October 17, 2009 Western

[doberlady]

I am am here at Disney now and having a great time. Loveeeeee the Contemporary, it's awesome!!!

 

[shancan911]

I am am here at Disney now and having a great time. Loveeeeee the Contemporary, it's awesome!!!

So jealous!!!! Hope you have a wonderful time, now get off the computer Snap a couple of photos of the construction for the new DVC property there if you get a chance. My inlaws are members, and trying to get us to purchase, too. It's a great deal, but DH really wants to build a new home, and I would rather take care of that first.

Yazee, I see you updated the first post with my info. Thanks, I think that's a great idea for reference. How do the on board meets work with DCL?

 

[yazee1]

Yazee, I see you updated the first post with my info. Thanks, I think that's a great idea for reference. How do the on board meets work with DCL?

You're welcome. I'll add as much info as anyone would like to that reference list. Later, we can even add a list of FE participants and FE links that might be helpful. That's what someone did for our meet thread last time.

Meeting plans are up to the threadmates. DCL doesn't have anything to do with it. We kick around times and locations until we agree on the details. For instance, the group might agree to meet at 3pm on deck 10. Sometimes, some of the threadmates get together beforehand if they are staying at the same hotel the night before the cruise. Our last cruise was the first time we did that though. It turned out four families, including dh and me, from our thread were staying at the Radisson.

Speaking of the Radisson, I'm up in the air about where to stay this time. The Radisson, even though the breakfast wasn't so hot this time, was still a good value, but I wonder if there's an equally good hotel (similar price range) with a better breakfast. We stayed at the Residence Inn the year it opened. Very nice, too, but I don't care for the serve-yourself breakfast bar.

 

[doberlady]

I took pics of the new construction as our room is right next to it. We had booked the garden wing with a "friends and family" discount and the nice check in cast member upgraded us to a tower room for free!! Our room overlooks the monorail and the store on one side and Chef Mickey's on the oher side of the floor. There are computers in the rooms with free internet!

I have never stayed in a monorail resort before and I love it.! Yesterday was freezing here at 65 (we loved it) people were all dressed up with hats and gloves

Today will be in the low 70's. We are off to MK and Epcot for dinner at Le Cellier.

Have a great day!

 

[bourgie]

I took pics of the new construction as our room is right next to it. We had booked the garden wing with a "friends and family" discount and the nice check in cast member upgraded us to a tower room for free!! Our room overlooks the monorail and the store on one side and Chef Mickey's on the oher side of the floor. There are computers in the rooms with free internet!

I have never stayed in a monorail resort before and I love it.! Yesterday was freezing here at 65 (we loved it) people were all dressed up with hats and gloves

Today will be in the low 70's. We are off to MK and Epcot for dinner at Le Cellier.

Have a great day!

We miss you guys , but are glad you are having fun!!!

Well, we shall live through all your pictures when you come back!!!

It is COLD HERE and RAINY with leaves all over the place!!!!!!!

Oh, one more thing WE HAD WET SNOW MIXED WITH THE RAIN YESTERDAY!!!!

 

[bourgie]

i see some flakes pass by my window.....

Doberlady, have a drink for us!!

 

[shancan911]

We're just southwest of Cleveland. Had some flakes flying around today, but they didn't do anything. My bff's mom lives southeast of Cleveland, and they actually brought out their snowplows today Here it comes! I detest winters here, but DH likes "the seasons" Whatever He's worth it.

Thanks for the pictures, I'll have to share them with the in-laws. I would love to escape to see Mickey if even just for a minute. Enjoy!!

 

[firefighter chris]

Unfortunately, we will not be on this cruise. My cousin, Goofy4Ever, has a child that starts high school next year, and tehy do not want to pull him out of school for that many days. So we were trying to plan it for the week of the teachers convention, which she has now been told is the following week. So when you guys are getting off the boat, we will be getting there. I hope that all is well for your trip. Been great chatting here. Take care.

 

[doberlady]

firefighter chris- have a great cruise!

