September 22, 2007 -- WESTERN

[papa]

Penny I believe it was 2004, have to find the original photo to be sure. We were there to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. Mike

 

[CustardTart]

A Bahama Mama...is a super duper YUMMY beverage. It's one of the drinks they usually walk around selling during the sail-a-way party. Of course they have them all week long as well...but my first taste was at the sail-a-way party on our first cruise. I'm sure it'll be one of the FIRST drinks I order when I hit the ship. Last year I tryed it blended and it was even better. Matter of fact I'm whipping some up tomarrow night for our monthly cruise gathering. It has light rum, Malibu rum, pinapple juice, Oj and a splash of grenadine....

Sounds good, Sandi! Can't wait to order one onboard...

Mike, I love that photo of you and Kathy! I would have loved to see all the Mickeys - sounds so cool!

 

[eva]

Why are we Disney fanatics? We love the quality, service, number of activities, versatility, and all the memories. But there is more to it. It's a feeling that Disney gives us. Every time that we drive on to WDW property I get goosebumps and my eyes glisten with tears. When they play the ship horn as we pull out of port I get the same feeling. When I hear "Once Upon a Dream" I feel the same way. Granted a number of people think that we are a bit nuts. But they just don't get that same feeling.

Karen, It is 2000 points in the same resort. But you can have a total of 5000! Trust me, with 550 point so far, we are not in any danger of hitting the limit. If we get another 150, that will probably be it. I can't imagine we will need more than 700. We've met people that have the maximum at certain resorts and totals over 3,000. I wouldn't have enough vacation to use all the points!

Penny, The spreadsheet that my DH uses doesn't have any auto fills. He just enters the information and puts totals for each year and what points we are using for each vacation. I know that a number of people on the DVC board have had some pretty advance spreadsheets that anyone can use. But ours isn't like that. DH has to go back and make a number of changes if we make one change to the plan. I used to teach MS classes, so I should make one for him that will keep everything updated as you make changes. But I guess I am just too lazy. If I do that, I will share it with you.

 

[CustardTart]

...Every time that we drive on to WDW property I get goosebumps and my eyes glisten with tears. When they play the ship horn as we pull out of port I get the same feeling. When I hear "Once Upon a Dream" I feel the same way. Granted a number of people think that we are a bit nuts. But they just don't get that same feeling...

Me too! I can't listen to Wishes without a lump in my throat and don't get me started on that first walk down Main Street...

...Karen, It is 2000 points in the same resort. But you can have a total of 5000! Trust me, with 550 point so far, we are not in any danger of hitting the limit. If we get another 150, that will probably be it. I can't imagine we will need more than 700. We've met people that have the maximum at certain resorts and totals over 3,000. I wouldn't have enough vacation to use all the points!

WOW!!!! I did not know that!!!! So we have a l-o-n-g way to go! I've seen a BCV resale that's piqued my interest but I've got to get DH onside before I commit to anything...

 

[Bareacuda]

Anyone here ever feel like they have sooo much going on that they can't get anything done? Cuz I do. Matter of fact if I had to explain it...I'm feeling like my head is full of the gunk inside a pumpkin. You know all that stringy crap....that needs to be scooped out inorder for the pumpkin to be nice and clean. I think I've managed to put so many thought inside my brain over the past few weeks that now it's all stringy and tangled together....I could use a really good scooping out. I'm hoping the Bahama Mamas tomarrow will be a start.

I'm thinking I really need to check into the DVC. It sounds like something I'l love. Would you all recomend ordering the DVC video as a first step?

Yup Sandi ... I sure know that feeling!
Today was the last show for the art season for the guild! I was in charge of this show. I was so worried about the heat, but Nooooo... it was the wind! Only about 30 MPH and dust to go with it!
Now I have to finish my guest room!
So this week I'll feel more like this...

