princess_n_thep

Here is my angel......

I had the same fear. I think we all did. In my case, it was a do or die situation (emotionally). If I didn't lose the weight I would be lost and dead anyways. I took the leap. I am glad I did.

Maybe when we have our get-together the first night we can start a sign up sheet for those interested?...it might be fun to go as a small (or large) group! I think this is definitely something that when we meet up for that first night, that this can be planned out between any of us that want to. I am not a big port fan, but I am sure there are others that want to buddy up and go in a big group. Is there an additional fee for housekeeping that is not included in the package price? I remember seeing an expose some time ago and for some reason this sticks with me. There are tipping guidelines aboard the ship. They can be adjusted according to how you feel it is necessary. For example, I think the Matre'd tip is stupid, therefore I don't tip them. I feel the dinner waitor and the cabin steward are the most important, therefore I up them up a little. You will get a statement of what is customary and then you can change it by going to the pursurs desk to make it how you want to. Do you recommend bringing travelers checks instead of cash? Is either one easier to exchange than the other? I have always used cash. I have never in cruising had to exchange my money in the ports either. Most vendors and shops deal in american money too. The cruise ships deal in american money. If you want to do travelers checks that is fine. If you want to do small bills of american money, that is fine too. The smaller bills will spend easily. I recommend taking 1's, 5's, 10's and 20's. There is a safe in your cabin for you to store extra money, credit cards, documents and jewelry. Also, most of the "shops" in town take a credit card. Everything aboard the ship will be placed on your "sea card" (none of the places will take cash) and you will pay the balance at the end however you wish (credit card, cash, etc)

bumping because there is still time for others to join.

good point, I didn't distinguish from packing it in the beginning and bringing it on from the port. I always pack it in my luggage. They WILL get it if you bring it on from the port and then they will keep it until the end of the cruise. If you are caught packing it in your luggage they take it completely and you don't get it back. Ahhhhh, lost a bottle of bacardi that way ((sigh)).

Just out of pure curiosity... Any more pics of the lessons and the kids doing tasks?

I would be concerned, yes. Not only are they using the WAY wrong instructional tool, but they are loose fitting and could either slip off, or turn. Those floaties are certainly letting them enjoy water and they are acclimating them to being in water. If that is what you want, then this is fine. Sometimes it is necessary if children are freaked or scared of the water. But if they are at a point that they are comfortable being IN water, then no, this is not a good idea. If they love the water and are comfy being in/near water then they need to be swimming, plain and simple. I have seen a 2 year old swim like a fish! I have also seen a 50 year old deathly afraid of letting go of my neck! It all depends on the child I guess. But if they are comfy with water, they should be doing survival water techniques and beginning to swim. Your boys are progressing yes, but may not be properly. Just the exposure to water will show progress in most cases. Honestly want my opinion? Since the Y is your only option and this is how they do it....Do it yourself.

I agree. An older dog. And if I may suggest... greyhounds adopted after they have raced are AWESOME laid back pets!!

Okay, I will be brave enough to admit it. I do love my band and I am working with it. But I wish i had just done the bypass for the lifelong option. I am not looking forward to the "longterm" band option resurgery. I feel a bit like a ticking timebomb. When will I lose it? So yes, for ME... I would have paid the extra money to do bypass. And when I do need a revision surgery on my band I will convert to the bypass.

Hmmm, I am a panty/bra freak and they must match and must be cute. I guess I never got big enough to not be in cute at Lane Bryant. And ALL of my bras and panties were Lane Bryant. I hate to throw them away but I do. Then I go buy another sexy set!

It is concerning that your first post was July 23 and you were considering lapband. Then a few days later, you have a date for Aug 2??? I just want to caution newbies and everyone that you REALLY need to do some research. The band is not for everyone. You need to make your decisions based on a lot of information. Their is a ton of information out there and a ton of options. Just because insurance won't pay does not mean you must go to Mexico. There are doctors here in the states that do surgeries for cash pay patients at a very discounted rate. You don't have to stay in the east coast, you can go to another state as well. And there are many weight loss surgery options. And you need to be aware that the band is a longterm option not a lifelong option and may require additional surgeries and additional costs. I am not steering anyone to or away from the band, I am merely playing devils advocate and promoting education and awareness of ALL options. Each person is different and each person may have a better suited choice. The weight isn't going anywhere. Take some more time and really make sure this is what you want. What is a few months in the grand scheme of things? If I have offended anyone, well... too bad, it needed to be said. Those of you that are used to me, then at least it is what you expected.

I will also be in full formal wear for the formal nights.

