NYE Western Cruise 2008 - New Thread

[Aisling]

Kelly, I give you a ton of credit for resisting the bread. It's so difficult sometimes, since food can be comforting. Well, on the ship, I'm going to get all the comfort I need, all diets are OFF! LOL But I do hope to be in the gym onboard every morning, or at least do a daily brisk walk around the ship on deck 4. I welcome any company!

I really don't agree with the pricing policy DCL has. If someone already has a reservation, then how will it kill them to give out the perk of adding additional people later on? I know some people would take advantage of it, but they could at least allow one extra person to be added at the original booking price. The prices have gone up a lot since I first booked a year and a half ago. The people who book last minute are going to pay a fortune.


By the way, Kelly, I LOVE your enthusiasm about the cruise. And I know what you mean about the thought of it helping through hard times. When I see it get down to 3 months, I think I'm going to enter panic/adrenaline rush/jumping-up-and-down mode. I have butterflies in my stomach right now just writing about it, no kidding. This cruise will be a MUCH needed vacation, and not just any ole vacation, it's the Disney Magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[nskjerven]

Morning Magic Mateys!

Things are good on the homefront for today: Mika puppy's glands are going back down

We haven't received any Cruise Docs either, unless Mom gotem - but she woulda said so

Nan, I know you're out there - how is your Mom these days? Didja think that if she came cruising that she and my Mom could hook up? Maybe she won't be as "high maintenence" as you think Cruising without you simply wouldn't be the same - you need to be there for our first beer and Captain stalking session!!!!

Ummm, unless your mom is a caretaker kinda gal (which I really think she is more of the let's go partier type) My mom is 81, there is a big gap between Jill and my mom. I'm still so stuck on the fence about the choice. I want to see you too, but I'm just not sure that the time would be enjoyable. It really is like having another child, but one that get really crabby and that you can't tell go to your room

 

[trinibjill]

I think Colleen is being very nice & is trying to make sure you go with us.

Me a caretaker. My mother wouldn't even let me babysit as a kid.

Party with you guys, yes.

You can tell me to go to my room but - I will just stick my tongue out and go nah nah nah nah.

Now I do like telling the convicts to go to their room and locking their doors.

 

[nskjerven]

I think Colleen is being very nice & is trying to make sure you go with us.

Me a caretaker. My mother wouldn't even let me babysit as a kid.

Party with you guys, yes.

You can tell me to go to my room but - I will just stick my tongue out and go nah nah nah nah.

Now I do like telling the convicts to go to their room and locking their doors.

Oh yeah, I forgot you are the jailer, maybe I should leave mom to you

Paul won't give me a choice either. He isn't telling me what he thinks on this.

My arguement is: Is it fair to take mom (& have her pay for most of it, since I'm broke) when she really is just as happy staying home and going to a movie? It's one of those without a clear answer. I guess I could check with my sisters, but 1 will say go the other 2 will say we can't do it (because they won't give up their precious vacation time to spend on mom) so you shouldn't.
I'm trying to figure out what dad would say to me, that is the hard part....I think he'd say to take her, but not sure.

 

[Aisling]

Nan, is mom the friendly, sociable type? Or is she more quiet and reserved? That would make the difference, I think. If she does well with new people, then I'm sure she'd fit in with us, and you would have tons of breaks. I'd love to sit with her on deck in the shade, having a cool drink, and chatting. Or going with her/taking her to the shows if you want tosomething alone with the kids. I know it's a big decision, but I feel certain you'd have our help and support, if mom is willing to make new friends.

 

[Aisling]

My arguement is: Is it fair to take mom (& have her pay for most of it, since I'm broke) when she really is just as happy staying home and going to a movie?

Yes, it's fair. Don't get hung up on the money guilt issue. It's just money, she has it and you don't, and you're her daughter. If she's willing to pay and it's not going to be financial breaker for her, then don't let money stand in the way. It's not a million dollars for the cruise.

