Sept 17 2005 Magic - am i alone on the ship?

[shmora]

Oh, I don't know any of these questions. Could you put an easy one in for me so I can play along? I can't wait until we leave, it is the center of my world right now. If I don't rebook what will I occupy my head with, I have been planning this years cruise and last years cruise and WDW trip for the last three years. I do know that we are going to Las Vegas next summer. We are going to fly into Las Vegas and drive over to California to see San Diego, the sequia trees, Hollywood, San Francisco, and alot more so I know my husband will say no to rebooking if I want to have my way to go to Las Vegas next year. It is going to be very tough to go past that rebooking desk on the cruise everyday though.

Lorra

 

[sweetsue]

Hi everyone! I've made it to St. Pete and am sitting on the computer with bleary eyes. There are way too many posts for me to catch up, but I did catch the h*******e thread. I had offered before and will offer again to be the call-to person for any information. I don't mind one bit (as long as you realize I am in Eastern time zone and don't call at 3am!). I will be in Ft. Lauderdale until Saturday morning. I'll have access to internet, television, satellite, etc. I am also involved with work's crisis management team, so I get info as fast as the press. I used to live in Melbourne (next town south of the port) and I'm familiar with the area if assistance is needed. My DB, DSIL, DN and DNana will be at the Radisson Friday night. I've got more private numbers into Disney including direct concierge at the Grand Floridian, so I can ALWAYS find a way in even when Disney's phone lines are "mobbed".

Soooo - I will be glad to be official FFC h*******e information center! We can use the phone list to help get the word out of any changes (hopefully it won't be needed at all)!

Well, guess I best be off to bed. I started my day in Memphis, TN, around 6am. flew to Ft. Lauderdale, drove to Port ST. Lucie, then drove to St. Pete arriving around 8pm. Whew! I am one tired girl. DD was on overdrive and only fell asleep 10 minutes ago.

TTFN!

Sweet Sue

 

[jennat]

Thanks Sue! It's good to have someone on the inside, in the know! To bad it will be a waste of your talents, it's only sunny skies in September !
Karen(KD), I have seen the "jump into the rabbit hole"....I just can't think of it...anyone else? It's going to bug me, so don't you jump into your rabbit hole again and leave me hanging. I like it when you post Glad things are better than the last time we talked. Glad you got rid of your job. Are you going to continue to stay home?
Tammy, I would love to Friday night but I don't think we will be back from the parks until late so...I will prob have to wait until Sat.
SAhmora...These are for you. "Ehhhh, What's up doc?" Here's another "Go ahead, Make my day." "I'll have what she's having", "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."
Lastly, before I forget, Jenny will you go ahead and make my door sign and I will pay you for it and get it from you on Saturday. I would appreciate it. Let me know if I need to send it back to you or if you kept it.

Anyone want to weigh in.....It's Thursday. I haven't weighed this morning yet but I am down about 12 lbs. Yeah for me! Only 50 more to go! I want to do the pound a day diet with you Karen!(KD)

 

[jennat]

Wendy, How is Phoebe doing? I hope she is better, soon. Both for her and for you. You definately need to go with your friends for the weekend!

 

[skycon]

Jen - Hint "carly simon" - there now think about it! I am not sure what I am going to do about work. I gave up a 5 bedroom home before I moved to Florida and I am now in a 3 bedroom apartment. My sister said it is very spacious and it is but it isn't a house. So I am thinking I may go back to work long enough to get a house and then quit. I hate doing that but DH thinks it would be best for loan reasons even though we only need his salary to live.

Sweetsue welcome to my side of the world. I am in Palm Harbor up near Clearwater. I hope you enjoy our weather on this side. Make it out to the beach in St. Pete - it is beautiful.

Okay minor problem I need advice on. =------ I was going to AAA today to get passport photos taken and then head to the post office to submit Passport p/w. We have 7 weeks until the cruise - I am not sure if this is enough time to get my passport back. They take the original b.c. to send with the passports. Ouch if I don't get it in time. What do you all think? My DH is not happy with me bc he told me to do this some time ago. After our last cruise which was in Sept of last year.

KD

 

[jennat]

I have no idea on the passport. Couldn't you just take your birth certificates? That is what we always do. We have several copies, too. how long does it take to get a certified copy. Perhaps you could do both and then you would cover your bases.
I have a question on birth certificates. I keep seeing it has to have a "raised seal". We cruise every year and have never had a problem but mine says certified copy must have seal in three colors (and it does) but it is not raised. Any reason why it should be any different this year? maybe different states do it different.?

 

[rotary2808]

On the passports, ours arrived in just under six weeks. The application for it asks when you plan to travel and where to. Maybe they'll look at that date and expedite it. Also, you can pay extra for expedited service, but that is expensive.