Liquor is not free. Only Tea, coffee, juice from the pool cafe, Water. Any drinks ordered from a waiter (other than your dining table waiter) and not gotten on your own from a cafe are charged, regardless of what you order. Room service is free. food is free except the specialty shops (starbucks, baskin robbins, etc) You can't officially smuggle liquor on board yet I can't condemn you for what I plan to do too. So take your chances. Worst case scenario, they will confiscate it. Although, I have never gotten caught and I make sure I tip my cabin steward VERY nicely and sometimes I even get him a trinket from a port.

Okay, here are some questions I have gotten and here are the answers. Wanna start looking for the special outfit for the cruise dinners??? Here are some guidelines during a cruise: *cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual night and the remainder nights casual. Casual: Sport shirts/polos and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for womenSmart Casual: ties for men, jacket optional, dresses or pantsuits for womenFormal: Suits and ties OR tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses/formal for women (I will tell you that most men wear a suit and tie and most women do the full formal wear) Tuxedos can be reserved ahead of time if you let me know you want one (cost involved). Hair/nail/spa appointments for an up-do or style can also be arranged (cost involved) During the day the dress is comfortable casual. This means a pair of shorts, shirts, sneakers, etc. RCL accommodates special needs such as, food Allergies, Gluten-free, Vegetarian (except for vegan/macrobiotic) Low-fat, Low-Sodium, Lactaid/Soy Milk, Ensure, and Kosher meals at no extra charge. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE ONE OF THESE PEOPLE NOW SO THAT IT CAN BE NOTED ON YOUR CRUISE. If it is your Anniversary or Birthday, please let me know. ATM machines are onboard the ship. ($5 surcharge) There is internet access at a cost available. It is best to buy in a package when you board and look for "specials" in your daily itinerary magazine. Medical staff: Yes, there are a minimum of two fully certified doctors and a minimum of 3 fully certified nurses on every ship. Smoking: smoking is permitted on all open air decks. Smoking is not permitted inside the ship unless it is a designated lounge area. What are the transfers? RCL meet & greet staff will meet you in the Baggage Claim Area or outside of Customs (for international flights) to direct you to your transportation between the airport and ship/ ship and airport. Hairdryers: All cabins have hairdryers. Room service? Room service is free. Just call and tell them what you want. If you would like, you may tip the steward that delivers or you may tip at the end of your cruise. Drinking water: Yes, you can drink the Water on the ship. It is all filtered and distilled. Passports? Yes, it is highly recommended that each guest has a valid passport. Due to government restrictions and new legislations it is unclear whether it will be REQUIRED at the time of your sailing, therefore the cruise lines are asking passengers to please get their passports ahead of time so as to not have confusion. When will I get my cruise documents? cruise documents are sent to you or your travel agent 20-50 days prior to sailing, assuming your reservation is finalized and your payments have been made. Can I bring my own liquor? Technically... NO and they will take it if they find it. But I do. Is there laundry? Yes, for a price. SHIPBOARD LAUNDRY SERVICE * All prices are in US. Dollars and are subject to change without notice. MEN WOMEN Shirt/T-Shirt:$2.50Blouse:$3.50Shirt (dress):$3.00Dress (wash):$5.00Underwear:$1.20Skirt:$3.50Jeans:$3.00Nightgown:$3.00Pajamas:$4.00Swimsuit:$2.00Handkerchif:$0.75Slip:$2.50Shorts:$2.50Housecoat:$3.50Bathrobe:$3.50Hosiery:$3.50Pants (wash):$3.50Slacks:$3.50Sweatshirt:$3.00 Socks:$1.00 PRESS ONLY - 50% of cleaning prices SHIPBOARD DRY CLEANING SERVICES * All prices are in US. Dollars and are subject to change without notice. MEN WOMAN Suit:$7.00Evening Gown:$8.00Pants:$4.25Dress$7.00Jacket:$4.50Silk Blouse:$5:00Sweater:$4.00Silk Dress:$8.00Coat:$7.00Skirt$4.50Tie:$2.00Suit:$7.50Shirt:$3.50Blouse:$4.00Shorts:$3.00Scarf:$2.50Vest$2.50 Silk Pajamas:$4.50 PRESS ONLY - 50% of cleaning prices Please note: We do not provide irons in the staterooms as they constitute a fire hazard. Is there an emergency number if my family needs to contact me??? Yes, Your friends and family can contact the ship by calling (888) 724-SHIP [(888) 724-7447]. Or from outside the U.S. they can call (732) 335-3285. The cost is $7.95 USD a minute, and can be charged to their American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover® or Diners Club®. From outside the U.S. additional long distance charges will also apply. You can make ship-to-shore calls from your stateroom, 24 hours a day. The cost is $7.95 USD per minute and will be automatically charged to your SeaPassSM account.

