Oct 3, 2009 Wester Carribean

[dolphingirl47]

I am finally back in circulation again. We are two supervisors down now (both in my language team so we have gone from 5 to 3) and it really is not fun at the moment. The fact that I have been working graveyard shifts and mid shifts on alternate days does not help either. I came home yesterday and I was so exhausted that I hurt all over. I have today and tomorrow off and then I work all over Easter. I have finally scheduled my eye test for tomorrow, but today I am just going to be lazy and catch up as far as the DIS Boards are concerned. I am definitely in need of a cruise. Well, not long now.

Well, we are going to cheat on the Mouse. I have some vacation time to take in May and we have been trying to figure out what to do. A couple of weeks or so ago I spotted a fantastic deal for travel industry staff on the Norwegian Jade (NCL) leaving from Southampton. We are doing a back to back cruise: 5 nights going to Ireland (Dublin and Cork) followed by a two night cruise to Guernsey.

DH has been keen to try out another cruise line, but I was a little reluctant at first. I did a little research last week and I was sold. I love to spend time in the Rainforest Room on the DCL ships and they have something better still. Their heated tile loungers have a view, there are various hot tubs in the area plus steam rooms, sauna and rain showers. The prices seem to be comparable to the passes for the Rainforest Room on DCL. So I know where I will spend a significant part of the cruise. The spa is operated by the same company that operates the Vista Spa as well.

We will have an inside cabin for the 5 night cruise and a balcony cabin for the 2 night cruise. For some strange reason, the inside cabins on that cruise were twice the price of the balcony cabins. I just hope that we don't develop a taste for them as this would cut down on the amount we can cruise on DCL if we would only book staterooms with a veranda. It is great to have a cruise to look forward to in the very near future.

On Sunday I finally got around to try on the new evening gown that I bought for the cruise. It was still sitting in its box and it arrived about three weeks ago. The colour is much brighter than it was on the website and I was not too sure at first. Once I tried it on, I was sold. It is a perfect fit and looks gorgeous. Just a shame that I won't be able to use it on NCL. They are not really having a formal night and apparently most people will not dress up for their " Dress Up or Not Night". I intend to take a cocktail dress for that as I love dressing up, but I think the evening gown would be too over the top.

Corinna

 

[dismom73]

Corinna, sounds exciting! I hope you have a great time. Sounds like you could use a vacation. Actually, it sounds like we all could. What do you say we all take a cruise in, oh I don't know, October?
Michelle, I LOVE the shirts! I was thinking about making some boarding shirts as well, but I don't think Ryan would be too into that idea.
Well, I'm procrastinating (sp) I should be hauling more stones from the truck to the backyard. Yesterday the girls and I did 100 stones. Today we have 200 to do. We probably would have got them done yesterday but it started raining! There was even one flash of lightning and on huge crash of thunder, we dont usually get thunder storms, so it was very exciting! The news was talking about thunder storms all afternoon, and we got one big crash. Today is just overcast, no rain. So, I need to get moving on those stones, and the mound of laundry that is growing (I think it is breeding). We leave on Friday for Nevada so I need to start packing...I just want to be lazy though.
I spent the last 20 minutes looking at pictures on the Picture of the Day forum (by the way Michelle I found one of the dessert buffet on page 208, I know you said you've never made it to that). The pictures get me so excited I can hardly stand it.
Well, off to move stones, and stop the laundry from breeding!

 

[the great cornholeo]

Corinna, sounds exciting! I hope you have a great time. Sounds like you could use a vacation. Actually, it sounds like we all could. What do you say we all take a cruise in, oh I don't know, October?
Michelle, I LOVE the shirts! I was thinking about making some boarding shirts as well, but I don't think Ryan would be too into that idea.
Well, I'm procrastinating (sp) I should be hauling more stones from the truck to the backyard. Yesterday the girls and I did 100 stones. Today we have 200 to do. We probably would have got them done yesterday but it started raining! There was even one flash of lightning and on huge crash of thunder, we dont usually get thunder storms, so it was very exciting! The news was talking about thunder storms all afternoon, and we got one big crash. Today is just overcast, no rain. So, I need to get moving on those stones, and the mound of laundry that is growing (I think it is breeding). We leave on Friday for Nevada so I need to start packing...I just want to be lazy though.
I spent the last 20 minutes looking at pictures on the Picture of the Day forum (by the way Michelle I found one of the dessert buffet on page 208, I know you said you've never made it to that). The pictures get me so excited I can hardly stand it.
Well, off to move stones, and stop the laundry from breeding!

I was going to call you today. THings have been kinda crazy at work. That day that you called a week and a half ago, they were in the middle of laying off 10 people quite a few for a company of 80. THen on Monday they came in and told us all that our pay was being cut by 5% which is more than we have recieved in raises in the past two years. So needless to say, I'm panicing about everything that has to be paid. I did have the money for Jason's camp and our air tickets, but some of that had to be used when Tommy's hours got cut to 32/wk instead of 40hrs and overtime. So yeah it's been kinda rough here.

