October 20th 2007 Western Magic Part 8

[Cheryl N. WI]

Not a California person but we did stay at the Homewood Suites in Garden Grove for a night in 2003 and they too had a shuttle. The drive to DL from the hotel wasn't far at all.

Ok. California people help me out here. I spent alot of my summers growing up in Garden Grove. That is not that far away for DL is it. I don't remember the drive being all that long.

Right next door.

So we could stay at one of them and the park in one of the parking structures?

Sure. We stayed at the Hyatt one year (got it through priceline). It was just a short drive down Harbor. We drove to the park every day, but they did have a shuttle.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

It sounds very interesting Susan. What a great experience! I hope your hands feel better

It was a super workshop. They spent the morning with the history of the drum and the importance and rituals that the drums brought to the tribes. Then they made the drum stick and it is all a chosen process...finding the right skins, sticks, etc that "feels" right for you.

Then they had a drumming circle so they could feel what the drums are meant to bring to you and hear and learn how to play them. Then they were saged to clear any negativity etc. Mother Earth was thanked for the skins and the wood and the tools she provided.

Then they had lunch... a shared pot luck type to bring everyone together.

Then I got there. hahaha Missed lunch. That is ok.. most of them are vegatarian and some of that tofu or veggie crumble stuff is not my favorite.

So then we began making the drums. Oh my hands hurts so bad. You have to pull the wet rawhide so tight and then tie knots. You use plyers to help and someone has to hold it flat. You tie 32 knots on each drum then you wrap the handles as well. Neither of the boys could manuever the ties and Mary was not strong enough to pull and tie. So my hands are a bit swollen right now as I tied all 3 drums.

But the experience was amazing really. Now we wait for a week or so for them to dry completely then we will join the same group for a drum circle.

 

[MinnMick01]

That is a reference to a bit of Disneyland History. It used to be that you paid for entrance into the park then you would buy ticket books that gave you passes onto the rides. The books were populated with 5 different tickets lettered from A to E. The A tickets were many and would let you onto things like the Bus that runs down mainstreet. Then there were B,C, and D tickets that allowed you on progressively more popular rides. But in every Ticket book there were only one or two E-tickets. The E-tickets were the ones you bought the book for. Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc. The Ticket books have passed into history but the term E-ticket Ride has become a part of American lexicon. It refers to the coolest, scariest or fastest rides around. That, or a drive through the mountains with my mom driving.

So I really don't need an extra ticket for the ride, it is just a name that stuck with it.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

We agree, see Wild Hogs if you have the chance We saw it and are hopingthat time will allow for us to see it again on the ship. Very funny movie

No prob. Definately see wild hogs. That was the hardest I have laughed in a long time

 

[MinnMick01]

I agree with Steve, definately can do in 1 day. Alladin is great, Soarin is great also and a fast pass. Boardwalk not that great, probably why they are revamping it. They do have a kids area now, but I haven't been there (my kids are teens). There is one place that has a princess meal as well.

Another place that is good to eat is Mimi's Cafe on Harbor by the HOJO. Not fast food cheap, but affordable, and great food. Just driving south on Harbor you are bound to find something.

Scott loves Mimi's. I think I might know where you are talking about. It is like in the HOJO parking lot.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Good morning Carrie How are you today?

So I really don't need an extra ticket for the ride, it is just a name that stuck with it.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

A good morning FO

 

[MinnMick01]

Now that would have been too cool. That is something most people don't get to see.

Ya you are not supposed to see it but he snuck me down there. I that it was real interesting. That and it was an older ship so things were very different between crew and guest. Let alone the elevators for guests where still set up that each elevator only hit certain floors. Like in Titanic.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Carrie you shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You should focus on ALL the good that you do, and there is lots of it, not on the things you forget. We all make mistakes and forget things

Not so much easier. I drive everyone in my home nuts. Then when I drop the ball with something I really get down on myself for it. I can guarantee that I will forget something this trip and it will really get to me. I will be all upset with myself and get depressed. Not fun at all.

 

[Tart Annihilator]

Susan,

Love the drums!!!




Good morning Carrie and Lori. I guess everyone is getting ready for church. I thought I'd drop in and say hi. I have way too much to get done today, but we're spending the day with Michael, Courtney and Addison. After the last couple of days... they could use a little fun.

They have accepted the loss of the baby and are doing very well.

Thanks for all the well wishes.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

I always allot extra too for the servers/stateroom host that are excellent. These people work very hard!

Hello

How are you?

Suggested tips are

Server $25.75 per person
Ast. Server $18.75 per person
Head Server $6.50
Stateroom person $25.25 per person

I actually allotted a bit more just in case I get exceptional service.

 

[MinnMick01]

Wow... that doesn't seem like very much... is that daily? Help me someone...

