May 18, 2013 Magic EBTA Part Two - From Tejas to España

[bobbiwoz]

I also enjoy trivia games!

 

[JimmyL47]

We were the bar team on the EBTA 2011 we did really well on 50's 80's and 90's so will definitely be up for the music quizzes. See you there Mike and Tracy xx

Judith and I also enjoy the trivia games, all genres. Judith is better at it than I am, she is a freaking genius. But I can usually muddle my way throguh.

 

[MandyGirl]

I can't recall if I mentioned it on here or on FB but for the past 10 weeks I've been participating in my gym's "Lose to Win" program (similar to the Biggest Loser) and Weight Watchers. Anyway, I've lost over 18lbs and I earned 2nd place in the Lose to Win, winning $750. I'm very proud of my weight loss and excited that I've increased my fitness level and endurance. The money is pretty awesome too... extra vacation money!!

Yay!! That is fantastic, Henrietta!!

 

[WVURunner]

I can't recall if I mentioned it on here or on FB but for the past 10 weeks I've been participating in my gym's "Lose to Win" program (similar to the Biggest Loser) and Weight Watchers. Anyway, I've lost over 18lbs and I earned 2nd place in the Lose to Win, winning $750. I'm very proud of my weight loss and excited that I've increased my fitness level and endurance. The money is pretty awesome too... extra vacation money!!

Congrats! That is wonderful. I wish I was having some luck but my extra pounds aren't budging. I am going to start the 30 day shred this week, hoping I will see some results.

Cool!!!

I haven't been trying to lose pounds per se, but I have been trying to lose belly fat using Dr. Oz's plan. Three greek yogurts a day is not convenient or fun (and I think it tastes like chalk), but it seems to be making a big difference. Thankfully, my experiment ends (after 12 weeks) when we embark.

I HATE greek yogurt! I know it is a great source of protein and great for runners but I just can't seem to get use to it. I have tried on my attempts. It is just not for me...

I also enjoy trivia games!

I love trivia on the ships. My dad was a trivia genius and we won everytime we played. I have a nice collection of HAL mugs from our winnings. He knew every song/artist/album/year after the second or third note of the song. I will never forget when I knew the answer to a question in general trivia and he didn't. He wrote down his answer and we got it wrong. I never let him live it down. The largest rodent is North America is the beaver, not the groundhog!

Trivia on the ships just isn't the same without him and makes me miss him more.

 

[twopeasonepod]

The boys' birthday party was yesterday and another awesome one. They wanted a Rent party, but Tony said that was inappropriate, so we made it Rent/Charlie Brown haha. But the only Peanuts stuff was Snoopy plates, cups, napkins, etc.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that the signature cocktail this year was a Cucumber Mint Vodka Gimlet Spritzer. YUMMO! I wish they had those on DCL.

 

[kaseyC]

The boys' birthday party was yesterday and another awesome one. They wanted a Rent party, but Tony said that was inappropriate, so we made it Rent/Charlie Brown haha. But the only Peanuts stuff was Snoopy plates, cups, napkins, etc.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that the signature cocktail this year was a Cucumber Mint Vodka Gimlet Spritzer. YUMMO! I wish they had those on DCL.

You've got to share the recipe for that. It sounds fabulous.

 

[WVURunner]

The boys' birthday party was yesterday and another awesome one. They wanted a Rent party, but Tony said that was inappropriate, so we made it Rent/Charlie Brown haha. But the only Peanuts stuff was Snoopy plates, cups, napkins, etc.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that the signature cocktail this year was a Cucumber Mint Vodka Gimlet Spritzer. YUMMO! I wish they had those on DCL.

Happy Birthday to the boys! That drink sounds yummy!

 

[twopeasonepod]

Very labor-intensive, but SO worth it!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/cucumber-mint-gimlets-recipe/index.html

Because our guests would be at our party for several hours (and because it started at 11am haha), we mixed seltzer water in as it was served. About 50/50. Just for some frame of reference, I used THIRTY hothouse English cucumbers from Costco. Giant suckers. Took forever, but wowza!

 

[padalyn]

Very labor-intensive, but SO worth it!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/cucumber-mint-gimlets-recipe/index.html

Because our guests would be at our party for several hours (and because it started at 11am haha), we mixed seltzer water in as it was served. About 50/50. Just for some frame of reference, I used THIRTY hothouse English cucumbers from Costco. Giant suckers. Took forever, but wowza!