We'll get through it though. Atleaset the cruise is paid off.

 

[dismom73]

Michelle,
Here's the link to the picture of the day thread....
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1709938&page=208

WARNING: It's addictive and time consumming!

Laura, I tried calling you today too. I hope everything is OK at work! You and your mom both still have your jobs right? Call me when you can.
Check out the picture of the day thread, it will make you feel better!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Thanks Andrea....Ummm and yeah it's addicting alright. Also giving me some good ideas for some photos I would like to capture. Well I have mine and Del's boarding shirts DONE! Just waiting on Kellybell to get to my post and do the girls names and I will put them on the front of their shirts just on the right pocket area of their shirts. the only ones I have left are my SIL and BIL's....I will do teirs later. I also have to do their FE bag I am making for them. Funtimes!

Well I am in the process of designing my 2nd tatoo but first Disney one. I am contemplating putting a small one on the top of my foot. I am hoping to go before June so it can heal up before Swim time! Well any suggestions will be appreciated.... Here are some ideas...I am taking a poll here and on facebook,, so feel free to tell me what you think.

Everyone have a great day and I will be back later I am sure sitting here readin the Pic of the day thread(addicted) TTFN

 

[wareagle]

Hey Everyone,

Hope you all have a great day. We are in for some stormy weather today. Say a prayer for us.

I am so glad it is Friday. Only 30 days left of school. The only thing is, I love the bunch of kids I have this year and don't want to give them up. This has been one of, if not the best classes I have ever had. Wish I could keep them another year.

Gena

 

[kpflillirpf]

Hi all! It's going to be about 56 degrees here today and it's overcast and planning to rain off and on all day. I want warm weather!!!!!

I am very excited today! Last night I ordered my formal gown! It's beautiful and I can't wait for it to get here so I can try it on. I also have the girl's semi-formal night dresses. I bought them for Easter and they are beautiful. I was able to convince my eldest that she and her sis should wear them for semi-formal night and she said yes. They are just a tad big (not too big to wear for Easter though) so they should fit beautifully for semi-formal.

Today at lunchtime (yes I have to work ) I'm going to order the girl's formal night dresses. I still have to decide on what I'm going to wear for semi-formal night and pirate night and I still have to decide on what to do for our boarding day t-shirts and I still have to buy and put together my FE gifts but I'm heading in the correct direction.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day and a very Happy Easter! Kristi

 

[the great cornholeo]

Hey Everyone,

Hope you all have a great day. We are in for some stormy weather today. Say a prayer for us.

I am so glad it is Friday. Only 30 days left of school. The only thing is, I love the bunch of kids I have this year and don't want to give them up. This has been one of, if not the best classes I have ever had. Wish I could keep them another year.

Gena

Hi Gena,
I hope that you and your family were safe today. Weather is no joke, and it scares me to death sometimes. We used to love in Indianapolis, and I will never forget waking up to Tornado sirens.

I hope that Huntsville stays safe too. I relocate a lot of people down there to a company called Navistar.

Take care

 

[wareagle]

Good Morning Everyone,

We are safe. We did have one area of our fence damaged, but otherwise we are fine. However, my hometown of Murfreesboro, TN is devistated. Up to as many as 4 tornadoes touched down. My family there is safe, but the town is a mess. Please pray for the residents of Murfreesboro.

I've got to run. We have a game in less than an hour and I've got to get ready. Have a great Saturday.

Gena

 

[kpflillirpf]

Hi everyone! Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Gena - I will pray for your family and your hometown. I can't imagine what they're going through. Glad to hear that you fared well though.

I'm hoping this will cheer everyone up. I bought Lil's formal dress yesterday (can't remember if I told you that or not) and I'm going to buy Katelin's formal dress today. I'm making progress!!!!

Here's the dress I ordered for myself (in Black):

and here's the dress I ordered for Lil (I got this on e-bay for a very low price which makes me very happy):

When I order Katelin's dress I'll share it as well.

Have a great weekend and although I've already said it, have a Happy Easter. Kristi

 

[dolphingirl47]

Those dresses are gorgeous.

Corinna

 

[disneydiva16]

Kristi those are very pretty dresses. I dont have one for me yet. I have to get on the ball here!!! My girls have there formal dresses. I should take a picture and post them. I do have a dress that would match theirs but I really wanted to get a new one.

Gena I am glad that your family is safe. I agree that weather is no joke!!!

Hope everyone is well!!! I will check back later

 

[disneymeister]

Hey all! Just checking in and hoping you are getting ready for a fantastic easter. Life here has been pretty nuts lately, work is a disaster everyday and I can hardly wait for some significant vacation time!!

We are thinking of switching to the late seating. Any pros/cons on main vs late? I originally thought main because I wanted it to feel like we eat and then see a show...but I think that eating later (since I doubt we will be able to stop snacking) with the show first might be better. ??

