~~~ May 16, 2009 ~~~ Western Magic ~~~

[lucky1]

OK, mes enfants... I think Bob and I win for the rocking chair set! How about 1968? We are really from the dark ages! Of course, if we have been married 40 years that tells you we are pretty darned old! Has anyone ever heard of Dark Shadows? I remember my twin sisters (that were only 17 months younger than I) had to rush home from school every day so they wouldn't miss it... The guy that played the butler on The Nanny was on it when he was a young man!

I remember Dark Shadows. My Sister who was 7 years older than me use to watch it all the time and so I got to watch it too. Wow that really does take me back.
It came on TVL a few years ago and they did a remake, but somehow it didn't seem the same.

I started watching All My Children when Erica was 16 years old.

 

[ali004]

You thick-haired girls need to share a little. That way your hair will dry quicker and I won't have to put so much effort into giving it poof. Everybody wins!

The ironic part is my hair for some very odd reason takes a long time to dry, too. Most if it anyway. I used to change it a lot when I got bored. I've left it alone a long time now. I also chopped it (it used to be a lot longer) I could swear it's missing being tortured.

You look like you have very nice hair Mati, so it looks whatever you do is working for you.

I'll be happy to share I have very thick slighly curly hair and whenever I use a hair dryer, my hair gets really big and frizzy.

 

[ottermouse]

I can't say on the hair dryers. I have naturally curly and very thick hair. If I use a hairdryer, I look like a mix between a 1970's Soul character and a poodle! Hopefully Val, V, or some of the other ladies will be able to answer your question.

I have naturally curly hair. I brought my own hair dryer(with diffuser) with me. I also brought my curling iron. Just in case I wanted to straighten out my hair. I would make sure you unplug the hair dryer after you are done I got a polite but stern letter letting me know it was not unplugged....lol oops. Didnt know when blow dryers are plugged in but off, they posed a threat but who knows.. I hope this helps.

 

[krishouse]

HI everyone,
Here goes I am trying to post photos of my fish extender...

 

[krishouse]

Here is another,
I took the photos with my iphone so it is a little dark...

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Jane--yes, I'm the obsessive planner that has all our outfits organized & somewhat matching for every evening (not necessarily during the day, though). I'll even take pix of everyone's outfits all together and label them each day so I know exactly what to pull from the closet on which day. I haven't actually done all of this yet, but Justin started picking his stuff out yesterday, so now it's my turn to coordinate the boys & me.

Tim--sounds like you've got wonderfully smart kids! WTG! I'm hoping we end up the same way with our kids. I know it's a little early in their school years to be looking that far ahead, but so far they're doing very well for themselves, especially Hudson. He taught himself to read at age 3 and is currently reading at ~4th grade level (he's just finishing 1st grade). Lennon is starting to read also, so I'm going to try to help him along even more before he actually starts K in the fall. He's not as "independent" a learner as Hudson is, though.

Belinda--got you updated! Let me know if you want a different pic posted. I was hoping maybe we could see your face straight on to be able to recognize you! BUT I do LOVE the photo that is up right now!

Mati--we decided to cruise in May this time because we didn't want to take the boys out of school (but that plan got foiled) I'm so glad we chose this one!! Everyone here is so GREAT!!!

Since we're still on the subject of hair, mine actually never really gets dry. I twist & clip when it's still wet, and I only take it down right before bed. Usually it's still a little damp when I get up in the morning. You'd never know it by quick glancing at me, but my hair is actually down to my butt. I'm going for a trim this week, but nothing more than a brief snip.

Kym has posted some excellent tips, tricks, and pointers! Especially the last ones! THANKS A BUNCH!! ITA with the power cord & door organizer. Those bathroom counters aren't very big, and it just keeps the clutter somewhat organized. I think we're going to some laundry this time, too, but we will probably send it out. With the baggage fees AND weight restrictions still in place, I think we'd probably spend a small fortune on just luggage since we'll probably go over on at least one suitcase for the trip home. I'm seriouly considering sending a box down ahead of time, but then what happens for the way home? Do you ship it back home, too? AND I now know that you can't do it all. I had everything planned so well last time that when the boys decided they wanted to do something else, I felt like it just messed everything up, and then we all got cranky (especially in KW! But I think "pie day" will make up for it this time!). That's why we have NOTHING planned for this trip, other than pies! We'll just decide last minute what everyone wants to do...and hope for no crankiness.