Ann

 

[brady961]

totally can relate. feels like going in thousands directions work, personal, planning for a June cruise and the Sept cruise. Work i have so many projects, meetings, reviews, etc.....

and trying to coordinate getting the conversion van, and hoping the power chair arrives so I can coordinate the two.

and today its hot here. I don't do well in the heat (yeah i know then why do i live in Florida? better then shoveling snow <G>). I went out this morning shopping and by 11a the fatigue hit hard from the heat.

My apartment is a mess but all I want to do is sit in recliner when at home and do nothing.

do you or others have a problem getting to sleep because can't turn brain off as too many of what i have to do racing thru head? that's me. i make list after list, yet trying to get to sleep i think oh need to do this, better do this, better write this down to do, oh forget this, etc...... Too bad there isn't a handle like on a faucet to turn brain off when time for sleep <G>

wishing you and all best. and some time to relax.

 

[papa]

Marsha, one word "PROZAC" it mellows you out.

Went auto shopping today. Looked at a 2007 Toyota Prius. Mike

 

[ThreeSmiths]

do you or others have a problem getting to sleep because can't turn brain off as too many of what i have to do racing thru head? that's me. i make list after list, yet trying to get to sleep i think oh need to do this, better do this, better write this down to do, oh forget this, etc...... Too bad there isn't a handle like on a faucet to turn brain off when time for sleep

That's me, 100%!!! I have been taking Lunesta on and off so I can get some sleep. Of course with the new baby I haven't been taking it, because I was waking up every 3 hours or so to feed her. So the Lunesta works great when it comes to falling asleep, but my latest problem (now that baby is sleeping through the night) is that I wake up every night at 4 am and can't get back to sleep until about 6:30 am...then I have to get up at 7 am to feed baby and get everyone else up for school and work! It's just like Sandi said...pumpkin brain....so much going on in my head and I can't fall back to sleep!

I've had that problem for several years now, and, no joke...the only time that I sleep through the night is when I'm on the Disney cruise! Must be a combination of the ship rocking and the relaxation of vacation.

 

[brady961]

Marsha, one word "PROZAC" it mellows you out.

Went auto shopping today. Looked at a 2007 Toyota Prius. Mike

ya think they would prescribe me enough that would actually mellow me out???

Is the prius the electric/gas powered car? or something like that? how many miles gallon will it get? did you test drive? how did it handle and feel to be in it? and so when you buying?

I have picked out my new conversion minivan. 2007 Grand Caravan SXT, red. has options i wanted like cruise, power lift gate, etc... and of course have the new Braun conversion (power ramp, power sliding doors, floor dropped 10 inches, etc...) so I can just drive/ride my power chair right into the van. The chair will lock down, the driver seat will be a transfer seat. it's powered, and it will come back, turn, so I can transfer from power chair right into driver seat. then push button and driver seat goes back into position to drive.

of course I am so excited to be getting the conversion van but not so excited about financing a new car Plus am trying to find a way to sell my SUV so I don't have to roll in balance owed if just take to carmax and accept whatever they will give to me. which of course won't be as much as i owe grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Oh well it will work out and having the van will be so much better, safer, and save energy so I can get other things done.

 

[brady961]

That's me, 100%!!! I have been taking Lunesta on and off so I can get some sleep. Of course with the new baby I haven't been taking it, because I was waking up every 3 hours or so to feed her. So the Lunesta works great when it comes to falling asleep, but my latest problem (now that baby is sleeping through the night) is that I wake up every night at 4 am and can't get back to sleep until about 6:30 am...then I have to get up at 7 am to feed baby and get everyone else up for school and work! It's just like Sandi said...pumpkin brain....so much going on in my head and I can't fall back to sleep!

I've had that problem for several years now, and, no joke...the only time that I sleep through the night is when I'm on the Disney cruise! Must be a combination of the ship rocking and the relaxation of vacation.

