group really gets to know one another. Sometimes I pick ones that are more fun and less revealing, and other times I choose more serious ones that are also more revealing. You can gauge as the leader which ones work when. Maybe this is the newest tightrope—balancing fun with revealing!

Anyway here you go, by popular demand, the Top 10 Best Icebreakers:

10. Share one food item that best describes the last year of your life. (example: “frozen pizza” because I did a 180-degree turn this year, or “cinnamon roll” because it had lots of twists and turns but overall was pretty sweet)

Flattened like a pancake!

9. What one item in the kitchen best describes you and your personality?

Microwave

8. What’s your favorite concert you’ve ever attended?

Leon Russell

7. What cartoon character best describes you?

Tinkerbell

6. If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

Greece

5. Complete the statement “I recommend…” (it can be a show, movie, book, restaurant, website, activity, etc.)

Disney Cruising

4. If you knew could you try anything and not fail (and money was no object), what dream would you attempt?

Open a Dance Studio

3. What super-power would you most like to have, and why?

I would fly because I love airplanes and have jumped out of one!

2. If you had $5 million to spend in 5 days, but couldn’t spend any of it on yourself or your family, what would you do with it?

Kids and Animals Charities

1. “2 Truths And a Lie” – Share 3 unique things about yourself and your life, 2 of them true, 1 false, and let the group guess which one isn’t true.

My most extreme day ever was when I attended a double funeral on Long Island for my best friend's husband and brother during the day and opened on an off off off Broadway show in NYC the same evening; My most life changing day was when John proposed to me on one knee in a puddle in the rain just two weeks after our first date; My most favorite day was swimming with sea turtles in Barbados; My oldest friend turned 51 yesterday and we met when we were 14......I can't lie about anything!

 

[HollyTyler]

But anyway, Daniel gets to come home, although I imagine I will not see him much, at least I will see him for a little while

Lisa, enjoy your visit with Daniel, even if you don't get to see much of him. A little bit is better than nothing!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I have a foot touching thing, it is my ticklish spot, really ticklish really really. I love a mani, was doing one anyways, but I am looking forward the the messaging chair that they have for when they do the pedi, now what colour do I get, I am fairly pale and so are my legs and feet, thinking something basic like pale pale pink?

PJ you need to add color....go for a medium pink or peach, whichever you like better....don't go too pale or too bold....stick with medium shades....then match your blush and your lipstick.

 

[HollyTyler]

Saltimbanco was OK. Not as great as I'd expected because I was envisioning more acrobatics and this was more dancing on the ground. Lots of comedy. A bit to artsy & abstract for me. I really had to think to try to figure out what the people were trying to represent and what was going on when I couldn't understand the language. But I enjoyed a break from reality for a short time.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Some of you long term posters may remember last spring when I was totally freaked out. Annie (DD13) was on a field trip to FL (costing $1,600) and she got sick the very first day. They took her cell phone so she could not call me. The teachers only called me to tell me she was fine and getting better. There was only 2 chaporones for 30 kids. They made her wait on a hot bus. Her fever was 104 degrees. Well, she dragged herself to one of the health centers at one of the parks from the bus and they called me from there.

As you may remember, I was totally freaked out. I sent my DH to Dulles to find a plane to FL with orders to bring her home. (costing another $1,000 for the one day trip). Turns out she had srep throat, broncititis and phenmonia (sp?). She was really really sick. I called about the insurance and got push back because had left for the trip, the insurance was cancelled.

I thought and thought about making a big STINK about this and decided to let a "dead dog lie". Well, the company offered Annie a free trip this year on the 8th grade trip. They have learned their lesson and 8 chaporones are going instead of 2.

It was a very difficult decision to let her go. One of my friends said it was like eating at a nice restrauant and finding a roach in your food and the restrauant giving you a coupon for a free meal....DO YOU REALLY WANT TO GO BACK???

Anyway, we have decided to let her go, but I am going to the same place the same time, with Vanessa and Gretchen. I won't be too far away......

Hopefully, this time will be a much better experience for all of you! As long as they added more chaporones and you will be close by anyway....I would go for it! I do remember what a nightmare it was.

 

[HollyTyler]

The visit at Tyler's school. His teacher provided me with a list of behaviors she sees him do. I met with the school counsellor (a social worker). They both, while being careful not to diagnose, since they're not allowed to do that, of course, really suspect something neurological or chemical imbalance, based on their experience in dealing with tons of kids and seeing lots of things over the years. Of course they're not trying to diagnose, just telling me that they really think the things he does are beyond his control. The counsellor recommends me taking him to his pediatrician and when I told her I didn't have much luck there before, she told me to specifically request a school problem assessment and she says that usually gets them acting quickly. Sure enough, we were given an appointment for Monday morning.