Jen, if you cruise every year I don't see where there should be a problem. I don't know this for sure though. That is why we went ahead and got passports, makes things alot easier. We can use it as id anywhere and not have to drag driver's licenses and birth certificates out everywhere.

Emily

 

[TeaforWendy]

I'm always nervous abt passports -- but if you are going to one of the real passport offices I think you can get it same day w/o paying the extra cost. I think there is one in Miami, if you are planning to go there b. now and the cruise. Or, call and ask. I wanted to get my name changed, but fear I waited too long again this year, so will just carry my wedding license along with my pp. We got a pp for DD last year and it is so cute. Wee one. She is doing ok. Her fever got up to 104.8 last night -- almost ER time, but the ibuprofin brought it down some and then she declared she was fine. But this morning it was back up. I talked to a nurse last night and she said these viral thingas are going around and it will turn into a cold or vomiting/diah. DD had d. this morning, so I hope she's on to the 2nd stage and wellness is just a few days away. Karen (KD) when you say Carly Simon all I can think of is Warren Beatty and her "You're So Vain" song. And obviously it's an illusion to Alice in wonderland, but no clue on the movie.

Here's one from one of my fav's: "I'll be your huckleberry"

Oh, and Sue, YOU ROCK, I believe you are appointed/annointed, etc.

 

[4kidsandadog]

I have no idea on the passport. Couldn't you just take your birth certificates? That is what we always do. We have several copies, too. how long does it take to get a certified copy. Perhaps you could do both and then you would cover your bases.
I have a question on birth certificates. I keep seeing it has to have a "raised seal". We cruise every year and have never had a problem but mine says certified copy must have seal in three colors (and it does) but it is not raised. Any reason why it should be any different this year? maybe different states do it different.?

Jen, I think it is different all over. Last time I went to get something notarized, they didn't do the embossed (raised) seal thing they used to do. Now it is enough for it to be stamped and signed. I'll have to get the kids' birth certificates out and look, but I think the copies I got for our last cruise may not be raised, either... maybe more of a watermark. We did go ahead and get passports last time for us, though.

I'm off to the gym...

Karen

 

[baward]

Ok I'm at page 102. Still trying to catch up.
Hi to all. Got to go to work. May check in rhis evening.
Talk to you later.
Heres my movie quote-"may the schwartz be with ya'"
BRAD

 

[4kidsandadog]

Ok I'm at page 102. Still trying to catch up.
Hi to all. Got to go to work. May check in rhis evening.
Talk to you later.
Heres my movie quote-"may the schwartz be with ya'"
BRAD

Spaceballs! Hadn't thought of that movie in a while.

Been to the gym and back (love that 30-minute Curves workout) and done math with one child. 2 to go and then I've got to shower and hit the commissary (1/2 hour drive there and 1/2 hour back...)

Karen

 

[Trisha's_DH_Steve]

Just a quick post before lunch.

Jen- You will not have a problem with your birth certificate as long as it has been notorized/certified which I am sure it is.

Thanks for reminding me about the girl with the thong and tatoo's on her butt. Thought that I was over all the truama that it caused, no I will have to go back into therapy.... Don't forget about the

Missy- It might be hard to get the leg irons through the airport so I will just have to make do with the duct tape.

Easy movie quote.. " you'll shoot your eye out kid"

 

[skycon]

Okay.. no guesses on my movie... It is "Little Black Book". Full of Carly Simon songs.

don't know what I am going to do about the passports. My DH really wanted me to have it but I question the money and the fear of not getting them or the b/c back in time for the cruise.

KD

 

[Tammy1]

Easy movie quote.. " you'll shoot your eye out kid"

Is it Christmas Story??

 

[sweetsue]

We have to get passports turned around very quickly for work. We do business in China and other countries and end up sending people with less than two weeks notice. If you go to a passport office you can get it within days without paying any expedited fees. I think processing time is just a couple of weeks. Make sure you go to a regular passport office, not the post office. It takes longer through the post office (because you are mailing it to the passport office who then processes it). They also look at your expected travel date. "Main" passport offices process even faster (Miami is the only one on the Florida East Coast). You can get your passport the same day if you have to.

So... go today!!! Now!

As for long term, this cruise will be the last where passports aren't required. From January on, passports will be required in St. Martin/Maarten or Virgin Islands, I don't remember which. There's a thread somewhere on this board about it.

Sweet Sue (taking a quick break from my DNana. She is stressed. I will be so ready for a cruise! Is it yet?)

 

[sweetsue]

Here is the official information from the government website (list of Clearwater offices at the bottom). Go this week and you shouldn't have a problem. I would suggest the clerk of court offices, that is where I went when Christina and I got our passports last year. It only took us about 3 weeks to get them. If it is the first time for a passport, you will all have to go in person.

Sweet Sue

New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.

You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; or if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you are under 16 your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen.