I can't relate to getting up for care for a baby, but can so relate to waking around 3 or 4a and not able to go back to sleep until 6-7a. Of course most mornings I have to be up at 7a. So often I am up from 3ish until that night. So like 3-4 hours of sleep, not good.

I had thought about asking for Ambien sp? as it is on my pharmacy formulary.

I take klonopin at night for night tremors, and restless body. It use to help me sleep but doesn't seem to anymore. Sometimes I will take 2 (doctors said was ok) and will help me sleep little better. Yet sometimes even taking 2 doesnt do anything, like taking placebo.

You are right too that I slept so well on the cruise. Slept like a baby. The ship rocking at night I felt like being rocked to sleep

It's almost midnight and I am no where near sleepy. Oh my other issue is the sleepiness and fatigue hits me in afternoons. So bad barely can hold eyse open. But know if i nap, sleep that night will be even worse.

ok maybe should go try to get some sleep tonight

 

[brady961]

Please if someone can double check the passengers list on website to see if I am missing anyone.

I get the feeling someone new has posted recently but I have missed it. Not intentionally but feel I have missed someone.

thanks

 

[Lucky Penny]

Penny I believe it was 2004, have to find the original photo to be sure. We were there to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. Mike

Mike, I love that photo of you and Kathy! I would have loved to see all the Mickeys - sounds so cool!

Thanks, Mike - I never even knew they were here (in DC) -- we did see them at WDW, all lined up around the entrance to MK (I think!), but I don't remember what year/trip that was ... maybe 2003, but I'm not positive.

I agree with Karen - it's a great picture! One of the things I have noticed and like about the pictures of Mike & Family is the genuine happiness - not "frozen-for-the-picture-taking" smiles, but real joy in each other - it's lovely to see!

Why are we Disney fanatics? It's a feeling that Disney gives us. Every time that we drive on to WDW property I get goosebumps and my eyes glisten with tears.

Penny, The spreadsheet that my DH uses doesn't have any auto fills. He just enters the information and puts totals for each year and what points we are using for each vacation. I know that a number of people on the DVC board have had some pretty advance spreadsheets that anyone can use. But ours isn't like that. DH has to go back and make a number of changes if we make one change to the plan. I used to teach MS classes, so I should make one for him that will keep everything updated as you make changes. But I guess I am just too lazy. If I do that, I will share it with you.

Eva, That's exactly how I feel - Our first trip to WDW was in December 2000- everything all decorated for Christmas - and we stayed at WL (also decorated) - the magic entered my spirit then and I've never been the same! As Karen said, that first walk down Main Street is filled with "quivery" anticipation for me! And another one of those "moments" is when the CM at the gate says, "Welcome Home!"

Thanks for the spreadsheet info - DH and I both use MS Excel, and can probably create one. I can do simple formulas - I track my vacation time that way so we can plan ahead - plus, we have fewer points -at least so FAR!- so it should be a shorter spreadsheet

 

[eva]

Marsha, There is a post on page 70 from pautna. His name is Mark and he will be with DW, DS (14), and DD (12). He only posted that one time. But he may be a lurker, since that was his first post. Maybe he will chime in again and let us know a bit more about him. Or maybe he will surprise us and show up for the meet the first day without a word in between.

A number of you seem to have the same problem that I have. I have no problem with falling asleep, but staying asleep is the culprit. I have been having that problem for 3 years now. My neurologist knows what is causing it, but can't seem to regulate it with my medication. Although this new medication is much better and while I do wake up a few times during the night, I am not having as much trouble with getting back to sleep. It used to be once I woke up, I was up. I used to get only 5 or so hours of sleep a night, but now I'm getting at least 7 or 8. Boy, do I feel better.

Karen, start using the points you have before you get to crazy with add-ons. This add-on is our 4th over 10 years. So you definitely don't have to run out right away and buy more points. Since we own out 4 resorts, one of my major problems is keeping track. With the points spread over this many resorts, you really have to plan out how you are going to use them over the next couple of years to get the maximum value and banking windows. But it is a blast doing it!

