One Way Trip to Canada, Eh? FINAL THOUGHTS 08/10

[megsablue]

Loving your pre-trip report - you're cracking me up with your pile of stuff on the bed! It looks like the amount of stuff I have out! I have our carry-on out in the hallway and it's been collecting stuff - the problem is - it's almost full and I haven't even started the REAL packing yet. I had to decide to opt out of the FE this time around as we'll be packed to the gills since we're meeting up with my parents in DLR and between the stuff I've ordered on Amazon (and shipped to their house) and the stuff they're bringing (I'm pregnant, so Grandma's been shopping. Quite a bit from what Grandpa tells me!), I'm praying we'll fit everything into our large suitcase! Baby stuff is MUCH cheaper in the US, so I have to take advantage of my US roots...

I do love the cover, except I think I might like one that functions like a book cover more. This is more like an envelope - but the fabric is really nice to touch - I'm strange about textures

I find that I get a little cramped holding it sometimes, because I am not techy either and I seem to always be touching the wrong places. I might need to get a hard cover that it clips in to. I do love reading at night, and I think the battery will be really long lasting. I can't play videos yet - Flash isn't ready for the Nook, and you can play Utube, but it is blurry, because the Utube thinks it's playing on a phone. Jim wants me to download movies, but I don't know how. I think I'll just have him bring his DVDs - I want to read, not watch his movies!

I bought the green hard cover with my Nook Color since I wanted it to feel more "bookish" and I really like it. It's the one with the quote about choosing books as you would friends that you can see on the Nook.com website. It's pretty durable as it's held up against me dropping it. Whoops!

I've found that if I'm really lazy and reading in bed while laying down, I can prop the Nook Color up against my DH's pillow and tilt it so it matches the angle that my eyes are hitting it (so I don't go cross-eyed). That way you don't have to hold it and you just sweep your finger across when you're reading to change pages. I told you I'm lazy!

As for the battery, I think I've only gotten the battery down low once and that was because I had forgotten to charge it for like 5 days. Now I have the charger on my bedside table so that helps. Another way to save battery is to turn the WiFi off if you're not using it.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Loving your pre-trip report - you're cracking me up with your pile of stuff on the bed! It looks like the amount of stuff I have out! I have our carry-on out in the hallway and it's been collecting stuff - the problem is - it's almost full and I haven't even started the REAL packing yet. I had to decide to opt out of the FE this time around as we'll be packed to the gills since we're meeting up with my parents in DLR and between the stuff I've ordered on Amazon (and shipped to their house) and the stuff they're bringing (I'm pregnant, so Grandma's been shopping. Quite a bit from what Grandpa tells me!), I'm praying we'll fit everything into our large suitcase! Baby stuff is MUCH cheaper in the US, so I have to take advantage of my US roots...



I bought the green hard cover with my Nook Color since I wanted it to feel more "bookish" and I really like it. It's the one with the quote about choosing books as you would friends that you can see on the Nook.com website. It's pretty durable as it's held up against me dropping it. Whoops!

I've found that if I'm really lazy and reading in bed while laying down, I can prop the Nook Color up against my DH's pillow and tilt it so it matches the angle that my eyes are hitting it (so I don't go cross-eyed). That way you don't have to hold it and you just sweep your finger across when you're reading to change pages. I told you I'm lazy!

As for the battery, I think I've only gotten the battery down low once and that was because I had forgotten to charge it for like 5 days. Now I have the charger on my bedside table so that helps. Another way to save battery is to turn the WiFi off if you're not using it.

Thank you! Congratulations on your pregnancy. On our Eastern in 2005 we decided to Christmas shop, and we had a new grandson. Needless to say, we found ourselves buying a fake coach duffle to take as a carryon on the way back, as well as a 6 pack of the big rum bottles.

Thanks for the Nook tips! I find that I am lazy when I read too! I made a "nest" out of the comforter for my nook, too and leaned it against that - it worked nice, but I'm thinking I'll spring for a new cover soon. I did want one that is enclosed around it more to guard against dust, etc. from my purse.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I purchased WD Family Museum tickets today! I couldn't get the website to work, so I called. Got a nice CM who KNEW our ship was coming in She said alot of us are doing it on our own rather than the tour. She sounded really excited that a Disney ship will be there!