If I were you, I wouldn't even bother asking your other 2 sisters. They haven't been loving and cooperative in the past, so this is none of their business!! Talk to LeeAnn (spelling), not to the other two.

Is she continent? Can she feed herself? If yes to both, then the other hardships with her will be shared with us. I worked with the elderly for many years before I left my job, so I have techniques for geriatric crabbiness!

 

[Aisling]

I need to add, if you decide it would be best not to cruise, don't sweat it! We love you!

 

[disneykelly73]

OMG Jill, you work w/convicts?? I will totallly remember to NOT mess w/you!! lol

Aisling, I totally intend on eating on that ship. lol.. I will have bread on the cruise, as well as panna cotta from Palo's AND a Chocolate Souffle... LOL!!! Last time, we each got a choco souffle, and the waiter brought a panna cotta to share.. OMG!!! heaven! Lets see.. other things I will be eating on the ship.. Chicken fingers from Plutos!! (love him) and possibly a hot dog or two. CREME BRULEE!! Filet Mignon..

Soo.. that is a good question. What is everyone's must have on the ship?!?!?!

 

[disneykelly73]

Nan...

I know that my grandmother now 89 LOVES to cruise. Recently, she can no longer go, as she has dementia setting in. My aunt used to go w/her all the time. My aunt's fear is that she would continually forget where she is and get lost. If your mom is in her right mind (so to speak) I dont see why not take her.

Life is too short... and if she likes Disney, good food, fun people (although I havent REALLY met any of you in person yet!!) then I think this would do her a world of good.

I read a thread where this family took their dying uncle (he had cancer of some sort) on DCL. By the time they cruised he could no longer do ANYTHING for himself. However, they said he had a great big smile on his face during the trip. They said that he passed away 2 weeks later, but that they knew he enjoyed that week more than anything. These people had to help him eat and everything.. sooooo..

If mom is healthy as Aisling has asked.. then I say go for it. Who wouldnt enjoy a Disney Cruise!!

BTW, that thread had me in TEARS!

 

[Aisling]

Soo.. that is a good question. What is everyone's must have on the ship?!?!?!

Ok, definitely the Creme Brulee. My kids and I love it.
The drink of the day.
The room service burgers, they're really good.
Waffles with gobs of syrup.
The garlic mashed potatoes.

I can't remember, was there bread and butter on the table at dinner? I have a memory of some really good tasting bread!

 

[disneykelly73]

yes, there is definitely bread/rolls and butter on the tables..

Have never tried the in room burgers!!

OH.. the risotto in Palo.

 

[Aisling]

Would you believe I don't even remmeber what we ate at Palo. I only remember the port wine Nan brought to share with us! (And the server ). Oh well, guess that means I definitely have to have a do-over at Palo!

 

[artman]

Now I do like telling the convicts to go to their room and locking their doors.

I knew she had that look in here eye.

Ok, definitely the Creme Brulee. My kids and I love it.
The drink of the day.
The room service burgers, they're really good.
Waffles with gobs of syrup.
The garlic mashed potatoes.

I can't remember, was there bread and butter on the table at dinner? I have a memory of some really good tasting bread!

yes, there is definitely bread/rolls and butter on the tables..

Have never tried the in room burgers!!

OH.. the risotto in Palo.

The food talk is killing me, I just walked out in the kitchen and Claudia was sitting there eating pizza with a guilty look on her face.

I am however killing you guys on the weight loss front.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I think he'd say to take her

Sounds like you already know what he'd say~

I gotta ask...would you even consider...you and Mom to sail alone?

Leave the kids home with their father?

It sounds like you need the cruise but not all the work that would come with having the kids there. No matter how childish your mother can act, it's not illegal to leave her to care for herself. You have soooo many people here to socialize with, and even dstract you and mom from each other for the seven days we are all together. In the long run, leaving Wilson and Molly home for this one so you can spend some real time with your mom sounds like a pretty reasonable request...if you're asking, that's what I'm thinkin~

 

[Aisling]

The food talk is killing me, I just walked out in the kitchen and Claudia was sitting there eating pizza with a guilty look on her face.