Ok, I also wanted to share a (what I think) is a great deal! I added a room "post-cruise" to our cruise reservation at the Swan & Dolphin for only $110 (incl tax). We are staying at BLT before the cruise for a few days, but hadn't decided where to stay when we get back.

ALSO, MNSSHP is on Thursday? I thought it would be on Friday, 10/2....ok i just looked and I guess it is on BOTH nights. We are planning to go on Friday, 10/2.

Happy Easter!!

Heidi

 

[disneymeister]

And...you have to call your travel agent or DCL to add the night (at S&D) to your reservation. I just added on Friday, so the special price might still be valid.

 

[acourtwdw2]

Hey all! Just checking in and hoping you are getting ready for a fantastic easter. Life here has been pretty nuts lately, work is a disaster everyday and I can hardly wait for some significant vacation time!!

We are thinking of switching to the late seating. Any pros/cons on main vs late? I originally thought main because I wanted it to feel like we eat and then see a show...but I think that eating later (since I doubt we will be able to stop snacking) with the show first might be better. ??

Ok, I also wanted to share a (what I think) is a great deal! I added a room "post-cruise" to our cruise reservation at the Swan & Dolphin for only $110 (incl tax). We are staying at BLT before the cruise for a few days, but hadn't decided where to stay when we get back.

ALSO, MNSSHP is on Thursday? I thought it would be on Friday, 10/2....ok i just looked and I guess it is on BOTH nights. We are planning to go on Friday, 10/2.

Happy Easter!!

Heidi

We're staying at BLT before the cruise also and doing MNSSHP on Thursday. I don't like to do them on Friday because the locals tend to go on the weekends and they are really crowded.

Happy Easter.

 

[disneydiva16]

Happy Easter everyone!!!

We are also doing MNSSHP, but cant decide which night to do it on. Here is my dilema...What would you guys do?
Oct 1 arrive at 1pm in Orlando. Go to park at 7pm and party.
Oct 2 Girls b-day so they get into park for free. Age 3 and 10 go to party

Do I go to mnsshp on the 1st where I would only have to pay for 3 tkts (cuz Sophie would still be free under 2) or do I just go on the 2nd and go all day and Sophie and Gabi would be free to get into park and just stay for the party and pay for 4 tkts?

Sophie has never been to the Magic Kingdom, so I kinda wanted to do the all day thing, but I am afraid the girls would be pooped come Sat. for the cruise.

Does any of this makes sense??? HELP!!!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Robin....ok here is what I think having young girls.....as we know when they melt down they really do...I would go on Oct 1st to the party and then go and enjoy what you might have missed(though on MSSHP we did everything ). 2 days at the kingdom...awesome!!! Also from experience the thurs night party will be less busy, the locals come out on the weekend, just like Amanda said!

Ok well everyone Have a Happy Easter. We went to church this morning and saw a play from Jesus healing the deaf woman to the resurrection.....AWESOME!!!!!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Happy Easter. I have had to work all over Easter. At least tomorrow I will get a lie in as I don't have to be at work until 1 PM.

I am so excited. I just checked the NCL website and we got our room assignment for the first part of our back to back cruise. It looks like the upgrade fairy struck. We are still in an inside cabin, but in a different category which means a better location. Instead of deck 4 (which is the equivalent of deck 1 on DCL) we are on deck 10. So I am closer to the spa. In 6 weeks time we will be on the ship.

Corinna

 

[dismom73]

Hello all! I hope everyone had a nice Easter! We are back from Nevada and knee deep in dirt and paving stones in the backyard. What a mess! I can't wait to have it done.
Robin, I agree with Michelle...I would do MNSSHP on Thurs. night and then do the park during the day on Friday. That way you (and the kids) can get a good night sleep. Also, if you do get to do everything you want to at MNSSHP you could even consider doing one of the other parks on Friday, if you wanted to.
I'm going to try to hit a couple of stores today to see if I can find some Easter dresses on clearance for formal night. Wish me luck! I also have to run by Home Depot for more pavers for the backyard.
I hope everyone has a great day!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Andrea...Glad you had a safe and wonderful trip to Neveda! I hope you are having fun with the pavers...haha U deserve that for your nice temps there. Please share some,turn on your fan and point it this way. Maybe some will blow our way. Good luck finding your dresses for riley. Sydney is dieing for Riley to reply....share the computer!

Me I need something for pirate night. The kids are dressing up, DH has a skull embroidered polo shirt and me nothing. I msy just wear a little black dress or something. Prolly something black,red, and white cause that is what the girls are in and DH's polo is red. Easter was good for us. We went to my cousin's(more like a sis) and had an easter egg hunt, scavenger clue hunt for easter baskets, and pinyata. The kids are like,,"this is just as good as Christmas" Yeah I guess we have always gone a bit overboard! Traditions just dont change, guess thats why they are traditions!

Corinna....I hope you have fun , though I am jealous. I could use the vacation!

Kristi--- love your formal!! Also Lily's dress is gorgeous....