The bad part is that Tyler's dad is completely against taking him to the doc. He fully believes he just needs counselling to help him learn how to behave. Counselling won't hurt, so I'm just taking both routes. He'll set up whatever he can do through his employer. I've told him about the doc appt in case he wants to come, but he has no interest in being there since he doesn't agree.

But at least we have the ball rolling. Wish me luck please! And now I need to get it out of my head for the next few days and not think about it until his appointment Monday.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Saltimbanco was OK. Not as great as I'd expected because I was envisioning more acrobatics and this was more dancing on the ground. Lots of comedy. A bit to artsy & abstract for me. I really had to think to try to figure out what the people were trying to represent and what was going on when I couldn't understand the language. But I enjoyed a break from reality for a short time.

Sorry it wasn't the best show, but I'm glad you got to have a break at least!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

The visit at Tyler's school. His teacher provided me with a list of behaviors she sees him do. I met with the school counsellor (a social worker). They both, while being careful not to diagnose, since they're not allowed to do that, of course, really suspect something neurological or chemical imbalance, based on their experience in dealing with tons of kids and seeing lots of things over the years. Of course they're not trying to diagnose, just telling me that they really think the things he does are beyond his control. The counsellor recommends me taking him to his pediatrician and when I told her I didn't have much luck there before, she told me to specifically request a school problem assessment and she says that usually gets them acting quickly. Sure enough, we were given an appointment for Monday morning.

The bad part is that Tyler's dad is completely against taking him to the doc. He fully believes he just needs counselling to help him learn how to behave. Counselling won't hurt, so I'm just taking both routes. He'll set up whatever he can do through his employer. I've told him about the doc appt in case he wants to come, but he has no interest in being there since he doesn't agree.

But at least we have the ball rolling. Wish me luck please! And now I need to get it out of my head for the next few days and not think about it until his appointment Monday.

Holly, it does seem like it's out of Tyler's control....it is so NOT his personality. But it sounds like you've got all the bases covered and you will find the answer and be able to fix it. Stay strong!

Sending you hugs and prayers and pixie dust!!!!!!

 

[granmaz]

Our High School Homeciming is a big big deal. Remember, Westfield has 4,000 kids and this year they are on track to be the VA state champion football team. Our stadium holds about 12,000 and it will be full tomorrow night with returning students that are in college now. It gives them a time to see each other and catch up.

We play Fairfax, which is not a very good team...so most people will be chatting instead of watching!! They now carry all the Westfield games live on the internet, so if you can't go you can listen!!

Friday afternoon there is a parade. I think I heard 20 floats......and marching bands and lots of fun!!

Then Saturday night there is a big dinner party and a formal dance. Vanessa was asked by about 20 boys to go as their date, but decided to go with a group instead which makes me happy.

I am not much of a shopper, but we spent a whole day trying on dresses...before she decided on one and then we spent a whole day trying on shoes!! No my idea of much fun.......

But anyway, Daniel gets to come home, although I imagine I will not see him much, at least I will see him for a little while

Thanks Lisa - very clear. Great that you will get to see Daniel, albeit for short periods.

Good morning!

You guys got a bit busy last night.

No time for questions this morning - maybe later tonight.

All the trouble I had with DVC reservations for our upcoming trip(EVERY hotel full the 25th and 26th)? No trouble at all getting an ADR for dinner at Epcot on the 26th. Go figure (eating at Marakesh for the first time).

They say it is the similar the first week in December - very popular time for DVC'ers, but presumably they don't eat out as much!!

 

[gydell]

The visit at Tyler's school. His teacher provided me with a list of behaviors she sees him do. I met with the school counsellor (a social worker). They both, while being careful not to diagnose, since they're not allowed to do that, of course, really suspect something neurological or chemical imbalance, based on their experience in dealing with tons of kids and seeing lots of things over the years. Of course they're not trying to diagnose, just telling me that they really think the things he does are beyond his control. The counsellor recommends me taking him to his pediatrician and when I told her I didn't have much luck there before, she told me to specifically request a school problem assessment and she says that usually gets them acting quickly. Sure enough, we were given an appointment for Monday morning.

The bad part is that Tyler's dad is completely against taking him to the doc. He fully believes he just needs counselling to help him learn how to behave. Counselling won't hurt, so I'm just taking both routes. He'll set up whatever he can do through his employer. I've told him about the doc appt in case he wants to come, but he has no interest in being there since he doesn't agree.