Swine flu--I'm not that worried about it just because we're not planning on getting off at Coz, but it's in the back of my head that someone else could bring it back to the ship & infect others without knowing it.

We would probably be able to see Belinda & Shawn's VR from either deck 9 (at the outside seating area at Topsiders) or on deck 10 (outside Palo), but I'm not sure. Does anyone else know for sure where the best place is to "spy" on them?

Kristin--your FE is GREAT!!

 

[Tink113]

Wow this is all so soon. I have only 2 more weekends to get stuff together before we hit the road!

I came across this website, kinda by accident & thought I'd share...
Skimmed it super fast, but loved the photos...

http://www.squidoo.com/cruisedisney

Lindsay - If you need help printing, let me know. I have a big color laser & can print some for you or i would be happy to chip in on the costs. I don't want you to end up taking on all of this...

 

[tinkattude6]

Hi Everyone! I haven't posted in a few days. I am also curious about the stop in Cozumel. This is the stop we are looking forward to the most. Since we booked the four elements which includes zipline. My kids would be so upset ,but our health is more important. I think i will bring plenty of hand santitizer. I can't believe how many schools are closed.
I am getting so excited. Just can't believe how close it is.Still have sooo much to do. I hope to get it all done the end of this wk.Now back to reading all your wonderful posts. Here's a little pixie dust for anyone who may need it this week.

 

[starlawyermom]

Hi all - I have not posted in ages and can't seem to keep track of all these great posts. I apologize in advance if this has been asked and answered (maybe someone could direct me to a response that would be helpful). Our only planned time off board is in Cozumel with 5 girls under the age of 5 for a dolphin excursion we planned on out own. Does anyone have any insight as to whether Disney would consider NOT going to Cozumel and, if so, where they would go instead?

Thanks - can't wait for the trip!

 

[ottermouse]

Hi Everyone! I haven't posted in a few days. I am also curious about the stop in Cozumel. This is the stop we are looking forward to the most. Since we booked the four elements which includes zipline. My kids would be so upset ,but our health is more important. I think i will bring plenty of hand santitizer. I can't believe how many schools are closed.
I am getting so excited. Just can't believe how close it is.Still have sooo much to do. I hope to get it all done the end of this wk.Now back to reading all your wonderful posts. Here's a little pixie dust for anyone who may need it this week.

DH Called our TA. She called DCL and so far no decision has been made on what they will be doing about Cozumel. . I am sure they will come up with a decision soon. Hopefully we will get a handle on this before it turns into a full blown pandemic. Keep the purell handy at all times.

 

[SpeedFigure]

Hi All..
Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Great FE's being made, it'll be fun to see them all when we go around delivering gifts!

I'm planning on spying on Belinda from Topsiders. We should all grab some cake/treats somewhere and eat it while watching. We'll have our own wedding reception in honor of Belinda!!

As for the swine flu....I'm a walking medical disaster (as you now all know). I'm not too worried about the swine flu. It's kinda the same freak out about Mad Cow Disease. I'll be bringing bottles of purell with me and hand wipes. Other than that, there is not much else you can do. Just keep yourself Healthy...stressing can weaken your system. Cinda gave some great pointers.
We'll just have to sit tight until Disney decides what to do. I'll be bummed if we don't do Cozumel cause that's where I was going to Scuba Dive and Jewelry shop. I just hope if they do re-direct us that we have enough time to decide other things to do.

Now DO NOT be afraid to still hug!!!!

As for my house guest...it's my husbands best friend. He wore out his welcome in 3 days...He's been living with us for 2 weeks now. I'm trying to kick him out before the cruise, but he's set on staying until the end of May (which is NOT what we discussed).