My Jeter is offically been placed to rest in the ground. I think the landscapers think I am nuts now. I said a few words to him, told him I loved him and that he would be forever in my heart. I poured his ashes into the hole and had the landscapers place the tree in. Then I watered it and said a little chant for him to grow and become part of the tree. It was bitter sweet but it finally gave me closure. I miss him but I also know that he will live on.

Maybe in theory, but no way are your going to be able to eat even the 1/2 portion. Trust me, after the band, life WILL be different.

Orlando area: http://www.orlandoorganics.com/oo/OrlandoDairyDeliveryL07.html Miami area: http://www.deliciousorganics.com/ and palm beach areas: http://www.floridaorganic.net/home.html

ebay has a ton of memorial type things... this is an example: http://cgi.ebay.com/CAST-IRON-CAT-KITTEN-DOORSTOP-GARDEN-STATUE-YARD-DECOR_W0QQitemZ130010635046QQihZ003QQcategoryZ29513QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Found this smilie and thought it looked like your "mouse" :cat:

awwwwww, now here I thought my dreams had come true!! Rat! :huggie:

I had an 18 year old Circle K clerk (who was mighty good looking and had all of his teeth) card me for cigarettes. When I was pleased at showing ID he said, "I am sure someone as striking as you always gets told they look young". I nearly hopped over the counter to kiss him!! But I thought I better not in case they have a shot gun back there.

Diane, You and your family are certainly in my thoughts. What an ordeal! I hope you get well soon and that you begin the health and happiness that you deserve! HUGS!

My emotional eating is still there and I still fight it. I just try and "DO" something until it goes away. I stay busy, therefore I don't have time to sit and graze while watching soap operas. Speaking of which, Days of Our Lives is coming on in 10 minutes... gotta go.

A Y is an American Red Cross sanctioned swimming program. Therefore they are NOT complying with American Red Cross swimming program. You may want to check into that. Plus, Y's are notorious for using expired or out of date instructors. The pool is required to keep certifications AT the site for inspection of any patron or inspector. I would ask to see them. I bet you it takes them awhile if they get back to you at all. Here is why.... Floaties give children a false sense of security. The entire purpose to swim is to survive in the Water. Later, when you master the skill you can swim for fun or exercise. But the main purpose is survival. Children need to learn how to get out of the situation that they have gotten themselves into with the best of their ability. By using floaties, this shows them to not try as hard and to their full capability. Swim Aids like life vests, removable swimsuit pads, etc are just TOOLS (like the band is a tool). This does not include "instructional tools" such as kickboards, rings, noodles IF they are used properly for instruction rather than play. ARM floaties are a lazy lazy lazy no no no!! If any of you do this you are not helping your child at all and possibly putting them at risk. Not only does it hinder proper swimming techniques but it also can potentially be a drowning factor. I have seen this MANY times. I quickly outlawed arm rings in any pool I was in charge of. This pissed off many parents that wanted to use them, but I don't care. I explained my reasons, and it possibly saved their life that day because I wouldn't let them in the pool or lake with it on. When a child has arm floaties on, they tend to tire faster. Because of the bulk they have to work harder rather than learning to glide and use their arms as paddles. It restricts rotational shoulder movement. Therefore once they get so tired, if they are in an area that they can not touch the bottom, the arms will go straight up (because they had to work at keeping their arms down) and their head will go under. They will panic, bob a few times, take in water and then they are officially a distressed swimmer and possibly a drowning victim. Moral of the story: NO ARM FLOATIES!! (they are $1 for a reason!)

awwwwwwww, my heart goes out to you. I too lost my dear dog and friend Jeter. I had him cremated as well. It was a bit strange picking him up in a box but I also felt good taking him home to where he belonged. Our community does not allow us to bury pets UNLESS they are cremated and we use them as "enrichment" for a tree or plant. I got a granite memorial made with his picture on it too. The landscapers are here as I type and are putting in a beautiful 7 ft Colorado Blue Spruce. I will bury his ashes when they plant. I will also put the memorial there. I think I would check to see if you can use the ashes for "enrichment" purposes in planting. That way, you comply with their wishes for the community, are earth friendly, and can lay your beloved pet to rest at home. My other suggestion would be to get a mouse statue and put it there as well. They also have pet memory stones you can place there.