But at least we have the ball rolling. Wish me luck please! And now I need to get it out of my head for the next few days and not think about it until his appointment Monday.

Maybe Tyler's dad would understand that if it is neurological or a chemical imbalance then Tyler is also suffering as much if not more than you are. He knows he shouldn't behave this way but he just can't help it. He also knows that the other kids are not acting this way. Try and have a good weekend!!!

 

[granmaz]

Holly, it can't have been easy for you going to the school and hearing about Tyler, but they sound to have been helpful and now you can take it from there. Shame about his dad, but perhaps once he catches on to what the doc says he might be more helpful.

Keep smiling - you're doing a great job.

 

[tigger137]

1. Are you married or single?
Married

2. Do you have brothers and sisters?
2 brothers and 2 sisters (well, only 1 sister now)

3. * Are they older or younger than you?
I'm the youngest

4. Have you ever met a famous person?
Does Prince Charles count?

5. What countries have you visited?
Scotland, Wales, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Majorca, Canada, USA, St Kitts, Nevis, St Maarten, St Thomas, Antigua, and Castaway Cay!

6. What do you do on Sundays?
Sleep mostly

7. What kind of people do you not like?
Unkind people

8. Who has had the most influence in your life?
My DH

9. Would you like to be famous?
No, but I wouldn't mind trying rich!

10. How many different towns or cities have you lived in?
10 (plus 2 of them twice)

11. Which do you prefer, sunrises or sunsets?
Sunsets, from a Magic verandah

12. What was the last book you read?
'Mercy' by Jodi Picoult

13. What's your favorite food?
Krispy Kreme Original Glazed, hot off the line

14. Do you live in a house or an apartment/flat or other?
Small terraced house

15. How tall are you?
5' (well, 4'11 1/2" officially)

16. What are your hobbies?
Planning holidays, industrial archaeology

17. What's something you do well?
Plan holidays!

18. Which sports do you like to watch/play?
To quote Marilyn, "All sport is evil"

19. Are you a 'morning' or 'night' person?
Morning

20. What is your motto?
If you can't take a joke, you shouldnt've joined

 

[ibouncetoo]

Ok, ladies

I have a question. DM and I are leaving for a cruise in 10 days, and yesterday she went and had a pedi and mani, her toes look awesome, but for some reason she decided to book a pedi and manicure for me on Saturday.

Is she trying to tell me something? (BTW she isn't paying, lol)

I LOVE getting a french manicure on my toes!

Yep, if she's not treating, she's telling!
Peg likes the french manicure on toes too. For some reason it just makes me feel like you nails need to be trimmed when I see it on toes.

1. Are you married or single? single
2. Do you have brothers and sisters? Two sisters, one brother
3. * Are they older or younger than you? One sister older, others younger
4. Have you ever met a famous person? Lots...I'm in show business man Best 'celebrity hug'...Denis Quaid!
5. What countries have you visited? Canada, Mexico, England, Wales and a cruise to the Western Carribbean and the Bahamas
6. What do you do on Sundays? Read, go to the movies, lunch with the girls.
7. What kind of people do you not like? Cranky ones
8. Who has had the most influence in your life? My mom
9. Would you like to be famous? When I was younger, yes...not so much now
10. How many different towns or cities have you lived in? Three
11. Which do you prefer, sunrises or sunsets? Sunsets (I'm more awake to enjoy them!)
12. What was the last book you read? Dick Francis, "Under Orders". currently reading "Eat, Pray, Love"
13. What's your favorite food? Fried chicken!
14. Do you live in a house or an apartment/flat or other? House (duplex)
15. How tall are you? 5 feet 2 and 3/4 inches
16. What are your hobbies? Crafts and tormenting my sister
17. What's something you do well? a mean Katherine Hepburn impression
18. Which sports do you like to watch/play? not much of a sports person, enjoy watching basketball sometimes and as a kid I loved any kind of foot race, with our without hurdles!
19. Are you a 'morning' or 'night' person? morning
20. What is your motto? "This above all, to thine own self be true" (Shakespeare, Hamlet)

....back to catching up!

 

[granmaz]

Hey, so far we are all quite 'short'!!

 

[Jhalkias]

Hey, so far we are all quite 'short'!!

I'll fix that by answering ONE question . . . 6' 1"

 

[granmaz]

I'll fix that by answering ONE question . . . 6' 1"

There's always one!!

 

[calmom]

20. What is your motto? "This above all, to thine own self be true" (Shakespeare, Hamlet)

....back to catching up!

Ok....Maybe I should pick a better motto than "It's all about me"! I guess I should clarify...I say it as a joke to my staff, although I suppose they might not think I'm joking.