 

[yazee1]

Hey, There,

It's the 17th. A milestone! Eleven months to go. It's getting cold. My tan has fading.

 

[shancan911]

Hey, There,

It's the 17th. A milestone! Eleven months to go. It's getting cold. My tan has fading.

Our cruise last February, I started tanning the week before Christmas. (I can only do like 3-4 minutes at a time to start, quite a pasty gal) Had 2 weeks where I was able to do the full 15 minutes 3 days a week, I had decent color. Deepend it just a tich, and added a red hue during the cruise. By March, I was back to my pasty self. I usually don't tan. Partially becaused I burn so easily, not healthy, and all that. But mostly because it just fades so quickly. I do like the way I look with a tan, I'm just too lazy to keep it up. Oh well, hopefully when I'm 60 I'll be happy about that I guess for this cruise I'll start somewhere in the neighborhood of Labor Day at the tanning bed.

On a bright note, YAY! Less than 11 months is right!!! I have to come up with somewhere to go this winter or spring on a small getaway. We were thinking about also doing a 9 day southern route in February(sans kiddo), but it is not happening. I would love to go away, even just for a weekend. Keepin my eyes open for deals.

 

[yazee1]

Hi, Shancan,

Where does the time go? Since I started working my seasonal job in the beginning of November I haven't had the time to read let alone post. Or, I'm just too tired.

Did you pick a weekend getaway location yet? There won't be any getaways for us before October except maybe the beach this summer with the kids. We have a timeshare week at the Jersey beach. I'd like to rent it out this year and save the money for the cruise, but dh, who doesn't ask for much in life, is firm about going.

I know what you mean about tanning. I used to tan when I was in my 20's, and I did it for several weeks (like you short periods of time) before our first cruise because it was in April. Anymore, I don't go to the tanning booth for any reason and I've started wearing sunglasses and sunscreen.

I am going to use the last few minutes before bed to check out some Thanksgiving recipes. We don't really like turkey. I'm thinking of roasting a duck or a goose. Have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving.

 

[MommyTo5]

Hi All!

I just wanted to send a quick intro! We just got off the Magic on Saturday and today, I booked this cruise!!! It will be our 3rd Western!

Our travel party consists of myself, DH, and 5 of our 6 children... oldest DD will be away at college. The kiddos will be 13 (DS), 11 (DD), 11 (DS), 9 (DS), & 4 (DD).

I'm really looking forward to chatting and getting to know you all over the next few months!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[yazee1]

Hi All!

I just wanted to send a quick intro! We just got off the Magic on Saturday and today, I booked this cruise!!! It will be our 3rd Western!

Our travel party consists of myself, DH, and 5 of our 6 children... oldest DD will be away at college. The kiddos will be 13 (DS), 11 (DD), 11 (DS), 9 (DS), & 4 (DD).

I'm really looking forward to chatting and getting to know you all over the next few months!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi, There,

Wow, fresh off the ship. Home just in time for Thanksgiving. Are you having post-cruise blues or does having another cruise coming up in less than a year dull the pain? I've never been in the Caribbean in November. Is it still hot enough to feel like summer? Does it get chilly at night?

I'll add your family to the list we've started on page one. Welcome to the thread. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[shancan911]

Hi Yazee! I've never had duck or goose, you'll have to tell me how whatever you choose comes out. Enjoy your holiday no matter what you choose to feast on. Do you do retail seasonally? I have been trying the stay at home gig since late June. This is my 4th attempt at it since DS was born. I still suck at it. I never accomplish anything. If you came to my house you'd think I held down 2 full time jobs. DMIL understands where I'm coming from. She explained, you have all day to do something, so you keep saying you'll do it later. Then it doesn't get done. That about sums it up. Sums up what I'm doing now, too. I just accepted a job yesterday. I'll be working part time as an office clerk with our county's public housing program. It's a government job, so this is the one to keep. Only 20 hours a week. It's enough to keep me active out of the home, and put me back on a schedule where my house doesn't suffer any more.