Poor Claudia!
Artman, just think, you can make up for lost time while on the cruise! TONS of food!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Aisling, any chance you'd wanna bring her to me on Friday for pictures?

You can doll her up but keep the clothing plain and simple.

I'm serious if you are~

I'll catch up with y'all tomorrow-

 

[nskjerven]

Nan, is mom the friendly, sociable type? Or is she more quiet and reserved? That would make the difference, I think. If she does well with new people, then I'm sure she'd fit in with us, and you would have tons of breaks. I'd love to sit with her on deck in the shade, having a cool drink, and chatting. Or going with her/taking her to the shows if you want tosomething alone with the kids. I know it's a big decision, but I feel certain you'd have our help and support, if mom is willing to make new friends.

My mom socialble She could talk the nails out of a plank of wood. YES she likes to talk and laugh and laugh and TALK. I am her daughter after all.

Yes, it's fair. Don't get hung up on the money guilt issue. It's just money, she has it and you don't, and you're her daughter. If she's willing to pay and it's not going to be financial breaker for her, then don't let money stand in the way. It's not a million dollars for the cruise.

If I were you, I wouldn't even bother asking your other 2 sisters. They haven't been loving and cooperative in the past, so this is none of their business!! Talk to LeeAnn (spelling), not to the other two.

Is she continent? Can she feed herself? If yes to both, then the other hardships with her will be shared with us. I worked with the elderly for many years before I left my job, so I have techniques for geriatric crabbiness!

You're right, you said it in a way I can hear it. Now, I have to just figure out the dates and tell Paul. I'm going. We're going. Not sure who....we'll talk about that a bit lower....

She is continent and can fed herself and was driving until just a month ago.

She has dementia, which makes it not safe to have her alone. She could wander away, and get lost. But she doesn't want to be alone, so I'm not to worried about that part. Her short term memory is terrible. She doesn't remember while sitting at the dinner table if she ate already or not. And given the choice she'd eat ice cream I think all day long. Not that she doesn't like real food, but her choices are that of a young child in mind.

I need to add, if you decide it would be best not to cruise, don't sweat it! We love you!

nope, you spoke the words I needed to hear. I'm doing it.

Nan...

I know that my grandmother now 89 LOVES to cruise. Recently, she can no longer go, as she has dementia setting in. My aunt used to go w/her all the time. My aunt's fear is that she would continually forget where she is and get lost. If your mom is in her right mind (so to speak) I dont see why not take her.

Life is too short... and if she likes Disney, good food, fun people (although I havent REALLY met any of you in person yet!!) then I think this would do her a world of good.

I read a thread where this family took their dying uncle (he had cancer of some sort) on DCL. By the time they cruised he could no longer do ANYTHING for himself. However, they said he had a great big smile on his face during the trip. They said that he passed away 2 weeks later, but that they knew he enjoyed that week more than anything. These people had to help him eat and everything.. sooooo..

If mom is healthy as Aisling has asked.. then I say go for it. Who wouldnt enjoy a Disney Cruise!!

BTW, that thread had me in TEARS!

Kelly, so true life is too short. I need to have all the memories and enjoyment with her I can get and so do my kids. And if I'm the one that makes it happen so be it. If anyone of my sisters wanted to take my mom and travel with her I'd gladly write that check because I know she would want to have it that way and so would my dad.

Would you believe I don't even remmeber what we ate at Palo. I only remember the port wine Nan brought to share with us! (And the server ). Oh well, guess that means I definitely have to have a do-over at Palo!

Ha ha...We dragged a bottle on the repo with us too, but alas, never opened it and dragged it home. Can't guarantee I'd bring one this time, but I've been known to spring for a bottle of Dom when I'm in a good mood, since that's the only champange I really like.

Sounds like you already know what he'd say~

I gotta ask...would you even consider...you and Mom to sail alone?

Leave the kids home with their father?