 

[scottrob]

It is 2000 points in the same resort. But you can have a total of 5000! Trust me, with 550 point so far, we are not in any danger of hitting the limit. If we get another 150, that will probably be it. I can't imagine we will need more than 700. We've met people that have the maximum at certain resorts and totals over 3,000. I wouldn't have enough vacation to use all the points!

I thought I read somewhere that there was a lady who 'winters' at Disney.

Reminds me, we gotta buy some lottery tickets today...

 

[papa]

Yes Marsha it is the hybrid, gas-electric car. Took it for a spin and loved it. Now if the finances and the budget can get worked out maybe it will be sitting in our driveway. Rated at 60mpg in the city, 51mpg on the highway. Actual mileage will never be that good.

Marsha we are just at the break even point with our Saturn Vue. Mike

 

[CustardTart]

...A number of you seem to have the same problem that I have. I have no problem with falling asleep, but staying asleep is the culprit. I have been having that problem for 3 years now. My neurologist knows what is causing it, but can't seem to regulate it with my medication. Although this new medication is much better and while I do wake up a few times during the night, I am not having as much trouble with getting back to sleep. It used to be once I woke up, I was up. I used to get only 5 or so hours of sleep a night, but now I'm getting at least 7 or 8. Boy, do I feel better.

I've always been like that - no trouble getting to sleep but the moment I'm awake, I'm really awake and there's no chance of dropping off again. Most of the time I'm OK but every so often I have periods of time where I find myself waking up before DH's alarm (5am) and then I'm stressed out with lack of sleep - I really need those 8 hours minimum. I have found the best method for me is to totally cut-out all sensory stimulation so, if I'm going thro' one of those phases, I wear ear-plugs and an eye mask - they seem to help me retrain my brain/body to wake up at an acceptable time...

Yes Marsha it is the hybrid, gas-electric car. Took it for a spin and loved it.

We have a hybrid car - nice to drive and great for commuter driving as it eliminates much of the emissions normally associated with stop/start traffic...

 

[brady961]

Marsha, There is a post on page 70 from pautna. His name is Mark and he will be with DW, DS (14), and DD (12). He only posted that one time. But he may be a lurker, since that was his first post. Maybe he will chime in again and let us know a bit more about him. Or maybe he will surprise us and show up for the meet the first day without a word in between.


!

thanks Eva. I added them to the passengers list.

 

[brady961]

Yes Marsha it is the hybrid, gas-electric car. Took it for a spin and loved it. Now if the finances and the budget can get worked out maybe it will be sitting in our driveway. Rated at 60mpg in the city, 51mpg on the highway. Actual mileage will never be that good.

Marsha we are just at the break even point with our Saturn Vue. Mike

oh wow. boy do i understand but finance and budget part in new car.

but sounds like great gas mileage. let us know what you decide.

good luck

 

[scrapperjill]

Definitely order the DVC info, Sandi. You could always go and have a look at DVC when you're down in September. Take a look on the DVC boards also - they're full of useful and interesting info!

I'm going to do it I'm going to order the info today. I'd also LOVE to go down and take a peek at DVC when were down in Sept...Only problem is finding the time.

Mike...the Prius sounds awesome. I was looking at those a year or so ago (when they were on 'backorder' everywhere. I'm guessing now you can pick one up ALOT easer. I'm not sure when we'll be ready for a new car...but I know when we do I will NOT be getting another one that HAS to take premium gas My car does get okay gas milage but each time I have to get gas I hate having to grab the premium nossle.


I think I'm slowly digging the pumpkin gunk out of my brain. And cross my fingers I only work one day this next week so I'll have even more time to get things in order and under control.

 

[papa]

Sandi we are hoping that we are able to get it.

Still haven't taken a good look at the shore excursions yet. Key west we know what we want to do. Cozumel and Grand Cayman are still kind of up in the air. Mike