My friend since 4th grade, Deborah, is picking us up at the port with a very carefully coordinated cell phone call! She will tour the museum with us, and then we'll make it back to the DT area somewhere for her to park. She knows where to go - her DBF works near FW. We will tour around the area until her DBF can join us, and then maybe hit Chinatown and a casual dinner. It's nice to know our plans, and it will be so great to see an old friend again!
__________________

 

[YukiPhnx]

I'm so jealous of all your packing. I wish I were packing stuff for a trip too. Those are really nice suitcases!

Wow, a friend since 4th grade? What a long history you guys have! It'll be so nice to catch up with her!

I had no idea they had a Disney museum there

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I'm so jealous of all your packing. I wish I were packing stuff for a trip too. Those are really nice suitcases!

Wow, a friend since 4th grade? What a long history you guys have! It'll be so nice to catch up with her!

I had no idea they had a Disney museum there

Thanks, my suitcases are getting a little dirty and worn, but I love them. I got the purple set from my boss when I left my last job to be self employed. He knew I love to travel, so his wife picked them out for me - same ones she has!

I'm so excited to see my friend Deborah! We have alot of catching up to do. She lost her husband to cancer a few years ago, and has a new Aussie boyfriend, so it should be fun getting to know him, too!

The WD museum if fairly new, I think. I'm not sure why they chose to put it in SF instead of the Anaheim area. It is at the Presidio, which I'm excited to see, too - it's an old army training facility - alot of history there.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I ordered an FE from BonnieSews on Ebay and it arrived yesterday!

It is so nice - great fabric, heavy interfacing to make it more sturdy, and fully lined pockets. The best part is the cute embroidery in Disney Font!

In case you're reading this and aren't familiar with the DIS Cruise speak, an FE is a Fish Extender - sort of like a mailbox - it hangs from the fish next to your cabin door - The Fish is kind of like a napkin holder shape, and CMs leave invitations and information for you, and other cruisers can leave notes. Well, DISers, being the friendly bunch we are have taken to making lists of people who want to be part of the FE Exchange on our Cruise Meet threads. We bring small gifts for each other and try to deliver them into said FE without being caught! Kind of like a "secret santa" type thing!

On a sad note, I'm sure most everyone has heard about the CM on the Wonder who went missing on last weeks Western cruise. Our friends were on the cruise - she disappeared between the first Cabo stop and PV. They announced that she was missing and asked people to help look for her, but it did'nt overshadow the whole cruise. So sad - she was very young. Disney said that is the first time is has happened on one of their ships.

We have only 24 days until we leave!

 

[Charleston Princess]

The FE is so cute!!! I didn't know why it was called a Fish Extender until you explained it to me -- now that mystery is solved for me.

Very sad about the cast member!!!

 

[podsnel]

VERY cute FE, Tammie!! I think it's hysterical you already have your bags out!

That is so sad about the crew memeber going lost... What was her job on the ship?

So wonderful you will get to see your old friend AND see that Disney museum- I am sooooo envious!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

The FE is so cute!!! I didn't know why it was called a Fish Extender until you explained it to me -- now that mystery is solved for me.

Very sad about the cast member!!!

Thanks, I love it. I'm glad I could help explain the FE for you!

VERY cute FE, Tammie!! I think it's hysterical you already have your bags out!

That is so sad about the crew memeber going lost... What was her job on the ship?

So wonderful you will get to see your old friend AND see that Disney museum- I am sooooo envious!!

Thanks! I thought every good DISer would be packing this early!

I'm not sure about the CM - I'll have to read up on her now that more details are out - I've been MIA for a few days.

You will have to come out and do the West Coast sometime!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

3 WEEKS! WE LEAVE IN 3 WEEKS!!!

Thanks for letting me dance for a moment. Sorry I've been MIA - I had a busy end of my week with work, and then I went on a fabulous, what we are calling the "Epicest DISmeet Ever!" the term Epicest was coined by the daughter of All7OfUs.