Welcome Mommyof5! So, you loved the Magic, huh? How does your family cruise, do you get a couple of cabins, or a suite? It's just DH and I, and DS7, so one cabin is fine for us. Although, I wouldn't mind upgrading to a suite someday. This will be DS's second cruise. He is really excited, but he's able to let it go for a while. Everytime I bring it up he says, "Mom, you don't ALWAYS have to talk about the cruise!" I just love it!!
Well, I am purely procrastinating here, need to do some laundry and prepare my contribution for tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

[yazee1]

Hi Yazee! I've never had duck or goose, you'll have to tell me how whatever you choose comes out. Enjoy your holiday no matter what you choose to feast on.

We did enjoy a quiet and small Thanksgiving. How was your holiday? The night before Thanksgiving we decided to go out to dinner instead of cooking. So, no duck or goose. Dressed in our Sunday best, we ate dinner at a nice restaurant downtown. Dinner was buffet style but it wasn't the usual trough style buffet. The dishes were traditional but with a special touch to each item. The kids ate traditionally (turkey, ham and tilapia) but dh and I skipped those and ate prime rib. I tried maple syrup gravy on my mash potatoes for the first time. It was so good I considered skipping desert for a second helping of potatoes and gravy.

Do you do retail seasonally? I have been trying the stay at home gig since late June. This is my 4th attempt at it since DS was born. I still suck at it. I never accomplish anything. If you came to my house you'd think I held down 2 full time jobs. DMIL understands where I'm coming from. She explained, you have all day to do something, so you keep saying you'll do it later. Then it doesn't get done. That about sums it up. Sums up what I'm doing now, too. I just accepted a job yesterday. I'll be working part time as an office clerk with our county's public housing program. It's a federal job, so this is the one to keep. Only 20 hours a week. It's enough to keep me active out of the home, and put me back on a schedule where my house doesn't suffer any more.

I understand the struggles of time management when you work at home. Working at home seems like the perfect solution for a stay-at-home mom who wants to earn money, but it's very difficult to do. You think you'll work while the kids nap or play or while they're at preschool or school. Ha.

I keep a part-time job year round but I've had different ones. In the past, I mostly tutored or taught small group instruction. That's the best paying by far, but it's not a reliable source of income and was often a hassle with driving time and sitter issues. Last April, I started working a few nights a week for RGIS as an inventory auditor. We don't have a set schedule. We submit our availability 2 weeks in advance. If I know there's something coming up, I can make sure I'm not working that night. Of course, there are slow times when there's no work for anyone. Right now, for example. Toys R Us is seasonal. I work all of November up to Christmas. Overnight shift isn't so bad when it's only part-time and only for 2 months.

Good luck with your new job. Do you interact with the clients or work behind the scenes?

 

[shancan911]

Good luck with your new job. Do you interact with the clients or work behind the scenes?

Thanks! I don't have all the details yet. There will be some interaction, but my job mainly is clerk type duties, to help out with management. I guess HUD has come in with a lot of new paperwork, and they are just getting bogged down. So, a lot of filing and forms and stuff. Answering phones, and greeting people if they come in. It's a totally new environment for me. There is the plexiglass divider with the speaker vent and slide tray It's a shame, really. I think so many people utilizing the program are grateful, and good people. But there are always a few... I should hear next week about a start date, and orienation info. I'll update when I can.

We had a nice Thanksgiving here. My mother spends it with us and DH's family. The in-laws will be moving to Florida next summer/fall, so this was her last holiday. I am doing Christmas, as she is having some surgery next week and asked me if I could host. We're very laid back. Just sit, eat, and then play Wii! Love the Wii. The boys used to always play video games, but now we ALL get involved, kids, parents, and grandparents. It's a good time.

I was out shopping Friday morning, only the 2nd year I did it. Wasn't going to, either. But DH found something he wanted me to get from Toys R Us. Yikes, were you out of there before the masses came in? I don't think you could pay me enough to deal with some of those shoppers. I just try to stay out of their way!!!