It sounds like you need the cruise but not all the work that would come with having the kids there. No matter how childish your mother can act, it's not illegal to leave her to care for herself. You have soooo many people here to socialize with, and even dstract you and mom from each other for the seven days we are all together. In the long run, leaving Wilson and Molly home for this one so you can spend some real time with your mom sounds like a pretty reasonable request...if you're asking, that's what I'm thinkin~

So, it's a thought to make it with just mom and me, but frankly I'd like to have the help in the airport. So perhaps it's Wilson, mom and me this time. Molly got to go to China with Grammie. Maybe this time I take the boy and have that alone time. He is really a great kid and I do love to have my time with him alone, which is rarer and rarer these days since Paul and he go racing so much. Paul and I will talk it over and see what becomes...and I'll keep ya posted. Remember I told you, when I decided you had to find room at the table for us too

 

[nskjerven]

Did you call me a CAPTAIN STALKER???? Hey, you stalked him with me ya know

 

[CADZNYCHC]

Aisling,

that is great about the gym, and really impressive... A lady at WW said she joined an 8 week program at the gym near the WW meeting, and she was measured and has lost 7 inches. (she was already a lifetime member).. not sure if that was cumulative.. as 7 inches is a LOT... she said how she feels firmer now.

I might look into that in Sept or Oct. I just dont think that I can commit right now to working out daily. The next couple of weeks are busy.

kelly, it's one of those things that you have to "schedule" with yourself - like an appt....I go at 4 am - NO ONE in the world needs me then!

Kelly, I give you a ton of credit for resisting the bread. It's so difficult sometimes, since food can be comforting. Well, on the ship, I'm going to get all the comfort I need, all diets are OFF! LOL But I do hope to be in the gym onboard every morning, or at least do a daily brisk walk around the ship on deck 4. I welcome any company!

I really don't agree with the pricing policy DCL has. If someone already has a reservation, then how will it kill them to give out the perk of adding additional people later on? I know some people would take advantage of it, but they could at least allow one extra person to be added at the original booking price. The prices have gone up a lot since I first booked a year and a half ago. The people who book last minute are going to pay a fortune.


By the way, Kelly, I LOVE your enthusiasm about the cruise. And I know what you mean about the thought of it helping through hard times. When I see it get down to 3 months, I think I'm going to enter panic/adrenaline rush/jumping-up-and-down mode. I have butterflies in my stomach right now just writing about it, no kidding. This cruise will be a MUCH needed vacation, and not just any ole vacation, it's the Disney Magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aisling...I'm DEFINITELY with you for the morning walks...I don't / haven't done the gym onboard....only because i go to gym everyday...& this is the ONLY time I can walk the deck of the most gorgeous ship i also never take the elevator....have always eaten everything i wanted on board & never gained a pound....my "must haves" - Palo's choc souffle &creme brulee....I like Plutos chicken fingers too....

I think Colleen is being very nice & is trying to make sure you go with us.

Me a caretaker. My mother wouldn't even let me babysit as a kid.

Party with you guys, yes.

You can tell me to go to my room but - I will just stick my tongue out and go nah nah nah nah.

Now I do like telling the convicts to go to their room and locking their doors.

OMG....you're killing me!!!! that is toooooo scary!

I knew she had that look in here eye.







The food talk is killing me, I just walked out in the kitchen and Claudia was sitting there eating pizza with a guilty look on her face.

I am however killing you guys on the weight loss front.

OH that is so NOTTTTTTT fair!!! other than no food...how are you?????


Nan.... you'll make the right decision & you know we'll support whichever one it is!

 

[CADZNYCHC]

Just an update....Julia will not be cruising with us after all ...just couldn't see paying that exorbitant upcharge to add a passenger....BUT she is flying into Orlando early Sat a.m. the 3rd to have 3 days at the park with Ryan & if Disney's Magical Express is ontime - she should arrive at the Beach Club when we do or possibly even before us....as her plane lands at 7:30 am....and we were even able to get her on the same flight home with us on the 6th....