No from what I am reading in the passporters it is not daily. But I figured it out that if you took their suggested daily amount it would be a few dollars more. Here is what they suggest

Server $3.75 daily, or $11.00 for a 3 night cruise, $14.75 for a 4 night cruise, $25.75 for a 7 night cruise

Asst. Server $2.75 daily, or $8.00 for a 3 night cruise, $10.75 for a 4 night cruise, for a 7 night cruise

Head Server $1.00 daily, $2.75 for 3 night, $3.75 for 4 night, $6.50 for a 7 night

Stateroom person $3.60 daily, $10.75 for a 3 night, $14.50 for a 4 night, $25.25 for a 7 night.

Hope this helps.

 

[Tart Annihilator]

I always allot extra too for the servers/stateroom host that are excellent. These people work very hard!

Hi Cheryl, (Sorry, I didn't realize you were on.)

Same here... If they do a horrible job, they get the alloted amount. We never stiff anyone, regardless of how bad their service is.

Those that go the extra mile, get duely rewarded.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Carrie we have been to the Disneyland Resort twice, June 2003 and June 2006. Both times I read about how people do not like California Adventure but we kept an open mind and we went in 2003 and we really enjoyed it so I alloted time to go again in 2006 and we still really enjoyed it! (alot of people don'e likethe Animal Kingdom at WDW either but we do ) It seemed to be less crowded than the DL park and we thought it was a very pretty park. One of Rachel's favorite rides is The Tower of Terror so we can't miss that and Al and I love Soarin'! CA has different things to offer than DL park and a different atmosphere just likethe 4 different parks at WDW are all different too. I recommend giving it a try.

everyone that has been to California Adventure. Can you please give me you honest opinion?

 

[MinnMick01]

Carrie,

I am perpetually in awe of all you get done in a day...that's some hard work!!
You deserve some cheers!

In all serious now, I'm sure your family appreciates all that you do, even if they don't say it. I do that sometimes too, so I know how you feel.

Having said that, if you get depressed about forgetting something for the cruise, you'd better come find me! I'll treat you to one of these strawberry smoothies everyone's been talking about and cheer you up!

Edited to add: By the way, in the process of trying to type this one post, DS asked for breakfast (toast with pb&j and milk), then while in the kitchen I found that the cat had "urped" up on the floor, so after I got breakfast for DS, I had to clean up the cat mess, and my coffee got cold, so I had to microwave it...I know how you feel!

Thank you so much. I know that DH appreciates all that I do and he tells me on a daily basis. It is just hard because I know the kids would appreciate it if thier mom was not out to sabatage everything I do. Ok enough of that.

I am having the same kind of morning. Mac got up at about 5:30. It is a daddy day for her but he was not home from work yet and still needs to sleep some today. So she asked for breakfast. I told her to pick it out and I would make it for her. I went to start my computer and she came to me with a box of chocolate and vanilla rice krispees. Only problem was the box was upside down and she left a trail of cereal from the pantry in the kitchen all the way to me in the computer room. So I had to vac the computer room and sweep the kitchen. Like I need to do that at 5:30 in the morning.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Good morning Robin I've been popping in off and on trying to get caught up here and get some other things done at the same time.

We are the same, if they do a horrible job we still give them the alloted amount. If they give great service they get extra. One of our cruises our dining room head server never appeared at our table until the last night, it just killed us to give him that tip because he didn't earn it but we gave it to him anyway and made comments on the comment card. The cruise last Oct. our head server was awesome (as was all the staff) he came to our table nightly and actually stopped to talk for awhile each night and you could also see him going through the dining room helping the servers to make sure everything was going smoothly and efficiently, he got extra.

Hi Cheryl, (Sorry, I didn't realize you were on.)

Same here... If they do a horrible job, they get the alloted amount. We never stiff anyone, regardless of how bad their service is.

Those that go the extra mile, get duely rewarded.

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Robin have a good visit with Michael, Courtney and Addison Glad to here they are doing well and I'm sure part of that is because of you and Mike and the time you spend withthem and the support you give Somehow the other "stuff" always seems to get done.

Good morning Carrie and Lori. I guess everyone is getting ready for church. I thought I'd drop in and say hi. I have way too much to get done today, but we're spending the day with Michael, Courtney and Addison. After the last couple of days... they could use a little fun.

They have accepted the loss of the baby and are doing very well.

Thanks for all the well wishes.

 

[MinnMick01]

Good morning Carrie How are you today?

I am doing good. How are you today?

 

[MinnMick01]

Carrie you shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You should focus on ALL the good that you do, and there is lots of it, not on the things you forget. We all make mistakes and forget things

I know that is how I should be. But it is hard to change. I am better then I used to be about being hard on myself. Thanks to the kids and all the court stuff and custody stuff that has helped me change but when it comes to trips I am still very hard on myself.

 

[B9erSteve]

Morning Steve. I hope the ER isn't too crazy today! Have a good day

If it is like yesterday, I'll be a runnin'

So I really don't need an extra ticket for the ride, it is just a name that stuck with it.

Nope. Just a fun peice of Disney Trivia.

Scott loves Mimi's. I think I might know where you are talking about. It is like in the HOJO parking lot.

That's the one!

I always allot extra too for the servers/stateroom host that are excellent. These people work very hard!

I'm glad I'm not the only strange one