We met in Salem, where All7OfUs lives. Millie12591 flew out from Texas, I drove up to No. OR from So. OR, Cameo818 drove an hr in OR( just for dinner on Friday), and Eandesmom drove down from the Seattle Area. We stayed on the beautiful Wilamette River at the home of All7OfUs - what a fun, cozy home she has! There was lots of laughter, lots of wine and lots of Girl talk until 2am!

Liesa, All7OfUs, is doing a TR within a TR on her thread, so I don't want to steal her thunder, but I thought I'd share a pic of everyone at dinner on Saturday night at Liesa's home (I am the photographer)

I think Liesa's hubby Mike was a little confused by our immediate friendship with "strangers" as were all of our hubbys. They kept wondering when we would do our "Disney stuff" and what exactly we were doing. I am amazed at the wonderful friendships we make here!

I'll leave you with a because I'm feeling warm and fuzzy.

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a fun DIS meet!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Your FE is adorable Tammie!

I did the paid in full dance yesterday, only to have them announce they will leave from Seattle next year.

figures.

Nice picture! Epicest for sure....

I felt bad, I should have brought Jeff, he and Mike would have totally hit it off. At least I had some plane pictures to show him the next day.

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks for the tips! Maybe we should rent the car. I thought the Gardens would be on the way back from the Castle - see what I know?

I think there are bus tours to it as well but it's definitely not right around the corner. WELL worth the trip though!

We had snow and hail here today. GRRR.

I do love the cover, except I think I might like one that functions like a book cover more. This is more like an envelope - but the fabric is really nice to touch - I'm strange about textures

I love my Kindle cover, it is a bit harder/stiff so it's more like holding a thin hardcover book and has a light I can clip into it. The Kindle clips into it and it opens like a book. Your vera cover is pretty though!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

What a fun DIS meet!!!

It was so great! It was like a vacation you anticipate for a long time, and then over way to soon. Nice memories and bonding time, though!

Your FE is adorable Tammie!

I did the paid in full dance yesterday, only to have them announce they will leave from Seattle next year.

figures.

Nice picture! Epicest for sure....

I felt bad, I should have brought Jeff, he and Mike would have totally hit it off. At least I had some plane pictures to show him the next day.

Thank you, Cynthia! Congrats on the PIF! I know when I saw the Seattle port, I thought how convenient it would be. It looks like most are flying in and out of SEA anyway, and getting to and from VYR another way, so good move on Disney's part for next year! Hawaii looks good, but we are not too keen on 5 days at sea yet, and I think it will sell out for Gold and Platinum members before we need to decide! We might think about a Western out of Galveston, but Jim is still insisting on saving the $$ next year for our Grand Gathering with our kids and grandkids in 2013.

It would have been great if Jeff came - he and Mike would have had a good time together for sure.

I think there are bus tours to it as well but it's definitely not right around the corner. WELL worth the trip though!

We had snow and hail here today. GRRR.



I love my Kindle cover, it is a bit harder/stiff so it's more like holding a thin hardcover book and has a light I can clip into it. The Kindle clips into it and it opens like a book. Your vera cover is pretty though!

I'm glad we rented a car so we can get around to what we want to see.

Still snowing here, too.

I saw your Kindle cover. I love the feel of mine right now, but I think I will eventually switch to one like yours - maybe when they get one that zips around and still has the clips

I downloaded a book last night that I saw on a TR - it is not supposed to ruin your cruise, but just an interesting peek at the life of the CMs on a cruise ship. "Cruise Confidential - A Hit Below the Waterline." by Brian David Bruns I am enjoying it so far while looking forward to sailing.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Just celebrating because I have the FE gifts almost done! Witih 59 cabins participating, this is really quite a project! I have some extra items for the kids (23 of them) and then a gift for each cabin, as well as some thank you gifts. I'm waiting for a few more items to be able to finish the rest, but I'm 2/3 done! Without giving away too much, here they are in totes, ready to pack. I think these gifts will take up a whole small suitcase on their own!

 

[anewmac]

ahhhhh Ive missed so much, now to catch up. Yeah its right around the corner for you, im so excited to hear about it all!