Routine Service

Include your departure date on your application.
After you apply - You will receive your passport: Ordinarily, within 6 weeks

Expedited Service

Cost, in addition to regular application fees, is $60 per application plus overnight delivery costs.
Two-way overnight delivery is strongly suggested.
If you mail in - clearly mark Expedited on the envelope.
Anyone may request expedited service for any type of application (e.g., first-time applications, renewals, amendments of existing passports, etc.) Passport applications sent together or at the same time do not necessarily remain together.
Passports will be mailed separately.
After you apply - You will receive your passport:Ordinarily, if you paid additionally for expedited service and two-way overnight delivery within about 2 weeks

Facility Name Street Address City State ZIP Code Public Phone
Clearwater Main Post Office 100 South Belcher Road Clearwater FL 33758-9998 (727) 464-2928
Clerk of Court - Clearwater, FL 315 Court St Clearwater FL 33756 (727) 464-4876
Clerk of Court - Clearwater. FL 29582 US 19 North Clearwater FL 33761-2193 (727) 464-8700

Here is a link if you want to enter your zipcode:
http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

And finally - the phone number for questions:
1-877-487-2778

 

[NoWorriesMate]

hi again.

wow i cen't imagine six weeks for a passport - i was really upset with the Australian office when they needed ten days to process. still i suppose they handle far fewer than your office.
as far as cute passport photos go both of my kids have passport photos taken when they are only days old. very cute but looks nothing like them now.

a few pages back i think Jen asked what our itinery was.
12-17th BCV. 17-24 Magic (but you should all know that part already...)
24-30 SSR 30-3 *** 3-7 BWV.

i know much moving around etc, but it should still be great fun.

most of the movie quotes have lost me - although some of the older ones are more familiar... but i do know the four Jen put up for SAhmora.

Wendy i hope DD is feeling better.

night night all. sweet dreams because as Disney says..
A dream is a wish your heart makes when your fast asleep.

 

[getoutthere]

Jenny- Its was back a few posts but your 80's movie post ( and, OH, what a good movie it was) is from The Money Pit. I love Tom Hanks.

Another movie quote from a more recent movie (last 6 years) is this one:
"I gotta get me one of these!"

Karen D- I have never heard of Little Black Foot.

Tammy- Yes, it is A Christmas Story. One of my favorites around the holidays.

 

[ChrizJen]

OK, first let me say that I am alive and I am SOOOOO sorry if I worried anyone...sorry, sorry, sorry...

BUT...I've been so busy the past couple weeks! I've been on what you could call an emotional roller-coaster. I've been sending my resume out feverishly since graduation, and I got nothing until last week. I got a call for an interview. I had the interview yesterday, and I feel like it went really well...But you just never know about those things. So I'm waiting for a reply on that.
In the meantime, however, we are also in the process of buying a house!!! Everything went really smoothly the first few days...we got approved for the loan, then we went out looking with a realtor, and on the first day, we found our house! You know the feeling...you walk in, and you just KNOW that it's your house! That's what happened when we saw this house. But we should have known that it was all going WAY too well...See, without going into too much detail, here's what's happened:
First, we were trying to get closing costs included in the loan...this was aggreed to by the sellers, but then once the contract was written, we found out that because the house is a lower price than what the loan was for, we had to be put in a different loan program, which for some reason has made closing costs go up by about $2,000! But we didn't want to give up on this house yet, so we asked the seller to go a little higher on the price, so that we can use the difference to pay closing costs, and they agreed. BUT now we're waiting to make sure that the house appraises at the higher price! *sigh* This is so exhausting!! LOL (but not half as exhausting as the next month is going to be!!! If this happens, closing date is Aug. 26!! So from now until Aug 26, we pack. Then from Aug 26 until Sept 16, we UNpack at the new house!! AAAAAAUUUUUGGGGHHHHH!!!!!! LOL) If all of this happens the way we want it to, we're are going to be VERY busy for the next month and a half!!! This cruise is going to be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED by then!!! (not that it wouldn't be otherwise, but especially so!) But for now we just wait and see what it appraises at, and we go from there. We've decided that if it appraises, then we will go ahead with it. If it doesn't, then it's a sure sign that it just wasn't meant to be...
So now I'm praying that we get this house, and that I get the job I interviewed for. That would be so wonderful!!!

Well, that's my life in a nutshell lately...I appologize, I have not had a chance to catch up completely on the posts...but I did see some stuff about movie lines...My all time favorite would have to be "Ummmm...excuse me, I believe you have my stapler..." Of course there are MANY, MANY quotables from that movie...
"I didn't receive my paycheck...", LOL!!
Oh, what a funny movie...

So I'll do my very best to try to get caught up here and stay that way, but if the job and the house deals come through, then I may not have much time!! But I'll stop in every once in a while for sure, no matter what!

-Christal

 

[rotary2808]

Christal- "Office Space"!!!! Funniest movie ever. That movie shows what the work world is really like. "I said no salt, no salt..."