Cathy and I make a drink with EFFEN cucumber vodka. Shaved Fennel and shaved cucumber muddled in the glass add 1 oz of the vodka then fill with sprite....most yummy.

 

[queenbee99]

Do you have to eat a certain brand of Greek Yogurt? Can it be flavored? I can CONSUME Noosa greek yogurt and so can dd. It is so yummy.

Cool!!!

I haven't been trying to lose pounds per se, but I have been trying to lose belly fat using Dr. Oz's plan. Three greek yogurts a day is not convenient or fun (and I think it tastes like chalk), but it seems to be making a big difference. Thankfully, my experiment ends (after 12 weeks) when we embark.

 

[queenbee99]

That is AWESOME!!! I think the cash prize is a GREAT incentive!! It might make me GO to the gym!

I can't recall if I mentioned it on here or on FB but for the past 10 weeks I've been participating in my gym's "Lose to Win" program (similar to the Biggest Loser) and Weight Watchers. Anyway, I've lost over 18lbs and I earned 2nd place in the Lose to Win, winning $750. I'm very proud of my weight loss and excited that I've increased my fitness level and endurance. The money is pretty awesome too... extra vacation money!!

 

[MandyGirl]

I think our trip to Costa Rica this past week was a great trial run for the cruise again. I made it with just two pairs of shoes, three dresses for dinner, clothes for the day (and backups in case wet from excursions in rainforest), swimsuits, pjs, and makeup/hair supplies. Hubby had comparable clothing (dress pants and shirts -- not dresses LOL -- and he had three pairs of shoes.) We both packed using packing cubes, gone four nights total - and had one checked bag that weighed 38.5 lbs (flew Spirit Air for one leg so they have a 40 lb limit) and one personal carryon item. That was total between the two of us - one checked, one personal.

I will be glad the laundry room is onboard for this cruise! But super thankful for packing cubes!!

Hubby and I got split up flying home since he was flying standby, so I took the luggage and personal carryon since I was ticketed. He got looked at funny going through customs/immigration when he had no luggage and had been in Costa Rica for four days - and even funnier when he said he sent the luggage home with his wife on a different flight!

 

[twopeasonepod]

Cathy and I make a drink with EFFEN cucumber vodka. Shaved Fennel and shaved cucumber muddled in the glass add 1 oz of the vodka then fill with sprite....most yummy.

Mmmm...that sounds delicious, too!

 

[twopeasonepod]

Do you have to eat a certain brand of Greek Yogurt? Can it be flavored? I can CONSUME Noosa greek yogurt and so can dd. It is so yummy.

The research did not state a certain brand or whether or not it could be flavored. They actually used low-fat, but I use non-fat. The idea is that Greek yogurt is thicker and has much more protein (which keeps you more full for longer). Also, with all it's calcium, it is thought to prevent fat from entering the cells and to help carry out the fat. I can't stand any of it. But I do manage to eat the single-serving flavored Chobani yogurts for this. The study is dated, but at least it is from NIH (National Institute of Health) so it is believable.

 

[twopeasonepod]

I think our trip to Costa Rica this past week was a great trial run for the cruise again. I made it with just two pairs of shoes, three dresses for dinner, clothes for the day (and backups in case wet from excursions in rainforest), swimsuits, pjs, and makeup/hair supplies. Hubby had comparable clothing (dress pants and shirts -- not dresses LOL -- and he had three pairs of shoes.) We both packed using packing cubes, gone four nights total - and had one checked bag that weighed 38.5 lbs (flew Spirit Air for one leg so they have a 40 lb limit) and one personal carryon item. That was total between the two of us - one checked, one personal.

I will be glad the laundry room is onboard for this cruise! But super thankful for packing cubes!!

Hubby and I got split up flying home since he was flying standby, so I took the luggage and personal carryon since I was ticketed. He got looked at funny going through customs/immigration when he had no luggage and had been in Costa Rica for four days - and even funnier when he said he sent the luggage home with his wife on a different flight!

Wow, that is some light packing! Glad he made it through customs hahaha!

We are leaving for Lake Tahoe tomorrow and are taking three suitcases and two roller boards, plus we each have a backpack/messenger bag (and by each, I mean the four of us haha). I think I need more practice!

 

[MandyGirl]

Wow, that is some light packing! Glad he made it through customs hahaha!

We are leaving for Lake Tahoe tomorrow and are taking three suitcases and two roller boards, plus we each have a backpack/messenger bag (and by each, I mean the four of us haha). I think I need more practice!