Well, I have to go retrieve DS from cub scouts, ttyl!

 

[yazee1]

I like my job at Toys R Us, but only because I don't deal with the people. Don't get me wrong, I am a people person, but I don't want to work in customer service. I'm happy to come in at night wearing my grubby clothes and my ipod and spend all night sorting and opening boxes and filling the shelves for the next day. The job only lasts two months, and it's right about now, when there are only a few weeks left when the novelty fades and the inconvenience of working at night and sleeping during the day wears thin.

In fact, right now, I'm uploading a book onto my ipod so I have it to listen to while I work. And, I'm thinking about how I'm going to have to cut my sleep short tomorrow because my daughter has a ceremony to attend at lunch time. The state CAR Christmas party is Sunday, and I just found out we're to make (not buy) cookies for the party. I wonder if icing the outside of an Oreo and putting red and green sprinkles on it is considered making cookies. Not really, huh?

 

[shancan911]

Hi all! I can't believe it, they must have moved Christmas earlier this year Honestly, it really seems like it snuck up on me. I hope our cruise sneaks up on us, too! I am working on finishing up my cards. I make them, and I didn't start them unitl Thursday. I need to get a picture of DS to put inside, and address the envelopes, and I'm good to go. I'm so stealing an idea I read here or somewhere. I'm gonna pack some Santa hats in October and get a family piccy on Castaway Cay for next year's cards. It had better be as cute as I think it's gonna be!
This is my first year for hosting Christmas. I've had a few random holidays over the years, but never Christmas, and I'm so excited!! My DMIL usually hosts, and my mom comes there. DMIL had some foot surgery a couple of weeks ago, and is unsure of how she'll be feeling, and asked me if I could do it. I was surprised, because this will be their last Christmas here before they move to Florida. I've got the menu all planned out, and DH has gone decorating crazy. He's going to craft stores and everything. I LOVE IT!!!!! We also have tickets to ride the Polar Express this Friday, and it is sure to please. We have done this twice before. There is a railroad here, that brings in an engine decorated as the Polar Express. We board at 7, children clad in pj's. There are elves on each car. When we leave the station, the elves read the story aloud, and the children can read along if they brought their own book. About 30-40 minutes later, we'll arrive at the North Pole. There, we'll see a toyshop with hard working elves, and Santa himself will come on to the train and talk to each child, and give them that magic sleigh bell. It's a wonderful experience. When we leave, hot chocolate and cookies are served, and we sing carols all the way back to the station. So that's the highlight this week. I'll try to post some pictures this weekend.
What is everyone else doing for the holidays? Please share any special traditions.

 

[yazee1]

Your excitement about hosting this year and partaking of all the fun is delightful. It's so nice to see someone who embraces the role of hostess instead of complaining about it. I'm all about the food. What's on the menu?

My mother has lived in Florida for the past 23 years. We've only spent Christmas with her in that time once. My dad lives closer but our visits with his wife and him are usually over a meal and not prolonged. We always go to my in-laws for the holidays. It's an enjoyable time. It's become even more so since our children have gotten older and we don't have nap, diaper, or constant supervision issues.

That's a cute idea about bringing the Santa hats on the cruise to take your pictures for next Christmas. I just finished the last batch of cards tonight, or rather this morning. It's 3am. Working night shift has my sleep schedule all messed up. I'm finished working this job on the 21st! Yeah! There's nothing like working 10pm-6am to make me appreciate the fact that my regular part time job usually has me home by 1 or 2 in the morning.

Today is another milestone-the 10 month mark! I think we booked this cruise a year ago, give or take a month. I don't remember. The time does go quickly. Honestly, what slows it down for me is spending too much time on this board. On one hand it helps because I can relive the cruise through other people's trip reports and pictures, but on the other it doesn't because then I'm full of anticipation. It's like drinking soda when you need water. But, since I'm really busy right now with homeschooling, work, holidays, etc. and I don't have time to hang on Dis the way I used to, it's not an issue.