Please do NOT mention this to my husband!!!! We've been fighting like cats and dogs about this situation. Sad that his best friend is taking advantage of him. Chad's just too nice of a guy and sometimes can get walked all over....

Ok onto happier things...
Less than 3 weeks until the cruise!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!

Hairdryer: If you have THICK hair and it's longer than your shoulders..then I recommend bringing your own hair dryer!!
Luckily I now have short hair, so those hotel dryers work fine. But I had longer hair on my other cruises and it was a pain!! Thankfully I ended up braiding my hair and didn't have to deal with them for long.

 

[texfinn]

Happy Monday everyone!

Actually -- it is pretty miserable here. It was gray and gloomy all weekend and appears to be the same this week. Where did the sun go?

I am going to leave off the quotes to keep it from getting too long.

Belinda -- we would love to see your VR from up above. We were going to take the kids to dinner (we eat at Palo at 8) but instead will skip the dining room that night so we can enjoy the show! JorDan -- great idea on grabbing some snacks....maybe a glass of BUBBLY ... and having our reception during the VR!!!!

Robin -- thanks for the compliment. I can't complain about my hair (although I will when I have a bad hair day) -- it is one part of me I am generally happy about....

Jane -- I am so jealous that you are packed. I have NO CLUE what I am wearing yet. I think there are still some shorts and capris at the store that I need to go buy before I know for sure! I was busy with the extra kiddos this weekend but plan on getting it all figured out for the kids this week/weekend. I am hoping to organize the kids clothes in ziploc baggies (I read that somewhere) but am more like Shawan, tend to have an "idea" of what I want to wear and then decide the day of. I am going to try to be more organized about me this time but we shall see!!!!

Hi Kym! Thanks for the tips! I will definitely bring my hairdryer and power cord. I seriously need to not overpack. I already have a ton of extras with FE gifts, cooler, etc.... I better make sure I have luggage!

As for doing laundry -- I am going to price it out to see how much if DCL does it for me. Then if I don't have the time, will send out what I need to. Otherwise you will see me on board doing this..

Sonya -- no worries my dear. It will all be just fine. Even if we don't make it to Mexico this time, we will have fun and then there is a VERY good reason for taking another cruise!

efoote01 -- we have Nachi Cocum booked too so if we make it, it should be fun with at least a few kids there. If not, well, we'll still have fun.

Desiree -- thanks for the advice on unplugging the hair dryer. Who would have known??? I am sure I would have gotten a very "nice" note as well...

Kristin -- your FE looks FANTASTIC!

Amanda -- good idea on helping Lynsey. Lynsey, let us know if you want some $$ for the copies. I still owe you the tastings don't I? Oops -- will get that out after my 1pm meeting.

JorDan -- you are NOT a walking medical disaster---just a string of bad luck maybe? I know it will change. Here is sending you some pixie dust that your house guest LEAVES soon!

Ok -- have to get back to work.

Talk to you all later!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Hi Peeps!

I have calmed down about the Mexico thing - was having a bit of a moment when I posted this morning!!! As long as it doesn't get so bad that they close the airports by this Saturday I will be fine, just so I can get over to you. If we have to miss that port, well so be it.

THATS RIGHT 5 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!! AND I HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED PACKING!

Jane and Kathy - great Fish Extenders!!!!!! I wish I had the talent to do my own!

I'm a bit late on this one, but I was a massive BH 90210 fan! But get this - the TV stations over here never bought the last series!!!!! The last thing we saw over here Kelly shot her would-be attacked dead - never found out what happened after!!! I loved that programme! I gave the new series a try but gave up - its pants!!

Lucy - did he insert the toothbrush himself, or have help?! And is it wrong that your description has made me laugh so much that I kind of want to see you without a hairdryer?!

Kym - thanks for the great tips!

I am up for the Belinda spying party! What time and day again? Thursday, wasn't it?

The 4th Twilight book just arrived.It is HUGE! I am going to have to put it in Tony's luggage instead of mine!!