1st, what happened with the Amazon pervert??
2nd, I believe the cm that went overboard was a youth advisor. I though thats what i read somewhere
3rd, traveling with fish extender gifts killed me we needed a whole nother suitcase for those the magnets etc LOL. I feel ya there.

Cant wait to read more!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

ahhhhh Ive missed so much, now to catch up. Yeah its right around the corner for you, im so excited to hear about it all!

1st, what happened with the Amazon pervert??
2nd, I believe the cm that went overboard was a youth advisor. I though thats what i read somewhere
3rd, traveling with fish extender gifts killed me we needed a whole nother suitcase for those the magnets etc LOL. I feel ya there.

Cant wait to read more!

Hey! Welcome Back! Did you do a TR? I think I missed your pics on FB - I'll have to look for them. Did you have a great cruise?

1st - here's a link - he got PROBATION! Oh, and on top of that, Amazon only removed the book because of public outcry, and the notoriety made the sales of the bood SOAR! We live in a sick world. He even looks creepy: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/os-pedophile-book-author-sentenced-20110406,0,6126016.story

2nd - So sad about the lost CM. She was so young.

3rd - I think I will fill up a whole bag to check, too - and we are not flying SW. I am consoling myself with the thought that it will leave more room for souvies! We are shopping at DL for the grandkids - one DGS has a birthday on May 4, so we are doing his birthday shopping there. But I think we'll ship a box home from Calif. before we sail.

Thanks for coming back - the PTR is a little slow, but I hope the TR itself will be fun.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I told some other DISmoms, but I just had to share here, too. This morning I was having a TERRIBLE nightmare! :

I dreamed we were checking into the cruise, and because it wasn't PC, it was a crazy mess. I went up to the desk to check in, was given both keys and when I turned around, Jim was gone. There was just this mad rush of people everywhere! I went up the gangway, thinking somehow that Jim went to the cabin and was waiting for me. (I guess he didn't need a key to get on) Then I started walking around, and the ship was more like a Coast Guard ferry or something. I got to the hallway where our cabin was, but it was blocked off by a broken plate glass door with tape over it. I went around the corner to try to come up the other side, and it was blocked off by a "crew only" area, with crew members sitting at tables in front of the door.

I started walking up the deck, and then I saw we were already moving and the sea was really rough. I realized I had forgotten Jim's Meclazine and he was going to be sick. Thankfully, that is when I woke up!


I told Jim about it this morning, and he assured me he wouldn't get lost when we get on the Wonder!

I think this nightmare was because I've been reading "Cruise Confidential.." The "below the waterline" part of the Carnival ship sounds about like the coast guard ferry in my dream!

Speaking of reading, I know I asked for some suggestions for books to read on my Nook. I have downloaded way more than I can read in a vacation, but I am enjoying one book now (well, actually two, along with just finishing "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson. )

In addition to "Cruise" I am reading Daniel's Gift by Barbara Feethy
Thanks to some great suggestions, I have also downloaded:

The State of the Onion
The Orchid Affair
Water for Elephants
I also have Home Again by Kristin Hannah - my favorite author lately. I think these will keep me busy - Thanks again for all the great suggestions!

Tomorrow, we are going to go through Jim's clothes and see what else he needs. I have purchased him the requisite new underwear and socks, and tomorrow is his birthday - he got some new running shoes, and I got him a couple new T-shirts to wear - I mostly need to know which slacks and shorts he wants, and have him bring his white dress shirt home from work where he keeps it with his dress uniform, just in case.
I'm going to start packing, also - it has been hard because the weather is changing so much, we go back and forth from Spring to Winter so much and I need both types of clothes for this trip, so it's hard to truly set anything aside. 2 weeks from today we will be in ANAHEIM!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I always have crazy, bad dreams before vacations! At least, you know you won't really end up on a Coast Guard boat.

I do believe I recognize some of those titles.

Hurray for being only two weeks away from your trip!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I always have crazy, bad dreams before vacations! At least, you know you won't really end up on a Coast Guard boat.

I do believe I recognize some of those titles.

Hurray for being only two weeks away from your trip!!!

Yes, at least I know our beautiful Wonder will not be a Coast Guard ferry!

Thanks for the suggestions!