Haha! Yes - more trips = more practice! I am hoping to go pretty light on EBTA because our youngest is a sprinter this time (almost 3 years old) whereas last time she was more manageable LOL! I need my hands *free* to keep tabs on her. Curt and I will each take a backpacking backpack for EBTA and hopefully just one rollerbag. I am determined to make that work. Each girl can have a backpack.

Have fun at Tahoe!!

 

[StephenKay]

I think our trip to Costa Rica this past week was a great trial run for the cruise again. I made it with just two pairs of shoes, three dresses for dinner, clothes for the day (and backups in case wet from excursions in rainforest), swimsuits, pjs, and makeup/hair supplies. Hubby had comparable clothing (dress pants and shirts -- not dresses LOL -- and he had three pairs of shoes.) We both packed using packing cubes, gone four nights total - and had one checked bag that weighed 38.5 lbs (flew Spirit Air for one leg so they have a 40 lb limit) and one personal carryon item. That was total between the two of us - one checked, one personal.

I will be glad the laundry room is onboard for this cruise! But super thankful for packing cubes!!

Hubby and I got split up flying home since he was flying standby, so I took the luggage and personal carryon since I was ticketed. He got looked at funny going through customs/immigration when he had no luggage and had been in Costa Rica for four days - and even funnier when he said he sent the luggage home with his wife on a different flight!

Mandy,

Only 2 pairs of shoes, Mary travelled light last time with 13 pairs!!

I think a feet tickling session coming up (private joke)

Only seven weeks tomorrow till I start my journey.

 

[drgnfly829]

Judith and I also enjoy the trivia games, all genres. Judith is better at it than I am, she is a freaking genius. But I can usually muddle my way throguh.

As always Jimmy is giving me way too much credit.
He achieved guru status when he had an answer for where the lost laundry socks go.
He does way better than muddle through. I am there to provide ballast- I mean balance

 

[drgnfly829]

I think our trip to Costa Rica this past week was a great trial run for the cruise again. I made it with just two pairs of shoes, three dresses for dinner, clothes for the day (and backups in case wet from excursions in rainforest), swimsuits, pjs, and makeup/hair supplies. Hubby had comparable clothing (dress pants and shirts -- not dresses LOL -- and he had three pairs of shoes.) We both packed using packing cubes, gone four nights total - and had one checked bag that weighed 38.5 lbs (flew Spirit Air for one leg so they have a 40 lb limit) and one personal carryon item. That was total between the two of us - one checked, one personal.

I will be glad the laundry room is onboard for this cruise! But super thankful for packing cubes!!

Hubby and I got split up flying home since he was flying standby, so I took the luggage and personal carryon since I was ticketed. He got looked at funny going through customs/immigration when he had no luggage and had been in Costa Rica for four days - and even funnier when he said he sent the luggage home with his wife on a different flight!

I need to start thinking seriously about how and what to pack.
especially since we have some "extra" beverage items we would like to have available
what exactly are packing cubes?

 

[WVURunner]

Is it time to leave yet?
Between the snow and work, I am ready for a two week warm and relaxing vacation! But my work issue today stemmed from my last two week vacation so I am a little nervous. I am a subject matter expert in a certain area for my company so my resume is on file and gets sent out on proposals. I normally request that I am contacted ahead of time when using my resume so I am review the proposal and okay it. Well somehow during the EBPC cruise, someone took it upon themselves to use my resume and stumbled across a wrong resume and submitted it. Well according to the proposal,I have the following education: BA, Industrial Design, Auburn University, 1982; BS, Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University, 1993; MS, Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University, 1994, yeah I wasn't around in May of '82 to earn that degree. I spend the day sorting this mess out! Something happened to my resume when I changed my last name and things got merged wrong (my work/project history was right) Such a headache. It did make me laugh though as I was a very well educated 12 year old!

I started the 30 day shred workout: I have a love/hate relationship with Jillian Michaels! I am hoping if I stick to it, I will tone up a bit for this cruise!

Mandy,

Only 2 pairs of shoes, Mary travelled light last time with 13 pairs!!

Mary and I pack alike, I would bring a pair of heels for every dress and then of course my sneaker collection and flip flops! But my DH searches my bag and removes them and then makes me select 4 pairs Lucky for me, he doesn't count my running sneakers in those 4 pairs. I love shoes! I have learned my lesson though, 4" heels will be staying home this trip, they make for a rough night when the seas are rough and do tend to take up more packing pace! (yes, I *might have fallen down a set of stairs* and yes, I swear I was sober!)