I am alternating between terror and excitement about how close it is!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

starlawyermom--SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!! You'll have to check in more often since we're getting so close! BTW, if you want to have a family pic on post #1, post it here or PM to me, and I'll get it up for you!! I've been thinking about you lately since you were one of the first ones here WAAAAY back when. I'm sure your girls are getting just as excited as my boys are!

BTW, about the swine flu, I heard Dr. Oz on Oprah Radio on XM this morning talking about it, and they also talked to someone from the CDC who is in Mexico City right now trying to get more info about it, and he said that they should have A LOT more info by the end of the week...and to just "be careful" if you're traveling to Mexico. Be aware but don't overreact. Use LOTS of hand sanitizer, too!! I know Cinda will also keep us updated with any info she learns about it. Desiree--if your TA finds out anything from DCL, PLEASE post & let us know!!!

 

[aimathy]

Hi Everyone,
I decided to channel my worry energy into fun energy and get moving on our FE gifts some more! I can't always follow the board as religiously as I'd like (DD, 10 mos, keeps me on my toes and my main time to go on is naptime!)...so I know I must've missed something with this, but I have a question. I know we're included on the FE list, and one time I asked how many people were doing it and a few people responded with the #'s of adults and kids participating...but I'm wondering if there's an actual formal list that we're supposed to get? I'm just trying to figure out how many of each thing I'll need for each room and thought a hard copy of the list would help. Or is this something we'll just get when we meet each other? Sorry if this has already been discussed....but thanks for the help!! Hope everyone is as excited as we are for our trip! (I am trying to think only happy thoughts right now.)
Amy

 

[tsarina13]

I am alternating between terror and excitement about how close it is!

I just said that to my mother yesterday. We spend MONTHS counting down to this vacation, and now I feel a little nervous. We're almost packed, but will I forget something important? Will my niece get seasick? We decided against passports, are we going to have problems boarding? Will I lose all my money? Will a rogue wave hit us?

I'm usually not such a worry wort. I just don't want anything to ruin this vacation.

Tammy

 

[lucky1]

Am I the only one still with no room assignment?

Yes we booked Catagory 12 late and have been checking our reservation online daily, but still is listed as GTY under Cruise Reservations Details. Should I look somewhere else?

 

[jhart901]

I have so missed you guys. Thanks Mati, and Jane, and all the rest of you guys who have checked up on me via Facebook.

Can I say that I am offically freaking outI am closing on my house this week, my boss is at another one of our offices, and I have yet to pack a single item of anything. That includes both the cruise and the house move.

I would be dissappointed if we had to miss Mexico (esp since I have never been). From what I have heard (via the media which really doesn't mean much) if you do catch it, you are able to get treatment and it reacts fairly well to it.

I will try to be on the board more often again. Have a happy snappy Monday (Is it Monday for everyone? It may be Tuesday for some so in that case "Shake your Tuesday, Shake your Tuesday come on.

 

[ottermouse]

starlawyermom--SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!! You'll have to check in more often since we're getting so close! BTW, if you want to have a family pic on post #1, post it here or PM to me, and I'll get it up for you!! I've been thinking about you lately since you were one of the first ones here WAAAAY back when. I'm sure your girls are getting just as excited as my boys are!

BTW, about the swine flu, I heard Dr. Oz on Oprah Radio on XM this morning talking about it, and they also talked to someone from the CDC who is in Mexico City right now trying to get more info about it, and he said that they should have A LOT more info by the end of the week...and to just "be careful" if you're traveling to Mexico. Be aware but don't overreact. Use LOTS of hand sanitizer, too!! I know Cinda will also keep us updated with any info she learns about it. Desiree--if your TA finds out anything from DCL, PLEASE post & let us know!!!

No problem as soon as we find out ANYTHING I will keep you all updated after all "we are all in this together".(Just had a high school musical moment...lol) 19 days can you all stand it?! its in days not months or years just days

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Will a rogue wave hit us?

Tammy

Rogue wave?! Why do I suddenly have the urge to sing "My Heart Will Go On"?!!!!!

I am worried about what someone mentioned on the main boards about the crew being in Mexico every other week. By the time we board it will have been 10 days since they were last there - is that long enough for symptoms to show and be recognised?